Queen, Live Aid - A Classical Musician’s First Experience

[@LeeKennison]

Excellent reaction! Great commentary on both the music and the visual aspects of this performance. Such as on Freddie's incredible stage performance and presence, but also on how the entire band contributed. It was great to see your enthusiasm for a live performance of band you know well now. You also had some great closing words at the end. So glad that you got to see this iconic performance of theirs, and I'm happy that you enjoyed it so much. I'm sure this made Vlad very happy (along with the rest of us Queen fans). Merry Christmas!

[@johndef5075]

This review is almost a piece of art. She really nailed it. Great to see the emotion Queen brought out of her. So much fun.

[@OrganMusicYT]

Freddie actually had a severe throat infection when he performed for this, it's amazing that he managed to get up and deliver at all, against all advice. In his own words, The Show Must Go On! Merry Christmas

[@GeoffGummer]

When he played in NZ a few months earlier he complained that his "voice was f*cked, darlings".

[@hermannus3894]

Doctors advising him not to perform, but it was out of question. He threw in a few wodka's, as he did later by the last two albums, and the rest is history.

[@madnessontheisland]

It's always tough to watch this performance knowing how much pain he must've been in. He really gave it everything, and it was truly heroic.

[@nicholashylton6857]

I don't believe it was severe, but he wasn't at 100%.

[@jamiewilson3599]

I remember reading he was running a temperature near 100F, and was in the early stage of essentially strep throat. Didn't speak for days before, and too quite a while to recover after.

[@RobertHoward-d8g]

My younger brother was at this concert, and HE wasn't a Queen fan - until he attended it. He'd gone to see Led Zeppelin, and thought he'd have to put up with a short Queen set, but oohhh was he in for a shock. He didn't even LIKE Queen, but the next day he went out and bought everything of Queen that he could find in local record shops. We are agreed that this 20 or so minutes are the best 20 or so minutes of rock history. One of the best live rock performances, ever. R.I.P. Freddie. Sorely missed.

[@papalaz4444244]

sure He must have been really gutted as Led Zeppelin played in the USA part of the show about 12 hours after Queen

[@RobertHoward-d8g]

@@papalaz4444244 That's what he bought tickets for. The show. At Wembley.

[@RobertHoward-d8g]

@@papalaz4444244 No... 6 HOURS AFTER QUEEN. And he watched LZ on TV in a pub in Greenford, West London, and was pretty disappointed.

[@philgallagher1]

Queen played in London. Zeppelin played in Philadelphia, so I'm not sure how he managed to see both!! Unless of course he flew on Concord with Phil Collins who did in fact appear at both Wembley and Philadelphia (where he played drums for Zeppelin!). I think we can call BS on this comment! I'm never sure why people feel the need to do this kind of thing. Just enjoy the show!

[@ellenw391]

@@RobertHoward-d8g Thought you said he was AT the show. If we are counting watching on TV, I was at it to. Sadly, while I saw it, I wasn't at it!

[@joestunnerboxing]

The reason Mercury never came across as crass or crude was because he had a cheekiness - an undeniable humour - to his performances. An incredible voice, a genius song-writer, and and astounding performer. What more could anyone ask for?

[@kimd.9070]

When asked what instrument Freddie preferred playing he said, "the audience, Darling."

[@barrymitchell6444]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz😴 That was in the Audiogalaxy forums way back in 1999. It was meant to be a joke, but idiots take it literally.

[@birchleaf]

Of course it was a joke, but I’m sure there was also an element of truth to it. The rest of the band come across as extremely talented, intellectual and slightly introverted. Then there’s Freddie, who unquestionably is a musical genius, but above all thrives on taking center stage and interacting with the audience. As she said, he acts as an interface between the band and the crowd. Freddie needed Queen and they needed Freddie. A perfect match. The rest of the band members have incredible skill and talent, as does Freddie, but he adds a raw energy that takes the band to another level. Btw, from all acounts Freddie himself was quite the introvert off stage, but on stage he was just mesmerizing and in charge.

[@barrymitchell6444]

@@birchleaf At least you took it as a joke. Some idiot told me he'd seen the interview where that was said, argued for a week, but couldn't give a source. No reporter would have asked that, and his reply would have been "My voice." He actually said it was his job to reach everyone in the audience at every show.

[@barrymitchell6444]

@@birchleaf Yes... he was Freddie Bulsara offstage, and Freddie Mercury onstage. He hated walking alone and being stared at in the early days. But he took charge in the studio, rehearsals, and soundchecks. Even promo videos in the end. He can be heard taking charge in the Green rehearsal by Wreckage in 1969.

[@koppler4799]

„When you look at him you see music.“ Has there ever been a more beautiful thing said about Freddie?

[@goldenruletv7301]

The ONLY reason that I watched Live Aid was to see Queen and Freddie Mercury. For one day Freddie held the whole world in the palm of his hand. It was glorious.

[@martinjrgensen8234]

The greatest music set in history. Not a second wasted. A selection of songs that highlights the entire bands skills, and Freddie playing the crowd like a fiddle. They completely stole the show. Donations soared after this.

[@chrisbradley1192]

Donations and pledges were only trickling in and Bob Geldof was worried the whole thing was going to be a monumental flop. Then Queen came on...............

[@shanepye7078]

Mic in one hand, 80,000 fans on the other.

[@bettybaby63]

When coaxing Freddie to agree Geldof told him, “Freddie its the perfect crowd for you.” When Freddie asked why, the reply was “bc it’s the world” You must watch (hopefully react to the encore) you may have to do it as an audio only but it’s well worth the watch for you. As you discuss the bands energetic delivery the encore is a complete contrast. Just Freddie, Brian & his 12 string. Simply amazing. Merry Christmas!

[@barrymitchell6444]

Geldof announced Queen along with everyone else at the April 1985 press conference, with promoter Harvey Goldsmith, while the band were in Australia/New Zealand. Manager Jim Beach was furious, and phoned Geldof. But it put them in the position where they couldn't pull out. Imagine the newspaper headlines. Tears For Fears later got slammed for refusing to perform at Live Aid, and their career was soon over.

[@user-sd4gq6jr4m]

Hands down the most insightful reaction to this event. Loved your analysis that recognises not just Freddie but the Whole Band. Thank you Amy 🙏

[@kristineschneider9322]

Queen owned the stage that day. Showed how Freddie was the best frontman ever, bar none.

[@garyiow8482]

They rehearsed this to perfection. If you look carefully, on the front of the stage by the fold back speakers you'll see 3 lights in a box. Green, amber and red. These were there to give the bands a sense of time. Green - you're good to go, amber - 5 minutes left, flashing amber and red - 2 minutes left, red - stop, you've ran out of time. Watch carefully, that red light comes on exactly on the last beat of 'We are the champions'. Absolute perfection.

[@johndef5075]

The shots from behind him into the audience are so awesome.

[@joshuastrawser9160]

26:24 So, her theory is that essentially that Freddie Mercury was the greatest front man in rock history because, despite being an absolute peacock who was more than capable of making it all about him, what he actually did was make it all about the audience. That is an excellent read on his talents.

[@Flooride1]

I am so impressed that a classical musician can have an objective opinion of rock/pop music. In decades gone by the snobbery from both disciplines of music was off the charts. Thank you Amy for your open mind and appreciation.

[@eviep2]

Fred himself had practical and theory training in classical piano.

[@onlymeian58]

It was one of the hottest days of the year. Got sunburn on my left side as did everyone else on the pitch. I was between the stage & the front of house mixing desks for Queen.. A bit closer when David Bowie came on. ⚡❤️ The most stunning day of music I've ever experienced. To say it was a roller-coaster of emotions would be an understatement. ❤️😎🎸

[@terolah]

So glad I watched this! I think I’ve seen dozens of reaction videos to this performance and thought l’ve seen every comment there is. Still, you were able to bring new perpectives to this! Thank you so much!

[@41Forethought]

Thank you, THANK you, THANK YOU, Amy and Vlad, for this lovely Holiday gift.💕

[@HankD13]

The simple fact that they came in within a second or two of their 20 minuet set is also a massive indication of their sheer professionalism. Freddies favourite instrument? "The audience, dear boy, the audience" as he once answered a journalist. Pure magic. RIP Freddie, still missing you.

[@TolstoOche]

Freddy is a master of the highest class, many years have passed and we still miss him

[@staceyfoley2556]

Thanks for this, Amy and Vlad. Freddie and Queen stopped touring after the 1986 season... he said he could not continue on that level. So who knows what he was feeling in 1985... I love the fact that the Live Aid performance inspired them to produce some more great music over the next 6 years... it energized them as much as they energized the crowd that day.

[@larrybivens9987]

After watching your reactions I always appreciate the music more with details I would have never noticed before. That's what makes a great music reactor/commentator 🤌

[@raabcv]

It’s very clear that nearly 40 years later this performance has not lost its power to excite and inspire.

[@SirWussiePants]

The most amazing part is that Freddy had vocal issues leading up to this and his doctor strongly suggested he not do it. You can hear a few parts in the higher notes where he falters, but to dominate in such an amazing way and persevere through it all is most incredible.

[@joyceharkin3641]

It's a testament to the whole band's professionalism that they pulled off this performance when they couldn't even hear one another on stage (Brian May.) You can hear Roger's voice getting louder and louder as the set progresses as he supports Freddie's voice which is beginning to show the strain. What a tight band they were.

[@deboraclark5791]

Freddie's doctor told him he shouldn't do the concert due to a severe throat infection, but he went out there and won the day. Freddie was so enchanting and mesmerizing along with child like sweetness. Freddie didn't know he had AIDs at the time, but his health was beginning to decline. Thank you.

[@Qarnifex]

This is patently false. There’s literally zero evidence he was sick at the time. I checked all the facts checking sites and even checked all the AIs to scour all the data. Please stop spreading false info.

[@ThornyLittleFlower]

The introduction to this is something I haven't seen since I was 10 years old! Usually, it cuts straight into Queen's entrance. Wow, of all the times I've seen this since, this one took me back to the day watching this live with my dad, recording it all on our vhs. You felt the world unite that day. Time has made me realize that that's very rare in human history. Truly a day to treasure.

[@kevinslayzak1214]

Can't watch this without tearing up at 51 yrs old..i remember seeing this on TV as a young man and thinking the entire world was on the same page at that time....was magic 🤘🔥

[@amybradley5821]

62 and I still tear up every time too, miss him and his talent

[@kevinslayzak1214]

@amybradley5821 sister..the older you get the more you appreciate things.. living long enough to watch everyone and everything in your life peel off makes you understand when you see something truly incredible..🙂🖐️ merry Christmas.

[@amybradley5821]

@ so true. I remember that day and watching it. I’ve been lucky enough to see people like Bowie, Prince, Stevie Ray Vaughn, BB King, Jeff Beck before they died. There is nothing like live music.

[@zerogo40]

Most people forget but Freddie and Brian performed at the end of the night , amazing acoustic performance 😊

[@ellenw391]

TY! I have posted this countless times. World we Created remains one of my fav songs and sadly more appropriate today than ever. If you haven't seen the recent performances w/Adam check out a video. I saw them live a little over a year ago and it was amazing. Real leaves falling to the ground, while the last tree was on the screens. Stunning, as were Freddie & Brian in the Live Aid version!!

[@Osvie01-uc8go]

No they didn't, they literally performed at the prime time hour when most people would settle down to watch tv.

[@sigvekjnny8380]

@@Osvie01-uc8go Freddie and Brian had another mini set at the end

[@Osvie01-uc8go]

@@sigvekjnny8380Oh damn, I must be tired because I didn't read it right. I thought the Queen performance.

[@Bellbird-y9g]

@@Osvie01-uc8go Yes, and they also performed later in the night, when it was dark. Have you not seen their performance of Is This the world We Created? It sums up what the whole concert was about. Look it up, it's beautiful.

[@alainemancini3366]

Once you 'Get' Queen...They become part of your soul and mental wallpaper. Although now in this 21st century there is so much mystique surrounding Queen, and particularly Freddie's legendary status...We who were privileged to see Queen perform live, knew instinctively that we were witnessing inimitable greatness. I was so very fortunate to attend several of their concerts in different parts of the world in the mid 80's...This band were the perfect storm, and Freddie was the God with pockets full of fairy dust, who ensured each and every ticket holder experienced the absolute time of their lives. Dear Freddie showed us inside his heart...and we will love him forever for it.❤

[@Emma-qj6sz]

I am very jealous of you😅 everyday I wish I could go back in time to see a live queen show. Sadly I will never be able too 😢 I love queen and Freddy very much and they are a big inspiration for me and they influence me everyday in my life! I’m 17 now and I remember asking my dad if he remembers anything from queen and the remembers the live aid preformance on the tv, he was only 6 years old but remembers it pretty well( we are from Sweden). It would be cool to know more about how they were live. :)

[@alainemancini3366]

@Emma-qj6sz They really were so brilliant live....truly magical. I have many beautiful memories of their concerts. For 2 of the several memorable shows I attended, I was 2nd row centre, and when Queen entered the stage there was a mighty deafening roar from the crowd behind me as the mass of people surged forward. Freddie, Brian, John and Roger looked so large, not like real people at all. At the time Queen was the biggest, loudest, tightest band on the planet...mesmerising.

[@lisar6510]

❤ Merry Christmas Amy and thank you for sharing your gift today

[@markp1549]

The most perfect live performance of a band ever. Even though it was only 20 to 25 minutes, it was perfection.

[@PenelopeL09v]

Great reaction! If you watch the interview Queen gave after the concert, they talk about how the acoustics on stage were horrendous and they couldn’t hear each other. They were going on instinct hand gestures and just years of being together. That’s why at the you see them gather around Roger at certain times, it’s so they could make sure they were in time together. Adds whole new appreciation to the performance

[@gchampi2]

One of the reasons this performance was so successful - Queen were one of the few groups where Live Aid wasn't the biggest thing they had ever done. To most of the bands on the bill, playing to 72,000 at Wembley Stadium was the biggest gig they'd ever played, let alone the TV audience. Queen had headlined Rock in Rio the January prior, to roughly 500,000 people in the crowd, and another 200,000,000 TV audience in over 60 countries. To Queen, the only oddity in Live Aid was the time limit - if you look closely, there are three lights front & center of the stage. These were the timing lights. A Green light came on 5 minutes before the end time of your set. An Amber light came on at 2 minutes to go. The Red light started flashing with 30 seconds to go. At zero, the Red light came on, the backline amps were switched off, and the only mic left was the main vox mike, to say your goodbyes. Queen absolutely nailed this aspect of the performance, down to the second... Oh, and Freddy was suffering from a cold on the day - sore throat 'n such.

[@barrymitchell6444]

They used clocks in rehearsals to time it to perfection. Another oddity for Queen was playing in daylight. They were the first act in London seen in America, going on at 6.41pm. He had a furry tongue around week before the show, mentioned by Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates, which we now know can be a sign of HIV.

[@TheOrlandoTrustfull]

This is such a magical reaction that needed to be an hour long on Christmas day just so people could say things in the comments that have already been said 30 million times, as if it's an original thought. God bless the internet and have a happy new year.

[@JennyColwell-tb6cm]

This was a lovely Christmas present to us Queen Fans. Thankyou. You are the Freddie of Virgin Rock. The best frontwoman and definitely the best reactor and commentator.

[@sylvieyfilion7400]

I was one of the billion that watched.

[@CLechleitner42]

After the "Queen 50 series" ended I was afraid you might end up not covering this, so THANK YOU! Regarding Freddie's voice: He did have voice problems, and doctors had advised against performing, but he wanted to go through with it, fortunately. The band also overcame technical difficulties, according to an analysis by a UK-based guitarist: When starting "Crazy little thing called love" the monitor level of Freddie's guitar was too low presumably, that might be why he turned around - for the rest of the band to *see* the rythm. In the same song Brian May used at least 3 different guitars: An acoustic rythm guitar to start with, a black one exclusively purchased (or built?) for this song, and the usual Red Special at the end. One more interesting bit IMO: "Radio Gaga" had only been released some 18 months before this "Live Aid" event, and the crowd was not a Queen fan crowd in particular (although, which rock crowd isn't?). But still *everybody* knew how the clapping during the refrain was supposed to work. This probably is due to the music video of the song, which had a room full of fans volunteering as extras do that exact clapping. 10 years after the "Bohemian Rhapsody" video helped invent the concept of music video in the first place this participation success underlined the importance of music videos IMO. Final thought: You might want to allow "superchats", which is a KZbin mechanism for small one-time donations. I did reduce my patreon membership to the free level after the Queen series ended, but I'd totally do a superchat donation on this video! Disclaimer: I'm not sure superchat are supported for after the "live" premiere of a video. Best regards from Innsbruck, Austria, and a Happy New Year 2025!

[@larryholmes69]

Great reaction, and thank you for this. This brings back so many incredible memories of what turned out to be one of the best days of my life. I was there in Wembley stadium 6 rows back from the stage, standing next to the girl in the black top on the guys shoulders, and you are correct,,, when Freddie was at the front of the stage ,connecting with the crowd, you felt as if he was singing to you personally. When I look at my 32 year old self rocking out with the rest of the crowd, I get goosebumps all over. I've witnessed many great live performances from top bands over the years, but this one by Queen has to be the best ever. Thank you so much for this reaction, now I'm going to sit and watch it all over again.

[@aristosandreou267]

What a Christmas gift!!

[@dannyhancock9330]

Not for nothing has it been described as the greatest 21 minutes of live rock performance ever. I miss Freddie. He was simply fabulous darlings!

[@baeticus1]

Thank you and Merry Christmas. 🌲🌲🌲

[@domeshine69]

I fell in love with Queen the first time I heard them on the radio. "Killer Queen" was the song.

[@AnthonyScott-n4c]

I was there one of the best day of my life wish everybody could of been thank you for your content

[@kendallneason3645]

Yay! I’m so glad you got to see this magical experience. You certainly gave us a great Christmas gift!🎁 Love it! Thank you!

[@dave30076]

That is called, by many people, the greatest live performance in rock history. I'd have a hard time disputing it. Worth noting, this wasn't a crowd of Queen fans, they were there for so many other groups, and Queen was on the decline. But Freddie won them over...quickly.

[@dianecourtney2724]

Freddie had a throat infection in this performance and his doctor said he should not sing. Impossible to imagine Freddie Mercury not performing at Live Aid even if he had to crawl there. Darling Freddie RIP

[@mortimore4030]

Without a doubt, the greatest live band ever.

[@fatcole1152]

I remember the first time seeing this being awed by just the idea that Brian May played 3 different guitars in a live performance of a song that was less than 3 minutes long

[@kennethmurphy8585]

My Christmas was wonderful, but watching this was the perfect treat to compete a day of comfort and joy. Thank you profusely for your videos 🎄♥️

[@Viatrix1854]

Amy, I have been waiting for you to do this reaction and was not disappointed. The set is worth revisiting many times because one notices so many little details each time. I think that one thing it shows is that rehearsal is the key to success, not matter how familiar one is with the material or, as in this case, with one's band mates. I hope you continue to explore Queen's music; I think there are about another 150 songs to go. 😉

[@gregkirk1842]

I appreciate all the elements that you are able to perceive and explain! All on your first listen! Wow

[@DenUitvreter]

I think it was also the perfect moment in time for that gig, because Queen had made a lot of very different songs, changed styles from record to record and had lost the solid rock fan base from the 70s. But at that concert, about everyone in the crowd and at home realized Queen was part of their musical life and they all had a favourite Queen song.

[@michaellieb5922]

Amy, I'm so happy you finally got to view this. While you've gone through the songs throughout the albums, this is necessary viewing for any queen fan

[@undemos]

Your commentary and how you feel the music and your understanding of the performance adds a lot to the experience of viewing it. I like Queen even more after watching your video, thank you.

[@itchyandred4131]

No one before or since had the stage presence that Freddie Mercury had ✌️& ❤️

[@bpfromowc]

Great reaction Amy, thanks. That's probably the most animated i have seen you for a reaction. 🙂 Merry Christmas

[@MikeWood]

Getting to experience this the first... I wish I could do that again. So moving. Watching it on TV when it aired was something special.

[@270yis7]

Freddie Mercury...the perfect blend of musical talent, charisma, and showmanship.

[@maryadamec124]

Thank you so much Amy, what a nice surprise!! What a perfect gift for your subscribers, sharing the love and talents of Queen and Freddie... BUT... it's a shame you didn't experience the encore performance of the night, "Is This The World We Created?"... such a poignant and fitting song for the ages... Bless you and hoping and praying your Christmas was as memorable as the gift you gave us today... Looking forward to another fabulous New Year of music to explore and experience together. Namaste.

[@johnrussell4788]

Thanks beautiful Amy, compliments of the season, from Australia !

[@GlamorganManor]

The many melodic variations from the studio versions also bring the fans closer to the performance, an "I hear what you did there" recognition/smile/connection.

[@luluadapa5222]

Thank you Amy and Vlad for such a beautiful surprise!! May your family have a happy, healthy Christmas. With many warm wishes from England!

[@bushchat28d]

Brilliant Amy. I have been wondering for a long time if you would ever react to this one and was pleasantly suprised to log on and BAM there you are. Best present I had for Christmas! Good to see that you obviously enjoyed it to the full also. Have a great 25th!

[@johndef5075]

I remember watching this live and thinking that Queen just blew everyones doors off. Epic❤

[@imocchidoro]

Queen was the best band EVER. Their versatility is unmatched, and Freddie was a magical being.

[@CatPoint2C]

Hi Amy and Vlad, You made my Christmas 🎄2024! Since I saw your video popping up ealier today I have been waiting to find an uninterrupted hour to watch it. What a Christmas treat! Through the entire Queen 50 series I had hoped that one day you will watch the epic Live Aid 1985 performance for and with us! The energy of Freddie and Queen is contagious! I also like the fact that no two Queen live performances are the same in terms of how they vary their songs live versus their studio versions. As an idea for future videso, maybe, you could watch Queen live performances and compare them to other live performances of the same song or to the studio version of that particular song. Speaking of that, Vlad, please let Amy watch the Queen live performance of "Somebody To Love" in Montreal 1981. Whatever you do, please continue making videos about Queen! Thank you! ♥ Love, from Freddie's Cat

[@colindebourg9012]

Nearly 40 years ago and it still leaves you mind blown, what an astonishing day it was.

[@traviscaines8534]

Half the world in the palm of his hand. Amazing, awesome. There's not a word big enough.

[@jimvin21]

He is performing to the people in the back row. It was the way he always performed. Freddie said he does this, and this is what his makes his gestures, voice, and movements so grandiose. Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden also took this advice from Freddie and still does this today. This is what makes an incredible frontman.

[@mightyV444]

U2's Bono does a similar thing and also during _this_ event 🙂

[@jimvin21]

@@mightyV444I agree. I know there are a few other lead singers who do this but I know it’s not many.

[@YoreHistory]

The likes of Freddie will never be seen again. He was a master showman and singer. These 20 mins entranced me as a teen ager and now im in my early 50s and they hit even harder.

[@GeoffGummer]

I saw Queen live in Auckland, the very last performance they did before live aid, so this concert is also special to me.. In my head they were almost simultaneous and precious. I am moved to tears every time I watch it

[@marcelqueiroz8613]

Merry Christmas Amy, Vlad and Virgin Rock family. I appreciate this Christmas gift of watching Queen at Live Aid with you. Thank you so much for this.

[@annec478]

I smiled so big when this came across my feed❤❤

[@fretlessfender]

In normal Queen concerts Freddie used to save his voice by octaving down some notes. In this performance he did not, he sang every high pitches note although he had a throat infection... Stunning this was, sad we lost him so early, blessed we had him at all!

[@crss29]

This was truly a gift. Thank you!

[@dfusit]

Nobody had or has the stage presence of Freddy Mercury, he owned it. The audience ate out of his hand every performance. He was an icon! RIP Freddy!

[@DenyakotMoscow14]

Wow! It is the best gift from you, Amy ! Thanks a lot !

[@skwervin1]

There is such joy in his performance in front of the crowd, and the band is right there with him. You see the smiles flash between Freddie and Brian, the grin flicked by Roger to John Deacon, they may be four bodies but when they played, they were one soul. I can fully understand why John said that he didn't want to go on once Freddie died, it was like a part of the bands soul was gone and could not be recaptured. Queen didn't play to an audience, they played WITH them. The audience was the fifth member, right along there with them.

[@ittamandarano8262]

Great commentary. You always are able to express what I feel but can not express myself. Amazing. Imagine Freddie had a throat infection and was advised to cancel.. queen has a Christmas dong which he sings in such an emotive manner. It's called Thank God it's Christmas. It's lyrics are very relevant for today.

[@georgiacoombes699]

Loved this reaction, thank you. I have seen this live set too many times to count & yet it still thrills & moves me every time! With much appreciation & thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@janettesinclair6279]

Mesmerising - the vibrancy of Freddie's performance, working the stage end to end. Bass and drums made a solid bedrock for the others to perform their own magic. What an incredible performance by the whole band who come together in a superb concert. Thank you!

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

Great review. Yes, even though he was used to doing 2-3hr shows, it's obvious his voice was infected and you can hear it in parts, as you did. And the reason why his doctor advised against doing the show. Even with that handicap they stole the show, because they had the songs, they played hits only, they had the Queen sound (with a very limited sound check), Mercury's had the ability to hold a crowd and an amazing presence. Yes there's croaks and pitching issues near the end, but still everyone can put that aside and claim it one of the top live performances. That's something. Seen them in Dublin around this time, 84' I think, unreal, they played for 3 hrs, Freddie would take breaks as Brian would do long solos, or a Roger drum solo.

[@jwickham65]

You should really watch the U2 performance form Live Aid as well. U2 preceded Queen, with U2 performing, then Dire Straits, then Queen. U2 was just emerging as a major act, with this Live Aid giving them a global audience. They performed two songs, then went off script in the middle of "Bad" as Bono engaged the audience in a way that is absolutely stunning and has to be seen. They then quote several rock classics, before closing out. U2 delivered such an electrifying performance, just minutes before Queen came out. Freddie and Queen took that energy and ramped it up, built on it, to make something extraordinary.

[@karenglenn6707]

I saw them in Melbourne Australia just before this show. It was the most amazing musical experience of my life. What a showman he was, he acknowledged every section of the crowd and he did make you feel as if he was singing only for you. The charisma just oozed from him and the whole crowd could feel it. We all floated out of there on a high with our ears ringing from the sheer volume of the music. It was bloody epic!!

[@SteffanWhite-bq9yn]

The master never will be surpassed ❤

[@Going_Bushwalking]

I’m 52 and have listened to Queen since primary school. No matter how many times I see this it still brings tears. Brilliant reaction too!

[@GlenStevenson-t7z]

Freddies songs make me cry ❤❤

[@wolfgangveyhl6677]

unbelievable Stage presence!!!!

[@JMcG888]

Such a great Christmas gift! Thank you, Amy! I love hearing your thoughts and insights. Here’s to love and unity for all of our human family on this spectacular planet. Let there be peace on earth!! 🖖

[@AzarathMetreon]

When asked what his favorite instrument to play was, Freddie’s response was “The crowd, darling.” This man understood getting people involved in the show in a way few people before or since can claim to.

[@irenedownie6559]

Thank you for your exceptional analysis and your true appreciation of Queen and their performance! I am hoping you might do so more Queen in the future.

[@laurastanmore4794]

Freddie performed this set with laryngitis, as a late addition to the line-up, with a mid day slot and an audience that wasn't their usual fan base. They didn't get to sound check properly, and yet they absolutely stole the show. Their set was performance perfection from start to finish. They knew the struggle of their time slot and the audience to win over, and so they crafted their set accordingly. Incredible ❤

[@kentnottingham9635]

I saw the Hot Space tour in Portland, OR in the 80’s and I walked away knowing I was part of the show! I was so lucky to see Queen, one of my all time favorites!!!!

[@PaddyDixieTheMinerva82]

Ive loved Freddie and Queen since I was 14 in 1974. Freddie poured every fibre of his being and existence into this performance. But somehow, you have lifted an already legendary band to another, almost a mythological level. Thank you.

[@19bunnyhug68]

I think what is so mesmerizing about this performance of Freddie's is that we are witnessing some sort of power in the universe working through a human. It's probably what we are all searching for: to be an open channel to whatever gift we are born with and letting that power flow through us. Long before he became famous, he was heard saying "I will be a legend" so he was already listening to it. He followed it's cues, pushed through roadblocks and became that legend. Maybe his job wasn't to entertain us, but instead; was it to show us that being open to something bigger, we can accomplish spectacular things? I like to think so. 🥰

[@robertkramer2271]

One of the reasons they sounded so good was the person working the soundboard that day had previously toured with Queen, and he said when they came out, he knew exactly how to mix their sound. Supposedly, Bob Geldof, who created Live Aid, was in the offices, and he heard the crowd going crazy. He said he stepped out to see what was happening, and he realized Queen was stealing the show.

[@janethernandez724]

Wow! This is a wonderful Christmas gift to watch again! I love this Live Aid Concert from 1985! I am ready to watch!

[@lee_1292]

wonderful! thank you very much 🎁

[@EddieReischl]

"We Are the Champions" is my favorite song of theirs. It really is a perfect anthem, and one of the sneakiest 6/8 meter songs you'll ever hear. There are such perfect opportunities for drama and dynamics in it.