HOW and WHY were Queen SO good at Live Aid in 1985? 

TIME STAMPS - 2:43 Checking Sound 7:36 Freddie's Vocal 12:25 Off-Stage Piano - Frees Freddie for Show 16:46 Electric Snare Trigger 17:15 Breaking Down the Invisible Wall 20:42 Timed Choreography 21:00 They were LOUDER! 26:36 Backing Vocals 29:13 Freddie's Air Guitar 32:59 Transitions and Potential Wireless System Failure 34:41 Using Visual Cues 36:05 Offstage Piano 39:48 Covering Mistakes 42:15 Seamless Instrumental Transitions 43:47 Working as a Team Vocally 47:07 Mind Blowing Timing

Fascinating analysis. I was lucky enough to be there that day, in the middle of the pitch, about 50 yards from the stage and to the left of the mixing/lighting desk! As a non-musician I'm in awe of your comments. Could I humbly suggest you glossed over the "Ey-Yo" interaction with the crowd!? It was the highlight of the set for many of us. Remember, it was 92 degrees that day - some people had even passed out and been carried off the pitch. Many of us were dehydrated plus drunk and/or stoned. Typical Brits, we were not prepared fo the blistering hot sun. I'd had a stinking headache for hours and there was no hiding place, no escape if you wanted to keep your spot (you'd never have made it back to your mates if you'd left). We were also exhausted because the music had already been going for 7 hours at that stage and we'd arrived hours before that. What Freddie did was not just put on an unforgettable show. He rejuvenated everyone, got us involved. Plenty of musicians have done that since but I'd never witnessed that before. It was one aspect of his genius for showmanship. Anyway, just my tuppence worth, thanks for a great video.

A microphone in one hand and the crowd in the other...absolute legend ❤️

"You're only as strong as your weakest link and with Queen there was no weak link" such an impressive group

I recently heard Roger Taylor interviewed and when asked if they were scared because of the crowd size, he said yes. He went on to the the acoustics, the sound, on the stage itself were SO bad THEY COULDN'T HEAR EACHOTHER AT ALL! Roger said that entire performance required a lot of eye contact, body language and each playing by memory. Considering that, as if each were deaf....really..flawless, timeless performance. If you watch this knowing that, you can see them communicating that way...once they huddled even. Cheerio.

Freddie did say in an interview that his favorite instrument was the crowd

At the time of Live Aid I was serving in the British Royal Marine Commandos in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. We listened to it on the radio. We were surrounded by the full horror of the Famine, but when Queen came on the radio those poor soles who were there even reacted in a very positive way. I remember that a lot of us Royal Marine Commandos were crying watching some of the children dancing along, I'm teary eyed just remembering. I looked around at men I had fought alongside, who were tough, hardened Royal Marine Commandos who had fought a life and death war against Argentinian's in 82. By the end of Queen's set we were dancing with the children. It went along way to help build their trust in us. The famine is only one of many terrible memories I have from 34 years of active service, and over 2 years hospitalisation. But when I remember the smiles on the children's faces, and their laughter at the terrible way we danced always reminds me that humanity will always find it's way through even the worst of times. I only watched it for the first time last year, my son put it on the TV. A lot of memories came back and a lot of tears. My amazing Wife took me to see Queen at Wembley, U.K., in 1986 two weeks after I got back from Ethiopia as a surprise, we also went to the last Queen concert they ever did. I saw Queen live 8 times in all (my wife only 6 ha ha), they were incredible live. And yes, I am an old fart.

One of the things that is most impressive about that set is......................the crowd were NOT a Queen crowd, they had come to the day to see what ever band they were a fan of, but Freddie still had them eating out of his hand, purely because he was such a showman..........that was the mark of the man and the band....

The piano was played by Spike Edney who filled in on piano regularly while Freddy was downstage being Freddy. Spike is their piano man to this day for Queen+Adam Lambert. He’s one of the family.

Freddie on a bad vocal day still put on one of the most iconic performances in the history of music.

The kiss Freddie blew during Bohemian Rhapsody while singing the phrase "Mama"... was for his mother. He told her he would blow her a kiss during his performance.

Freddie was so ahead of his time, he's been dead for 30 years and there is STILL nobody who can touch him! That my friends is why we are still talking about this performance almost forty years later!

I am 65 and still never get tired of watching Freddie with Queen in the Live Aid concert. Iconic performance.

Freddie owned the stage like no other. Queen's Live Aid performance still gives me goosebumps after all these years.

I love how you can't stop smiling at Freddie. He does that to me too, or makes me cry. He's still so alive to me

I remember being glued to the TV for this entire benefit. I was 10 yo and already learning how to play guitar. It made me buckle down and really get serious about it. It still chokes me up to this day seeing how Freddy had that massive crowd in the palm of his hand during their set especially during Radio Ga Ga. He made the people way at the back in the nose bleed seats feel like they were in the front row. You can't learn how to do that. You either have it or you dont.

Loved that Freddie warmed up the keys with Tchaikovskys Piano Concerto #1. His background in the classics was not lost on me.

Best performance of all time, no fancy light show, no back screens, pure connection.

This is undoubtedly the greatest 20 min in Rock and Roll history.

Here I am again 2023 and I still love this performance. I have shared this with my grandson who loved the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. I needed to show him the real deal.

You’re the only one who pointed out the sound check! It was so quick but amazing. 😮‍💨

I love this man's smile. It expresses how good music is supposed to make you feel.

The shot of the sea of people (70,000) is simply ridiculous looking. Amazing. The older I get the more I appreciate Queen not only as consummate performers but incredible, INCREDIBLE songwriters and technically proficient (amazingly so) musicians.

Freddie and Brian came back out later to perform "Is this the world we created". And it was absolutely beautiful. Why does no one ever cover it when doing a Live Aid video?

My sister got Sheer Heart Attack as a birthday gift in 1975. I was 10. That was when I fell in love with Queen. I'm 58 now. I still love the band. My heart is aching for the loss of Freddie Mercury. Fil, I almost didn't watch this because it sometimes hurts to watch/listen Queen, because of how f'ing amazing the band was, and because of the loss of Freddie. I'm so glad I let the video play. So bittersweet. Your analysis has given a greater depth to my understanding of the band. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

My favorite thing about Mercury is how he'd stick up for his band mates when interviewers would imply that he in some way over shadowed them. Stand-up fellow.

I cry EVERY TIME the audience claps along to Radio Gaga. I cried when I watched it when I was 10 and I still cry today. The world will never know another Freddie.

You talked about their command of time, but I didn't see how the yellow light at the foot of the stage changed to red just after they played the last note. Absolutely incredible.

One small thing I haven't heard mentioned yet - notice how they put Crazy Little Thing Called Love as the middle song. Freddie makes everything look effortless, but it isn't, and this middle song gives him a SLIGHTLY lower key moment to catch his breath. It's a breezy song for him vocally, fun and not super demanding while showing off the warmest part of his voice. He's got the guitar so he's not running around as much but isn't just standing there either. My bet is that he's a guy who knows you should pace yourself on stage BUT sometimes you get in the moment and don't. If you don't pace u run the risk of overtaxing yourself - particularly when you have to just go go go for 20 minutes because that's what you've got here.

THEY MANAGED to play this set with perfect timing perfect pitch and all in sync , WITH NO AUTO TUNE, NO IN-EAR MONITORS . JUST TALENT AND PRACTICE.

Talent is 10 a penny, but genuine charisma is very rare indeed. Freddie had both in spades.

Love the props to Roger on his timing. He’s definitely an underrated drummer. Big influence on my playing.

Freddie's performance at Live Aid was both multi-levelled (powerful vocals, masterful instrumentation, theatricality, physical athleticism) and multi-dimensional on a spiritual level. Pure gifts, skills, flair and joy from his heart. That's what made it (and him) so special. 💙

Why were Queen so good that day? They had paid their dues over years, had experience of large stadiums, had a great well know hit list, and practiced for a week before hand. Basically they were professionals, treated the occasion seriously rather than just turn up and wing it. Add to that, Freddie decided to shine like no one had before or since, but kudos to the whole band, not just Freddie. There is unlikely to be another frontman with his charisma in our lifetime, he truly was the best frontman ever.

Small wonder that David Bowie, who was hardly a slouch as a performer, and who was the scheduled performer after Queen, reportedly asked "How the f**k am I going to follow that?"

the audience is singing with him immediately ... they didn't need much warm up either to be completely with him i always get chills the second he starts singing, thank you for this

i love that you analyze the interactions of the whole band and don't just comment on Freddie as so many reactions to this Live Aid segment do. I always learn so much from your analysis.

One factor you may not have been aware of --- the stage lights were first put on for Queen's set. This made a real difference to the whole feel of the day. We were all getting a bit tired after six and a half hours, and the lights coming on as Queen entered made all the preceding bands (performing in daylight) look like support acts for a regular Queen gig. There was a huge charge to the atmosphere as Queen came on; we were really revitalised. And the crowd wasn't primarily a Queen crowd---U2 was the most popular band at that time---yet every single person in that stadium was hand-clapping for Radio Gaga. I was watching from the VIP section (the Royal Box), and all the performers there relaxing in the Artistes' Bar after their set were clapping along and singing, too. A fabulous day. And a fabulous band. By the way, the pianist/keyboard player was Spike Edney, who had been with them since the year before, and continues to this day (Queen + Adam Lambert). I'm not a musician and I would never have noticed the nuances of performance you have been talking about, but I do love listening to anyone with a passion for their subject, and you have kept me enthralled for the best part of an hour. So thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the set through your eyes.

Only Freddie could strut like that and not look cheesy. It's nice to know about their dedication to minute details and how they all add up to make a unforgettable performance that the entire world was watching.

I loved how you broke this performance down. As you mentioned, Queen was so good, many people don't realize all the hard work they put into all their performances. To be given 20 minutes to perform, and put on such a spectacular show is nothing but amazing. I've seen this clip many times. It still gives me goosebumps and makes me want to stand up and cheer, "All hail to Queen!"

I am 78 and did not discover Queen until 2 mos ago!! I do remember hearing Bohemian Rhapsody on the radio constantly back in the day. I did not like the music in the 60's and so turned to country. I saw the Queen movie on Amazon prime. Since then started watching all the you tube videos on Queen. I have in the past 2 months watched and listened to so much Queen I feel like I know the band, want to meet Freddie Mercury in person, cannot believe his magical voice and his performances. The Live Aid songs of their 20 min play all day every day in my head like someone put a "Queen chip" in my brain. One of my favorites is George Michael and his tribute song to Freddie Somebody to Love is right up there with the best of the best. My favorites of all time George Michael, Elvis, Faron Young, Freddie Mercury, and Prince. Lost all too young and Faron too sad. Really enjoyed this narration by Wings of Pegasus. Thank you so much.

I've watched Queen's Live Aid performance many times but your brilliant commentary gave me an entirely new appreciation for them.

It always amazes me that Roger can get his vocals in there so well and still be playing drums at the same time...

You know you've arrived when the audience insists on singing the songs for you.

I love that Freddie still took time to interact with the fans despite knowing they had limited time on stage. The man knew how to put out a show. A legend.

One of the reasons the crowd is so connected to the performers, as compared to concert goers today, has to do with something that you _don't_ see here. I'm talking about smartphones. They didn't exist in 1985. You don't see everyone holding up their smartphone and then spending the entire concert staring at a tiny smartphone screen. No... they're not distracted by any of that silly crap. They're totally focused on the stage and feeling truly immersed in the experience.

Freddie’s gestures, walk and movements really express that he is feeling every word and with that we believe him, in turn making us want to be fully engaged and willing to go along the ride with him. Truly one of the most brilliant frontmen of all time.(probably the best)

Can we just take a minute to appreciate what the sound engineers were able to do? That has to be the best job of sound mixing I have ever heard at a live concert. The balance was perfect!

10 seconds in a 20 minute set is extraordinary 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Good analysis Fil ❤ Incredible band!!!!

Roger and Brian said in an interview that they couldn't hear themselves because they were so loud and so was the audience. They didn't know how great they were sounding. Roger filled in for Freddie a lot if Freddie's voice wasn't all there at a concert.

Freddie's voice in We Are the Champions was obviously feeling the strain of that incredible set--and you're right--his bandmates step up to keep the richness and strength of the vocals. Incredible performance--and love your analysis.

It makes you cry because THIS is what music IS and what music can do.

I would have never known he wasn't feeling 100% if you didn't tell me. This is such a fascinating analysis, thank you so much💜💜💜

The connection with the audience is incredible but, how I can watch a recording of it on a phone screen 35 years after the event and it connects with me enough to bring me to tears time and time again, that is powerful beyond belief. Astonishing! Long live Queen and R.I.P Freddie. The greatest ♥

So basically, this performance was not without mistakes and yet it was perfect.

I'd have to say that Queen was one of those very rare bands who actually sound better live than on an album. Freddie always seems to just put so much more into those live performances.

Let’s notice Freddie’s body language as Wings of Pegasus has overlooked. Freddie moves with ease but with purpose throughout the performance. He uses the entire stage to meet and engage the audience. His movements are theatrical , almost like a ballet. His sense of staging and positioning is remarkable to a point of physical intimacy. The audience is spellbound!

Roger was a doll. He’d said, not knowing how they were going to do, a short time in he looked through his drums and thought “this is going well”. Well? I’d say…..damn baby you all nailed it!!

I can remember seeing a Documentary about this Live Aid concert where Bob Geldof mentioned that even though donations were coming in, they were slow and sporadic, then Queen went onstage and apparently the phone lines nearly melted, such was the performance and atmosphere that Queen added to this whole charity event.

Crying, Freddie dance walked, ran and sang all over that stage for the TOTAL performance. I saw it, because I was there. (7th row stage right). I feel so blessed.

I have watched this performance at least 100 times but the best part of this time was watching Fil smile along! I bought A Night at the Opera in 7th grade and grew up with Queen but it's because of this performance that I have become, in my 50s, a rabid fan. We love you, Freddie ❤

This was the single greatest performance ever. I get lost in this performance and I have seen it hundreds of times. The crowd was magical. Freddie was beyond angelical.

I heard in an Interview that once Queen decided to join Live Aid they stepped into a studio and rehearsed every second to give a perfect Performance. they gave a fantastic show to the audience and still, more than 30 years later we get shivers and are enthusiastic about this Band There is no Band like Queen. I'm so happy to grow up with them

Fil.... You're the man. Your love for and enthusiasm for the music and musicians and their craft really shines in all your videos. Top notch.

Fantastic! There never has been or never will be another Freddie Mercury. A once in a century talent.

No ONE will ever command an audience like Freddie!! The greatest front man ever, accompanied by the rest of this amazing band, are and will always be legendary!! RIP Freddie

The band members all knew this was for Freddie. When someone is that important to you, you give it your all plus some. They kicked super human effort into their performances…. All of them. Queen was a fine tuned machine that day. Their energy and the pure love behind it made people cry with joy. I cry every time! Impressive indeed!

Watching these old recordings of them, it's always impressive to me how well all the members of Queen play off of and support each other in live performances. They really are like a well trained pro sports team--passing back and forth, setting up shots for each other, and just generally working all of their individual strengths and abilities to the max to form a cohesive whole. They were all individually excellent, but they knew how to make each other even better, and I think THAT'S how they became the legends that they are.

Another factor to consider. Before this gig, Queen had experience with playing full to capacity stadiums. When they took the stage, there was no doubt of hesitation. They killed it!!!

I love the way you smile as you watch. It's clear you love Queen as much as so many of us.

The first time I really understood a singer like Mercury was something Shania Twain said about herself. She had jumped from country to pop and was questioned about it. She said she IS NOT a singer, she is a performer… what ever the fans want or ask for is what she will give them. I think of Mercury as a theatrical performer with a phenomenal voice. He wants only to please the fans. Until the man fell over dead he gave them his best performance possible.

The set list is also awesomely thought out. Within a minute of taking stage they are launching into their most iconic song and then straight into a song whose chorus is all about "us" loving radio joining the audience participation with the lyrics.

I watched this at a Live Aid party back in the day.... And what a Fantastic day that was!! ❤️

I can still recall watching Live Aid in my now wife’s parents front room thinking to myself ‘Oh, it’s QUEEN…’ 😏 The moment they hit that first chord changed EVERYTHING.

They " Stole the show " . Pretty impressive, they were written off by most and the sheer quality of acts that day . Bravo , They were untouchable that day !

It's so refreshing to listen to someone intelligent and knowledgeable talk about this performance. Great job Fil! This is my favorite music clip of all time. Thank you.

Freddie was somehow able to make even those sitting in the nosebleed seats feel like they were front row. He identified with the audience, and we with him. He knew so much turmoil and heartbreak and recklessness, and he poured it out through his voice. He had been diagnosed by this point, and even in his compromised state of precarious health, he stole the show. Totally and completely. Great evaluation as usual, Fil!

Freddie could work any crowd. I miss that world.

I was 13 years old and watching this concert in my parent's basement, in Minnesota, USA, and my mom was a Queen fan so when they came on I was familiar with the songs....BUT THE PERFORMANCE!!!!! To this day, if I hear Radio GaGa, I throw my hands up and clap at the right time(s)...sometimes at the angst of those around me....doesn't matter...SOOOOO GOOOODDD!!!

I was there. It was a blessing being a part of something bigger than the world itself. All the legends were there. And Bri, the sweetest musician/scienceman ever. Fil, I wish you could analyze the Extreme’s tribute to the Queen!, as for Bri and Nuno, in particular or Freddie/Gary. Man, this is music! ❤

This was by far and away the best analysis I've ever seen of their performance. Great job... thanks!!

I remember watching this in 1985. Never thought people would be still talking about this over 30 years later. It just shows how timeless Queen and Freddie are.

The other thing that makes this performance so amazing is that the crowd was not there for Queen. It was Live Aid, so the audience had (we assume) different bands that they were fans of. And I think (unless this is apocryphal) that Queen was a relatively late add, so most attendees would not have even booked their tickets with Queen in mind. And yet, Queen had the entire crowd in the palm of their hands.

Freddie always seems to be honoring Brian during the solos!! Brilliant. Transcendent

Whenever I watch Queen’s Live Aid set it always sends me down a Queen rabbit hole, where I have to listen to/watch as many performances as I can. I love this band so much.

They were the ultimate stadium band. No one ever captivated every single person in a stadium like they did.

I generally like reactions where the reactor is a novice, being blown away by a great artistry and performance. I"m not fond of most reactors who try to analyze and show how smart they are. You know what you're talking about. I feel like I'm taking a master class in musical concepts and performance.

He had them in the palm of his hand. Freddie Mercury made Wembly feel like a small intimate venue

I love how Freddie talks. He's so theatrical. Very sadly missed.

They had rehearsed this set to death and Roger had the timing down to perfection. They wanted to let Freddie get in with the crowd, and he would have gone on for ages given the chance, but Roger gave him the drum clue at 25:38 that his time was up, utter professionals. They were not even top billing for the show but they were undisputed champions by the end, for sure. I wasn't there but I heard it on broadcast and I could not believe how good they were. Mind you I never picked up on a fraction of the points you raised in your analysis, thank you for a great video.

I know as an American Live Aid viewer who thought Queen had had their day, with low expectations going in and the tepid way other acts had performed to that point (neither the stadium nor the sound system seemed right), it was a shock just how solid and in their element Queen looked from the get-go. They clearly kicked the show up a notch or two, to a place I didn't think it could go, and the response they got from the hometown fans was felt all the way across the Ocean. Live Aid without Queen would have been a minor dud.

When he's singing "when we grow tired of *all this vision*" and he is looking straight into the camera as he does it. Thank you for this analysis - I could have listened to you talking about the band, and the performance all day long! I don't know if the dreaded algorithm takes note of comments on older vids, but here's a big thank you, just in case it helps!

I was 12 watching this at home with my dad and we were singing along and I'll never forget the goosebumps I got just watching Queen own the entire stage...I can't even imagine what it would have been like to be there... amazing stuff. There will never be another Freddie Mercury. Edit to add I have no idea how I missed this the first time around lol.

One thing often overlooked is how amazing the background vocals are. Roger and Brian were both once lead vocalists and their background vocals are truly amazing.

Freddie being such a perfectionist that none of this is surprising. Gone too soon. What a tragic loss.

Damn I miss these days. Going to concerts and everyone just having an awesome time. I remember when Queen came out and I bought the album, which I STILL HAVE!!!!

No fakery there, pure talent. Queen always gave 100% and no one holds a crowd like Freddie. I think really you had 4 artists who worked really well together on a stage that for 20 minutes they had total command of. Class.

Queen were such a success not only because they chose their most outstanding hits, they also chose those songs because they knew that the audience would participate. Queen were famous for their big stadium concerts so Live Aid didn’t phase them at all. With Freddie’s interaction with the audience, he had them in the palm of his hand, which none of the other bands achieved. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 💖

I love your expression- the smile- when you are watching Freddie. I saw them live when I was 16 and I threw Freddie a long stemmed red 🌹, oh yes I did! What a night. And yes. Every show they performed as if it was their last. Glad to have found your channel. To this day I love to listen to him sing. A Persian Prince. RIP Freddie. ❤️🌹❤️.

Hard to believe that this was almost 40 years ago. Seems like yesterday. Their entire set was orgasmic. Excellent analysis.