People who had been watching Queen's live shows for over a decade saw their show develop. I would argue that nobody who was an experienced Queen watcher, was even remotely surprised when they blew the opposition off the stage at Live Aid. Frankly, I expected nothing else and would have been stunned had they not done so. The staggering power of Freddie's ability with a crowd was evident at Hyde Park some 9 years earlier, when the police, pointlessly, were demanding that everyone sit down. Eventually, Freddie says, "Ok darlings. The police want everyone to sit down......so sit!" and 100,000 people immediately sat down. That was recorded so there may be video of it. We were quite literally under his spell. I have no idea how he did it....he just did. I was lucky enough to watch Freddie playing 'Flight of the Bumble Bee' and all sorts of stuff at one time or another, on the piano. Go watch the Live in Montreal and the Milton Keynes Bowl gigs from a few years earlier and you can see how good the were. Listen to Live Killers which I believe was recorded and distributed untouched by the studios. It is dynamite playing by four guys who were at the very top of the game. I have seen hundreds of bands over the years from The police to Bruce Springsteen and I can say in all honesty....as musician myself....I have never seen any unit that can equal them.....good as many of them are. The could play pop, ballads, thrash metal and hard rock and do it better than anyone else
Tony, I agree. I saw them live twice, and, aside from everything else, what stood out was that just four men were able to have such a huge, full, sound. The first time I saw them, Freddie's voice was a little shot, and Roger just seamlessly moved in for the high notes. I am certain they had a signal, but we certainly couldn't see it. Freddie was still playing piano quite a bit the first time I saw them, also. It seems like, maybe, they dropped some of the piano heavy songs from their set list the last time I saw them, but Freddie was in far better voice then, and had much more confidence. Another thing I noticed was that, even when his voice was shot, Freddie was never off key. Hoarse, sometimes, dropping high notes, sometimes, but never flat, except for, ironically...Live Aid. As someone who grew up in the seventies, when there weren't even ear pieces...I've heard some amazing singers going flat live, and have, many times, been disappointed in bands, in general, live. You hear the records...you love the band, you see them live...and they sound nothing like the record you heard on the radio. Not so with Queen.
Being my all time favorite band, I saw them, twice with Freddie and once with Paul Rodgers. Always looked forward to their performances and was never disappointed. After approximately 200 concerts under my belt, it didn't get much better Queen. Also love your channel Fil.
IS the greatest. He's been dead nearly three decades and still nobody has come even close. When you consider the band essentially died when Freddie died. Bands typically don't cease to be just because they lose a vocalist. Freddie was so special however and the four guys were so amazing together that it just can't be Queen with him gone. Adam Lambert is an insanely good vocalist but lets face it. It's nothing more than the greatest tribute to a band that died with Freddie.
Absolutely. And they were starting out in the wake of Hendrix, The Who and Zeppelin. Sadly that chain of inspiration and live bands was broken a long time ago.. Fortunately we do have the footage to see how it should be done!
Just came across this video and didn't know how I missed it before. Yes, Queen. Best live set ever. Best 20 minute live set ever. Best crowd interaction ever. Best. Ever.
According to Peter Freestone's biography of Freddie Mercury, who was his PA and friend, said Queen rehearsed for a solid week for this 20 minute performance. They were perfectionists to the very end.
The very most stunning thing about it is the way Brian May plays. All these picking notes here and there, in between during the verses mostly - sometimes contradicting the vocal melody together with this absolutely stunning and brilliant sound of his guitar, the VOXes and his effects. Genius!
I was referring to Radio Gaga. Which is the first song in this clip. Yeah, Roger did some crazy back-up vocals, including the "MEEEEE!" in Bohemian Rhapsody. Which was written by Freddie. In case you didn't know.... ;)
I remember reading an interview with James Hetfield of Metallica (who played Stone Cold Crazy with the remaining members of Queen at the Freddie tribute concert) and he said that during the rehearsals for that, he kept demanding another run through because "it didn't quite feel right". In truth, he just wanted to keep jamming with Brian, Roger, John and Tony Iommi (of Black Sabbath) who played rhythm guitar.
All the musicians that participated in the Tribute Concert that day had to meet a challenge straight on, knowing this was a big one for the rock world. The chance to do right by Freddie was a bigger grab than any one of them could have made alone. It took them all to higher ground. Gotta know Freddie must have loved it.
That bold and daring voice, miss these guys! Sure miss the songs that Freddie never had the chance to write, same with every great artist! RIP Freddie!
First concert I ever went to! I was all of 14 and they were not really known! Was a damn good concert! Paramount theater in Seattle, quite small compared to most places! Became a Queen fan back then and still am!
Queen were huge, but they gave back to the people. According to Molly Meldrum's autobiography, INXS played the prima donna and almost refused to perform at Live Aid. Now, their performance is just a footnote. Queen is the example for how bands should perform offstage as well as onstage.
Didn't know about this video, thanks for sharing. I watched your video of the actual performance as well. Your points are the key to their greatness. They all play and sing well, they can cover up mistakes and Freddie is just awesome overall. So sad he got sick so young.
And that is why their performance is still vividly remembered today, they did all the work they normally would have done prior to a full show, they knew they had a name to uphold, and boy did they do that.
This is fascinating footage of a truly great live act crafting a set for an important gig. As we can see, Queen did not "busk it" on the day, but put in the hard work beforehand. It was good they did, because their legendary performance provided a fillip to their popularity, which was on the wane in the early eighties, especially after the Hot Space album. You are bang on about what an extraordinarily full sound the band could achieve live (although Spike Edney did provide auxiliary keyboards and the odd rhythm guitar during this period, and still does with the current touring incarnation of Queen). Your viewers should check out the live footage of the band in the 1970s to see what a glorious noise just four extremely talented blokes could achieve on stage.
Fair call! They needed an auxiliary keyboard player by the eighties, as they had started using synthesizers on their records. Who wants to see the greatest front man in rock sitting behind a keyboard for most of the show?
Great channel. Some really interesting anaylsis on tracks and you are a very talented musician after watching some of your videos. Can't believe you.ran through a city with your shirt off though for one of your videos, that took some balls! You seem very level headed, modest and genuine. Nice to see!
Queen were such a tight unit but John Deacon never gets any props, it's always Mercury, May & Taylor and the bassist. Such an underrated player its criminal.
Fans know it. Also judging by his reaction to meeting people in London asking for his autograph, you can tell he is quite alright with being in the shadow.
JD was always the quiet unassuming one. The fans love him and he is respected within the industry. His contribution to Queen was equal to that of Freddie, Brian & Roger.
Queen rehearsed the hell out of their Live Aid set. They knew they only had about 20 minutes and didn't want to waste it. They carefully picked their set list, which someone once pointed out was basically the climax of their standard live set. But the key was that as big as they were and as experienced, they didn't take it for granted that they'd go over well. That's a real professional state of mind. They wanted to live up to the event, so worked hard preparing well in advance. And it paid off, big time.
I remember back in the day, we used to get to shows HOURS early and stand out in the freezing cold if we had to. Many times, they'd let us in early because we were freezing to death and I can't even tell you how many sound checks we heard that way. Since there was no one there, we could run right up front in these huge stadiums to get our "spot." It didn't hurt that we were cute little 15-year-olds. lol The guys in the band would talk and joke with us--to the 25 of us or so who were there. It was heaven!
Gave this a 'like' when I watched it years ago. Today, "Thank You" now for realising how neat it would be for us to look in on and study each/all of them in preparation. Rehearsal they nailed the process then during the performance all were significantly more animated.
Queen was so good in live aid because aside from what you said : entertainment, technical abilities, songs, . THER ARE FOUR MEMBERS WHO WRITE THEIR MATERIALS, EACH A GENIUS IN THEIR OWN WAY.. Variety of styles in the songs..your analysis is perfect
When the first Queen album was released over here ( US), the band went on tour to support it. Along with my good friend Lee, I drove up to see them in Houston, Tx. When we arrived we noticed all these people milling around ( it was close to the concerts start) asking a security guard as to why he replied that the band's management had called from New York City and canceled the show due to " lack of interest". LOL. Watching your video reminded me again of what might have been, I know it would've been a hell of a show. Peace, from Texas.
There will never be another lead singer like Freddie. He sounds like he took care of his voice - like an opera singer would. The chills I get when I hear Freddie on Bohemian takes me back to hearing it when it first broke out as a hit on the radio. I was just a kid, but I'd never heard anyone on the radio sing like that.
E R He was actually having a lot of trouble with his voice during Live Aid - was advised not to go on actually by his doctor, but he did it anyway & who could tell? He developed noduals in his throat - from not doing everything technic-wise perfectly & from singing do much in a tenor range when his natural range was baritone. He never had any formal voice training where he would have had some training about how to minimize those effects I’ve read anyway. Freddie Mercury was an absolute phenomena the likes of which we may never see again!
Beverly Stephens Trouble with his voice? My god, you'd never know it! He was flawless. I have worked with singers (rock, theater, and opera) and it's a real challenge for them to stay healthy and avoid damage/nodules...the smart ones spend time doing vocal warm-ups, exercises, get vocal coaching (don't smoke) Not sure how Freddy did it for so long. Edit: Mercury had NO vocal training? He sings like an opera singer! Usually takes a long time to develop a voice that rich. Totally mind boggling he did it on his own.
There’s a documentary where a few years ago, Brian and Roger go to an old studio where they had recorded, just decided to play kind of randomly, and they just jammed, a bit of Bohemian Rhapsody and whatever. Just screwing around, but it could have been from a concert 40 years ago as good as it sounded. Seriously good musicians.
I have seen the band at that time ! Wahooww ! When Freddie jump on the stage something magical appears ! he invested the place, catched the crowd and i have seen just himself , not the band, for more than one hour of pure magical entertainement and music ! this great artist miss cruelly to this world ! i appreciate greatly your videos ! thank you !
I think the thing that made them magical was the combo of the three points you mention, technical skill, songs, and entertainment but wrapped up in bow of genuinely liking each other & enjoying playing together. I think that camaraderie is palpable and we the audience feel a part of that.
Millions have probably said this but I'll say it anyway. Whenever Live Aid is mentioned, Queen's performance is the one that I picture. Wonderful commentary Fil. Thank you!
Remember. They took this very seriously and even had a large clock there so they timed everything for 20 minutes and had it DOWN... also, apparently, Freddie's doctors told him not to sing because of severe vocal chord damage - he refused and did the show anyway. Powerhouse group.
Freddie was a person if someone advised him not to do something, he was going to do it. Couldn't tell Freddie what to do, he did what he wanted. He was even quoted,' I dont give a shit. I do what I want.'
Hu? How the hell do you explain vocal chord damage for a got who had nodules since 1981? What the hell are you talking about? Makes no sense. Vocal cords don't just get damaged from singing one gig.
One of the greatest rock bands ever, there is such a huge backstory to the making and evolution of this iconic band.It's been stated many times before but Freddie Mercury was the greatest frontman in Rock and Roll history♡
That is the open secret why Queen played all the other bands and musicians on the wall during her Live Aid gig that day! They prepared and rehearsed better than anyone else for their 25 minute performance!
wingsofpegasus yes that's true ... I saw just few bands fitting then perfectly ... Great videos btw . keep on posting them ... If you can do one even with van halen ;)
What is great about Freddie's performance here is that all his flamboyance is still there. Even when no-one is watching, he can't seem to help himself express physically through his mannerisms Queen's music. Subdued, certainly but everyone can still see it there... :o)
Their roadie, Peter Hince aka “Ratty” went out and purchased large clocks that they could watch during the Live Aid practice. This allowed the band to plan their set to the last minute.
I saw them in Melbourne months before this. I knew they'd own the stadium as I'd experienced it so recently to then but it was wonderful to see when I watched it live.
Imagine watching this. "Oh that was good!" Then watching them take the stage and absolutely rock the world. Do you think any of them had an idea they were watching the storyboard for the greatest live performance of all time?
Aha! I see you watched the link I posted :p This video would make anyone pleased it was their "live set" not just a rehersal. However, knowing that the rehersal was THAT good, and thy still managed to turn the levels up to "Holy shit!" on the day..... yeah right time, right place, planets aligned etc.... Of course we have the benefit of hindsight - I did not think I'd be the only one who watches this, and sees the "on the day" footage ;) Let's not forget who they were 'up against' : The Who U2 Dire Straits Style Council Quo Paul McCartney and so on...... As Elton John said to them as they came off "Bastards, You've stolen it!" They also got asked to go back on later - Brian and Freddie did "Is this the world we created?...." Not bad, for supposedly being "Past it" ahem!
Hi Fil. Crazy how Freddie is singing BoRhap full out in their rehearsal !! They truly are the GOAT and my favorite band of all time! Still miss Freddie🌹 You made this video years ago and I bet people still watch it ( like me 😂) Thanks ✌🏼 Rock !!
4:33 whew.... glad he got THAT note out of the way before the show. hahahha Rarely hear him miss a note that badly. Kind of weird watching this, tho. I mean... it's like being a peeping Tom. hehehe Yeah, they rocked that live aid show.
So, Zeppelin, Queen, Stevie and B.B........ those guys were great for a reason. They had zero interest in playing the song as they did on record. They weren't afraid to go off " script". It's like they were always reaching for something live. The feedback from the crowd and EVERYTHING played into it. They weren't afraid to not be "perfect". Personally, I don't go to live shows to hear it sound like the CD. If I wanted that, I would just listen to the CD. Music lives and breathes. That's what makes it great. Music IS the universal language.
I don't want to bother you with so many comments, but I want to point out to you the comment I made to a very good answer you gave someone. You showed grace and class.
It's great seeing them doing great while they are relaxed and rehearsing. Even if you only saw the rehearsal you'd be impressed by the technical ability of Queen. They are just never off, a well oiled, disciplined machine. I am grateful to have been alive to see them in concert and I came home blown away. It took me 3 days to come off the high of seeing them live.
The most flamboyant charismatic showman ever on stage, and the Greatest live singer ever, with an incredible 4-Octave vocal range, he could smash anything he sang ,from rock and roll, to soft rock, from pop to opera , no genre or style of singing was out of the reach of his incredible talents..........sadly missed
That's the reason why their performance is always spectacular. Even in rehearsals they are so serious that you are awed on how much more they will do for the actual show.
A nice little analysis of Queen. To really understand how good Queen was on that day, you really have to sit down and watch Live Aid from the start. Don't forget, there's some fantastic artists on that line-up, but Queen just blew them all out of the water. Queen took the day extremely seriously, after some controversy performing in South Africa, and a slight dip in popularity in the UK - even though they had performed to massive crowds at Rock in Rio. That dedication really won through for them in the end. This, coupled with their ability to tick the three boxes you mentioned in your other video on the Live Aid performance, and their ability to transition between songs (Bohemian-Radio) without missing a beat, combined for a truly magical performance. If you're interested in Queen rehearsals, here's one of them preparing for the iconic nights at Wembley: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-C336a2XS84k.html
Yeah hidden in the wings! They got a little bit of help for the big shows, but as Freddie is a designated front man for the majority I think that's ok!
The balance between Brian and Freddie -he needed volume and echo, but in the concert it was very good! Thanks for your videos, I’m enjoying them and learning a lot.
Thank you for the video. I love the behind the scenes and lead up stuff. Queen is my most favorite band of all time. My heart broke the day Freddie died. I remember it like it was yesterday. Can you imagine what music we all missed out on?
To comment on what you said in one of your videos, yes I absolutely agree, Queen had all the three most important things that make a band the top band in the world. they had the songs, the entertainment and the technicality. Most important though was that Freddie had a way to connect and truly love his fans that no one ever had, at least not back 8n those years. That is what made Freddie Mercury one of the most beloved singer and frontman of all time and up to this date fun all over the world still love and remember Freddie Mercury, still buy his music and listen to his songs. Queen plus lambert has up to know been one of the bands from the past whose shows have been a sold out in America and in Europe. Why is that? Because some how even though Lambert is not Freddie, and I have seen Freddie back in the seventieth, we fans still can listen to the same songs, guitar and drums of our beloved band Queen, an exceptional band that I must admit, would not have become world famous, had Freddie not been around. I love them all nonetheless, but with a special place in my heart for Freddie Mercury.
Hey Wingsof ! I'm sitting here looking at my ticket stub...QUEEN...Wed. Feb. 5, 1975...The Agora 1722 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio...$3.50 ticket 507/1000! Freddie said it was the first public performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody"! The show was mostly tunes from the first 2 albums with Shear Heart Attack thrown in. There was an encore...the band came out in black bath robes...and did "Hey, Big Spender" and "Jail House Rock"! The sound was amazing ! PEACE !
It is strange to hear Brian actually miss a note. But better here than at the real event. As far as I could tell Brain was perfect at Live Aid - the mark of a true professional under pressure (song reference intended).
Yeah even in rehearsals you can tell he is pretty much on the button ready for the show. He strikes me as the kind of guy who rehearsed and practised whenever he physically could!
Pros - that's how they got were they are. They didn't need to toot their own horn at Wembly...I think Queen helped developed the handbook. Freddie center stage always seemed to emit a certain JOY that distinguished him from other lead vocalists...it cascaded over the audience t all the way to the back row. Other groups of the era had their own style as well -- but with the level of musicianship they had plus the smarts to gift wrap and deliver entertainment in a crisp show made fans remember.
When a band has "it" they have it. 😁😁😁😁😎😎😎😎 Brian with his chorus going. Of course they have a high standard. Any band worth their salt should have the same standard otherwise there's no reason to go on in front of people. I know I wouldn't. I was just watching Observe And Report with Seth Rogan and they played It's Late from News Of The World one of my favorite Queen songs but now I can't listen to Bohemian Rhapsody without going to that famous scene in Wayne's World were Wayne, Garth and their buddies are rocking out to BR in their car 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍👍🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸🎸
Hi! Thanks so much for this analysis, as well as other ones. What I absolutely share in this comment is that how Queen create this TREMENDOUS sound that equals big orchestra only having lead guitar, bass, drums and vocal! This, I assume, is Band's great composing talent and outstanding instrumental skills... Waiting Freddie's biopic to be released in Fall... I hope this film meets the big expectations already revealed by Queen fans WW...