151 song by my count. I am looking at the original albums and not releases though and not re-releases so maybe there is more. There is also a chance that I made a mistake
Guitarist is Sir Brian May, he is also an Astrophysicist, animal activist and all around decent human by all accounts. He is still rocking in his 70's along with the drummer, Roger Taylor.
Brian May has perfectly protected the legacy of Queen, and Freddy, who lived through the worst of the anti-gay and AIDS stigma and discrimination of the 80s and 90s.
What you have to remember about Live Aid is that this crowd was NOT a Queen crowd (far from it). They were considered past it and old school. But lo and behold Freddie grabbed them in the palm of his hand and as they say the rest is history. Freddie was famously asked: “Freddie what is your favourite instrument to play?” His reply???? “The Audience darling”. Sums him up perfectly
I dont why anyone claimed they were past it This was 85 they just finishef their world tour But they decided to skip US Otherwise they were far from past it Rio Jan 85 two nights Rio 250 000 each night Touring the works album they had 3 top tens uk off it and hammer to fall no 13 uk ( Freddie love kills no 10)
They had been quite controversial shortly before Live Aid, because they had played South Africa when it was still under apartheid. Most bands were boycotting them. So there was doubts about how they would be received. Then Freddie killed it, because that's how he rolled.
The band had practiced for several days to get the time down perfect as the sound would be shut off at the 20-minute mark. When he finishes singing the last song and gets back up on stage the lights on the right side of the stage are flashing yellow and red. The second after Freddie indicated the band to stop, the lights turn red. Drummer Roger Taylor has said that the sound was just so loud, and they weren't even sure how they would sound. No auto-turn or even earpieces, just each band member watching each other and playing as they practiced.
Before phones with cameras. Just people experiencing the magic of a live performance. There won’t ever be that again. It wasn’t even a Queen concert but everyone sang along with Freddie. Pure magic!
I remember the days before video cameras. You had to at least set up a super 8 camera if not the full television rig. That's why there are so few live performances before the mid 70's.
ALL members of Queen are exceptional Freddie could play many instruments. In a interview when asked his favorite to play he said " The audience darling."
Actually, Freddie only really played the piano and the crowd. Freddie wanted to write a song in dedication to Elvis Presley. So he wrote Little Thing Called Love. Since it was a dedication to Elvis, he wanted to play the guitar. He and Brian wrote the guitar part. There are only four cords. So, it was simple to learn. Freddie wrote the song in eleven minutes while soaking in a bubble bath that his partner had prepared for him. It's that Little Thing Called Love that they had together. ❤❤❤❤
It wasn’t only Queen who realized they had been sensational. Paul Gambaccini, who was part of the BBC broadcasting team at Live Aid, recalled the awe among other superstar musicians watching backstage. “Everybody realized that Queen was stealing the show,” said Gambaccini. These were the very words Elton John uttered when he rushed into Mercury’s trailer after the set. “You bastards, you stole the show,” joked the charismatic star. “Queen smoked ’em. They just took everybody. They walked away being the greatest band you’d ever seen in your life, and it was unbelievable,” said Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters. “And that’s what made the band so great; that’s why they should be recognized as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, because they could connect with an audience.” “It was the perfect stage for Freddie: the whole world”
In 2005, their Live Aid performance was named the greatest live rock performance of all time by a BBC poll, ahead of Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock and the Rolling Stones’ free gig in Hyde Park. It’s been described as 20 minutes that changed music.
Freddie had a throat infection that day and doctor advised him not to perform...and he STILL sounded like that!! For more Freddie voice check out Barcelona (without the rest of the band).
New subscriber here 😊 There will never be a better singer than Freddie Mercury!!! He was big into rescuing cats, he adored his cats. When I rescued my cat a few years ago, I named him Freddie in memory of Freddie and his love for cats. My cat Freddie is the sweetest boy! I got the best cat ever! 😊❤
I don’t know how much you know about our boys , but here goes. Brian May is a Astrophysicist, the Guitarist. Roger Taylor studied Dentistry and has a degree in Biology, Drummer. John Deacon is a Electrical engineer. Bassist . Freddie a degree in Graphic Design. All four boys are highly educated. That’s just a bit of what they’re about
72,000 in attendance and 1.9 Billion people watching from around the world. Freddie performed against doctors orders , with a throat infection . He said it felt like broken glass in his throat . Live Aid made 124 million dollars for Famine in Africa. When the boys left the stage ,Geldof said a Prince from Dubai donated one Million dollars .
A couple of good Reactions to do I think you will enjoy are Paolo Nutini iron sky at Abby Road Studio .. Robbie Williams at Knebworth. Totally different from each other but great performances
In case no one told you, this was NOT a Queen concert. This was a fund raiser music festival. 12 hours, several bands, 2 countries, London England and Philadelphia PA. Each band/performer had a 20 minute set. It's just that Queen blew away all the other bands and performers that day.
Everyone says that Queen stole the show at Live Aid even though there were a multitude of stars performing. The crowd join in clapping & singing as if it was a Queen concert!
Roger is such a good drummer and kept time so well that they only overran their allotted 20 minute slot, by just a couple of seconds. All four members have written No 1 hits.
Queen's performance that day absolutely smashed it out of the park, and everybody playing after them felt like they didn't have much to add. Talk about taking over an audience!! Kudos to Bob Geldof for arranging and putting this entire Live Aid event together!!
Freddy Mercury gets most of the recognition, but Queen had 4 geniuses. They are the only band I know where EVERY MEMBER WROTE A NUMBER ONE SONG. Some oof their special sound was due to equipment uniquely designed by the bass player (a trained electronic wizard), the astrophysicist lead guitarist is Brian May who, with his dad built his guitar (big red) with a totally unique pickup system) and then the amazing singing ability and drumming of Roger Taylor, who produced all those highs in their music. Side item,; A ompany did buy the rights to his guitar and produced them commercially. They couldn't get the sound perfect. In the end, Brian May bought the company, fixed it: and today you can buy an awesome BM guitar.
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.
Imagine Freddie wasnt even allowed to perform that day from His doctor he had a throat Infektion but Freddie beeing Freddie n ruled the world for 20 minutes RIP Freddie u are beeing missed 😢
Some consider Queen at live aid to be the greatest live performance ever - it saved and made Queen as a band and lead to Brain May playing on top of the palace many many years later - One of the greatest bands ever who's songs will still be played in long into the future.
The only way to watch Live Aid is the whole thing at one time. Otherwise you would miss the energy. 72K tickets were sold. That doesn't mean that 72K people were there. There is ALWAYS a way to sneak in if you want to. There's one thing here that I find hilarious. If you watch closely, especially during Radio Gaga, you can see security in the yellow shirts. You would think that they'd be watching the crowd. Nope. They're watching Freddie.
You are watching literally the greatest rock show on earth ! On that day in 1985 Queen and Freddie Mercury extended their status to Iconic ! With Freddie that day becoming a rock God!
Brian May, guitarist, wrote it. We Will Rock you and Freddie wrote We Are The Champions. Both were so that the audience has something to sing back at them.
Hey Stu... loved your reaction and subbed... thanks.... BUT, that was not the entire show... they were invited to play an encore to close out the concert... they performed "Is This The World We Created?"... a very short but beautiful ballad about the very topic they did this concert for... (you can probably download the video from the Live Aid channel and not get blocked)... although the song was NOT written for this particular event, it did seem very appropriate... BTW, there was 72K in the stadium and another almost 2 BILLION people watching on satellite television and radio stations around the world, some estimated about 40% of the world's total population watched some part of this show, here in London and at Philadelphia stadium in USA... Freddie had quite the audience... the world!! And we still love to listen to it today, some 40 years later... thanks again... blessings.
He had a throat infection at this time. His doctor told him not to sing. He just pours it out. Basically giving his doc the middle finger. He never, ever, disappoints.❤
I get goose bumps every time I see Freddie perform…I was 16 when live aid was on. I watched the concert at home on the TV it was amazing. Rest in peace Freddie ❤️
The guitar players name/title is "Sir Dr. Brian Harold May, Commander of the Order of the British Empire" < fun fact: Brian develeoped and built his unique guitar (aka. "The Red Special" or "Old Fire Place") together with his father in the 1960s, as they couldn't afford to buy a guitar. Its made out of wood of an old fireplace and parts of a motorbike, etc. He also uses a 10 pence coin instead of a guitar pick ... A uniqe gutiar with a unqie (Queen) sound! :)
Brian May is the guitarist. One of the greatest of all times. Not sure if you caught it, but Brian played three different guitars on "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". And yeah, there will never be another Freddie Mercury.
It was estimated that 40% of the world population was watching this concert that day. One concert in the UK and at the same time a concert in Philadelphia USA. During Radio Gaga (the 2nd song) there were 90,000 fans in Philadelphia clapping along while watching Queen perform on the big screen. Queen’s reach was much farther than the UK that day. Amazing!
every member of queen were top of their game. Each wrote hit no 1's which is unique to this day. They have outsold the Beatles. I love Brian May. Fred had a throat infection on the say but insisted on going on against doctors advice. Best live performance in history.
A doctor told him not to perform as he had a very bad throat. He said that when he was singing it was like gargling with glass. Queen smashed it and his voice was still as strong.
You can tell that his voice was struggling especially near the end and Roger starts singing louder and louder to cover and help out. But Freddie on a bad day is still outstanding.
As other people have said Freddie was sick and was told not to sing but Freddie created history. He only drink hot tea and honey for his throat, he took one sip. Everyone one if the band members have written number one hits and been have been included in the song writers hall of fame. Those four musicians up there are all outstanding players. Freddie,Roger,John, and Brian make magic together.
Wonderful! Ok Stu, at 9:09 "All right let's pause it before he goes into the next thing, I've never seen an artist have the crowd in the palm of their hands the way he has in this show" Keep this in mind Stu, Live Aid was a live multivenue benefit concert for the relief of famine in Ethiopia. There were music fans in the crowd for a lot of other bands there and Brian May himself has said that they were performing before a non-Queen audience and yet they all responded to Freddie anyway. The 2nd song Radio Ga Ga, it was the power of the song's music video that allowed the audience to respond during the double hand clap segment of the song in this concert, you'll see what I mean when you react to the Radio Ga Ga official video. Yes, he is in control of every human being in this crowd and those watching it broadcasted on television like many of us were watching and responded, especially during his Ay Oh! bit. Ha! Good times! 3rd song Hammer to Fall, I wish you could see Roger Taylor (Drums) sing his part in the background vocals of that song too, he's great in both drum playing and background vocals too. Yes, Sir Brian May in such a wonderful guitarist! 4th song Crazy Little Thing Called Love that is such a fun song, as his tribute to Elvis Presley, whoa, did you get a broken video because it cut out some of that song near the end? Just wondering. We Will Rock you is played at every sport stadium; you have heard this song before! We are The Champions closed it out! WOW! I am glad you enjoyed this reaction to this video Stu, looking forward to more of your Queen journey! Peace. ☮
Loved your reaction to this, everyone should watch this at least once to fully appreciate this amazing band and Freddie's ability to connect with each and every person in the audience. A once in a lifetime performer 👑
Sir Brian May on guitar. King Charles made him a knight for more than just his talent on the guitar. He has a Phd in Astrophysics. Quite the learned man. But he loved music, to our enjoyment.❤
Live concerts were live, no cell phones in the audience to film, we were living it full blast - ears and eyes, and we all remember it in our minds and hearts 😍🤩
Not much I can say, after reading all the great comments. Great reaction… Freddie is a darn right legend! Vocally, instrumental and stage performance! What a gift! The band - amazing, the four of them with their harmonies superb.
Welcome to the Amazing world of Queen..I was at that concert and was one of the best experiences of my life..Queen SMASHED it..still missing you Freddie 😢❤
Now you understand. I couldn't tell you how many times I've watched this performance, and I get just as excited - and sing along just as loudly - every single time. My only quibble with this video is that Roger Taylor (drummer & brilliant backing singer) didn't have a camera focused on him. The guitarist is Sir Brian May PhD the astrophysicist - he built that red guitar out of household bits and pieces with his dad when he was a teenager because they couldn't afford to buy him the kind of guitar he wanted. He could already play the piano, the ukelele and the banjo, but he desperately wanted a guitar... Bass is John Deacon, the 'quiet one' of the band, and electrical engineer. Taught himself to play any instrument that was required - including the electric piano and double bass. I'd like to suggest 'Save Me' from the same 1981 Montreal concert as Someone to Love...
Totally agree about Roger should have showed him more he is a fabulous singer & his voice along with Freddie’s compliments so well he was always there to take over when Freddie’s voice wasn’t the best & if he was getting tired love Roger ❤❤❤❤
"We Will Rock You" was shortened to fit the allotted time slot. They performed only the first of three verses. David Bowie was next on stage and as Queen were exiting he declared, "You bastards! How am I to follow that?" (or something to that effect.) Please check out young Queen, "Stone Cold Crazy" live at the Rainbow 1974.
There’s a lot more where that came from!!! Queen were a late addition to the acts so this wasn’t a Queen crowd and yet everyone knew the words and joined in. They absolutely stole the show! ❤❤❤❤
One of if not the best front man ever!! I watched this live on TV back in 85. The whole concert both in the UK and Philadelphia was absolutely incredible!!
When I was a teenager in the '70's I was a HUGE fan. It's kind of gratifying, in a way. They've become legends, and are easily in the Top 5 bands that ever existed.
That's maestro Brian May on guitar, John Deacon on bass and Roger Taylor on drums. Each of them also have beautiful singing voices which contribute to some tear-causingly beautiful harmonies.
Watching this for the umpteenth time, all at once my brain reminds me, pre-teen and teen Freddie fed his love of music listening to the radio. Little did he realise his Queen brother would bring such a song as Radio GaGa to feed their music making and performing creativity to generations for ages to come.
Brian May lead guitarist/vocals, John Deacon bassist/vocals& Roger Taylor drummer/vocals. As you listen to more Queen,I hope you notice their harmonies. In fact Roger had a higher range than Freddie's& backed him up.
I grew up with my mum listening to Queen and Freddie Mercury a lot but it wasnt until i got quite a bit older that i realised how much of a talent he really was.
All 4 members of Queen were multitalented. They all wrote songs, sang beautifully, produced records, and were experts on their instruments. They were maybe one of the most educated band also. Freddie had a degree in fine arts, Brian May, lead guitarist, has a PHD in astrophysics, one of the others was in dental school, and the other had a degree in something else, maybe engineering. There may never be such a talented band again.
I was there that day in 1985 as a 15yr old pop music lover... I left that day as a convert to rock music, thanks mainly to Freddie & Co... You need to remember that this was NOT a Queen concert or even a Queen audience, in fact they were a last minute addition to the line up. That said for 22 minutes that afternoon Freddie had close to 73,000 people in Wembley and almost 1.9 billion watching on TV globally eating out of the palm of his hand. I'm now a 55yr old woman who's been to 300ish live rock concerts over the years but that 22 minutes right there is still by far the best 22 minutes of live greatness EVER! God bless you Freddie.. RIP you legend 👑👑👑
To add to the greatness that was Freddie Mercury, keep in mind that this is the performance of a man suffering from, what at the time was, an incurable terminal illness. The fact that he had a throat infection is completely undetectable.
Thanks, Stu! You do know that this was not even a "Queen" concert.. they were a "last-minute" addition to the program... but they still stole the show... lol... (p.s. I know, Freddie! but this is an incredible BAND... everyone has their part... each incredible musician... especially Roger Taylor and Brian May on back-up vocals.. not to leave out John Deacon's bass.. holding it down).. appreciate your reaction...
I was 15 when this event was planned. Freddie had 70,000 fans and 1.8 billion people watching from home in the palm of his hand that day. Freddie was told by his doctor not to perform because he had a throat infection and he could damage his vocal chords but Freddie said that Queen would be there darling. David Bowie reportly said How The F*ck do I follow that 😂 I was already a huge Queen fan and When it was done my Dad became one too. RIP Dear Freddie you are still loved and missed to this day ❤️ Great reaction and Peace out ✌️ ☮️
That voice - you should've heard him when he didn't have a severe case of Laryngitis. Freddie was told by his doctors NOT to perform due to his throat infection! - He was incredible. That guy on the guitar is the legendary Sir Brian May - Doctor in Astrophysics! The Drummer is the amazing Roger Taylor, and John Deacon is the base player (Note ALL 4 wrote number 1 hits, as well as holding high level degrees) After watching this I recommend - Who wants to live forever, and Days of our lives! Welcome to the 80's!
No encontrarás otra banda como está. Los cuatro son compositores ,al frente la voz y el carisma espectacular de Freddy. Son irrepetibles. 33 años después de su muerte aquí estamos todos escuchando a Queen.
