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I was at Live Aid in 1985. I remember that performance. Being in the audience, it was electric. Freddie and Queen owned that stadium and the concert for those minutes. Here we are 37 years later praising a 22 minute performance. Why? Because it was Epic. So glad I had the privilege to be there. That is a treasure for life.
Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor, has often said that when people call Freddie Mercury the best showman, it makes him angry. He doesn't want them to forget that Freddie was a Great musician!
Someone should tell Roger not to worry, its impossible for anyone to forget how great of a musician Freddie was. In fact, "great musician" feels like a HUGE understatement. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
Of course he was a great musician, but there were many great musicians of the 70’s and 80’s. But the reason that Freddie is elevated from great to legendary is that he combined his great musicianship with incredible showmanship and a connection with the audience (never shown better than at the Live Aid concert) and there are hardly any other people from that era who came close to that - only Mick Jagger, probably.
Live Aid was a great concert but what people need to know is that at every Queen concert Freddie gave his all and was always able to make the fans jaw drop. Freddie was the best musician/ stage performer EVER!
@@stellaphantom366 Yes, they had many singelels, which was a BIG flop. Do you know Calling all Boys, Calling all Girls? This was a flop single. Brian sayed, that the Musicvideo saw three peoples around the world :D
This video missed out one major asset, the band's sound engineer. Most bands were used to concert halls, but Queen had been playing stadiums. As Queen walked on their sound engineer changed all the settings, whacked up the volume, and set the standard that remains to this day.
@@vanessa1052 totally different acoustics, easier to hear throughout the crowd and probably dropped a lot of the reverb to clear up the sound over a longer distance. The set being absolutely phenomenal with top class musicians didn’t hurt.
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I was there! The concert was amazing. Just when you thought the music and atmosphere couldn't get any better - Queen came on stage. Everything just went off the scale. It was like Queen were part of the crowd and played WITH the crowd. Everyone else just play FOR the crowd.
Our electrical firm was called to rush in some parts for some failing equipment on the day, we arrived as Bowie was ending his set and we stayed for the rest of the event, I missed seeing this historic performance by minutes.
I was there, not too far from the front right of the stage. The U2 performance was incredible, but the crowd were leaping up and down with there U2 banners, which was a little scary! Then Queen came out, and it was completely different. Never before or since have I seen a band, or a performer take control of a crowd like that. Everyone was hung on every note, every word, and Freddy had us all in in the palm of his hand - as you can see in the video. I'm not sure if it was charisma or something else, but it was another whole level of entertainment. Unforgettable.
@@jesuslopez1682No,THEY were before very Loved and known and famous!!! THEY played in Stadiums years before already!!!!! Watch Out for example the First Rock in Rio Concert in Januar 1985!!! That huge brasilian crowd was singing their Songs in english,espacially "Love of my Life"!!!! Goosebumps!!!! It's a historic Concert Too!!! It's worthwile to watch Too!!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
I'd be honored if some Queen fans would come by & give a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal live performance of RADIO GA-GA in tribute to one of the band's top 80s-era hits and to Roger Taylor (who wrote the song). Live 1-take recording with no autotune or digital editing. Peace & stay safe.
As a young student I camped out all night in the streets of Manchester with hundreds of others to get tickets for me and my sister to Live Aid in Wembley and it was truly one if the best and most unforgettable days of my life! I still get shivers...The atmosphere was electric from start to finish & all the performances were amazing but Queen stood out as absolutely outstanding! Freddy was so totally in his element- it was incredible. I always love hearing their performance being referred to as the greatest live rock performance of all time... and I'm thrilled I was there to witness that bit of history in the making!!🤩
I wish u are right and it used to be But Brandon Urie as a singer wipes Freddie off the map but urie says bh is the greatest song ever written All about him coming out as a gay man His mom obviously didn’t like that he was gay
@@charfras4767 sorry ,,,,,but Fred was THE best front man .. No contest. !!!! Never even heard of Brandon whoever ,, They played Live Aid "naked". no special lights,,,smoke bombs,,lazers etc,,,an rocked the planet,,( an shown us all what a bell end Nobo (Bono) is ,,,
I saw Queen four times in the 80s - the Live Aid performance was a snippet of how they ALWAYS performed. Mercury is a legend: he invigorated the audience from the moment he walked on stage to his final bow. The songs were anthemic, often amusing and there was rarely a song performed by the band that the audience didn't love. And here's another reason why the Queen shows worked - Brian May made sure his guitar rifts could be sung along to, so that with Mercury's engagement with the audience and May's singalong guitar solos, there was never a pause or excuse NOT to be involved. Pure magic.
My late husband and I were really struggling financially at the time . We watched the concert at a friends house . Bob Geldof kept saying that if you're watching donate some money . Next day my husband donated £10 via bank transfer . Doesn't sound much today but it was a lot for us back then . Queen were outstanding !!
omg we all did this in our class room back in high school and middle school in the mid to late 2000s when u thump the table twice someone will eventually clap and im all the way from south east asia 😀
Some music this day is trash imagine almost all of stuffs,crew maintenance and the while thousands of audience stomp together to join to the beat of freddie thats one thing is amazing.
In the Army we sang a cadence that was simply called "stomp, stomp, clap." The words changed according to the drill sergeant's mood, but it was always with a similar sound to "We are the Champions," and it was always classic! Of course, we only did it when we were marking time or seated in bleachers. Imagine a couple of hundred people, with boots on, doing this on aluminum bleachers! It was soooo LOUD!!!
I was lucky enough to be at Wembley for the Live Aid concert, pretty close to the stage. Freddie and Queen stole the show, no doubt about that. That concert and Queen's performance will stay with me until the day I die.
I will be eternally jealous...absolutely brilliant. They were Live Aid. I got the consolation prize of seeing them performing on air. I would have given my left arm to be there live!!
There isn't anyone in the world who would disagree with you that Queen were the standout on that day. As a matter of interest, was Queen the reason you went?
Queen rehearsed their set and fine tuned it to perfection. Most acts hardly bothered with rehearsals. It also helped that the band had often played large audiences. Queen were (and remain) the ultimate live act.
Absolutely right. Most bands and artists didn't seem to take Live Aid seriously. Queen were exceptionally professional. I saw the concert live on TV and I was getting pretty bored with it until Queen came on. They were considered to be past it by then, but that performance reignited their popularity. The interaction between Freddie Mercury and everyone in that crowd sent shivers down my spine. It was amazing.
Yes,but this crowd wasn't only Queens Fans and the whole Event was worldwide streamed in real time!! On the whole Planet!!!! And the occasion was really Special!!!!
Never knew queen until It one time when I was at the lowest point of my life with depression and suicidal thoughts. Then listening to bohemian rhapsody and all the other songs in the live aid concert made me think there are people out there experiencing far worst than I am. My dad played it and the lyrics just spark a light inside me. Gave me the strength to fight even against all odds. Stay lit everyone
Your light and your time here on earth is a precious gift. Don’t you dare ever put out that light or ever think about snuffing it out. Know your worth. Feel your power. Be good, strong and classy.
My great aunt was at the Live Aid performance and she explained the whole Queen performance as being in a trance. You couldn't (and didn't want to) look away. She says it was the best day of her entire life and she'd give anything to go back. I was born in 2003 so I missed Queen by a long shot, but I'm in love with their music and would give anything to see them live.
Same here, I was born in 2002 so I didn’t really had the chance to see them live, since Freddie died in 1991, BUT I really love their music and I watched the Live Aid concert a million times on yt and just can‘t get enough.
Same! Born in 2003 as well, my Dad watched Live Aid on his TV and he told me that everyone was glued to the screen during Queen's set. He introduced me to their music and they've been one of my favorite Bands of all-time. If I had a time machine I would easily go back and watch Live-Aid in person
We had a huge neighborhood block party that day and Live aid was being projected on the side of a neighbor’s garage. When Queen stepped on to that stage every single person there stopped whatever they were doing or saying and we were standing completely mesmerized by Freddie. I was 14 and my parents were not fans of Mtv or current music but on that day, at that moment everyone loved Freddie and Queen. It is still one of my most treasured memories.
@UCr9Waeedsk1zcrUlMjfGhFw ..it's hard for foreign bands to break America as a lot of music outside of America is not to American tastes ..America has some great music, but not very keen on much that's not American unless it goes viral temporarily, then it's back to American music only...shame really as so many fantastic UK bands
I watch this concert over and over. Tears stream down my face with every viewing. Tears of happiness for the life of Freddie Mercury and tears of sadness at his death
Freddie Mercury didn't make it all about him, he got the crowd and the world to participate, and it was pure rock n roll magic!!! Queen always included the fans and made each show the best, Freddie captivated the world and our hearts with his amazing talent and persona 🥰
I'm late to your original comment, but this is exactly what it's all about. I'm 44 and just watched it for the first time. Amazing. Your point nails it, just as Queen did.
Freddie was a musical genius. Complex talent. Creative, unique, special. Not just one he was a frontman, but also Queen's heart, his engine. His talent was special - his wonderful voice, his charismatic personality brilliant. It was much more than a rock star.
I had watched Live Aid from start to finish, I recorded the whole thing. All the performances were great but after a while it all seemed just kind of ok that's nice. Then Queen came on and they blew me away. I was sitting there just awed and watched with stunned amazement. After it ended I quickly ejected the tape I was recording on placed in a new one. Took the copy and ran down to. A buddies room (I was stationed in Ft Hood TX, Army) put it in his VCR just so I could watch it again. Yeah it was that amazing. You could feel the energy from everyone there. My buddy who wasn't a fan of Queen became one that day.
@@michaelreece458 good man, best home recording sound quality of the era. I've still got a big storage tote of betas (mix of studio produced and personal recordings) and a well maintained 32" early 90's Trinatron CRT that I use for watching them and playing pre Playstaion game consoles in their original interlaced glory.
I wish I could be able to go back in time and see them. I was born in 2002 so I didn‘t had the chance to see them live since Freddie sadly died in the 90‘s BUT whenever I watch/hear anything from Queen I‘m just focused on it. I really like them ! I‘m so happy you had a great time. 🥰
Queen practiced and practiced and practiced to time everything down to the second in their 20 minute set. Roger Taylor keep the whole band synched to a mind blowing level with the drum lead. The band as a whole really knew timing and synchronization extremely well. And then there's Freddy. What an amazing showman and singer he was. You didn't just watch him. The audience became an integral part of the show. Queen is what professional artistry truly means.
@@MostlyPennyCat Exactly. They even surrounded themselves with clocks and were one of just a handful of bands that practiced for this event outside of other bands who walked onto the stage cold. Led Zeppelin as legendary as they are were disbanded at this time and walked out cold and unfortunately were quite awful when trying to play their songs.
@@maxpower8916 Do you know about the traffic lights system all the bands could see? Queen were down to their very last warning flashes (amber or red, I forget) but that was what they practiced for, down to the bitter end. Just insanely good. I saw Live Aid on TV as a 7 year old. I was a Queen fan and it was electric. Somewhere in my parents attic is my copy of their biography and both Greatest Flicks 1 & 2 on VHS. I watched and read them to death. Us music, theatre and dance kids at school went _nuts_ for Innuendo when it was released. They were just an undiluted kind of magic. I was devastated when Freddie died, I was 13, cried my eyes out.
@@MostlyPennyCat Yes. I knew about that system. I should have emphasized that Queen surrounded themselves with clocks at practice so they could get it down to the very last minute of their set time on stage.
But what made that so interesting was the fact this was not a Queen audience. It was a stadium full of random people, who all bought in to Freddy's performance. Thats what makes the hand clapping in Radio Ga Ga so haunting. It was just that spontaneous.
I feel like "controlled" isn't even the ideal word... He INVOLVED them, in the performance... Made them part of the songs. That's something that few bands have achieved to anywhere near the same musicality. They were his CHOIR for a spell.
@@AnimeSunglasses Ever seen them perform Spread Your Wings? Freddie made the crowed sing the chorus for the entire song while they played and Freddie ad libbed over them!
It truly was an astounding performance. I've never seen a lead singer better than Freddie. There really has never been a front man quite like him. His songwriting, singing, and performing was absolutely stunning. I wish him peace forever. Miss you Freddie.🕯️
Freddie was the greatest showman, he could get an audience in the palm of his hand. Plus how many bands had played before to warm up the crowd not that Freddie needed it.
But the crowd weren't warmed up. That was the whole point. I remember watching with wandering attention asit had been going for several hours by then and many acts just didn't get the opportunity that this was a massive worlwide stage. They dialled in a lacklustre performance and the mood and energy had definitely dipped. The phones had gone quiet with donations and Bob Geldof was heading to the Comms office to fire a rocket up their arse and try and get attention whipped up again. He was walking across a gantry when Queen were doing Radio Ga Ga and looked out across the crowd of thousands of swaying and clapping arms and was bowled over. There's a great BBC documentary about the whole of the concert.
They had been playing to huge stadium audiences for years; They had some great sing along songs for stadium audiences; They realised the significance of the event and practiced their set for weeks before hand; and They had the greatest frontman ever.
Born to Indian parents. Brought up in the UK as a British citizen. Smashed American and world music charts. Was perhaps one of the best most passionate performers who ever lived and even worked for charity.... What a guy!
@@andrewbryan3889 born in Zanzibar as a Parsi-Indian. Had to overcome a lot of racism before the band hit it big making his achievements even more inspirational especially to young Indians or any ethnic minority actually striving to overcome similar prejudices and succeed in life.
Here is why three specific things made this so brilliant -- 1 = they cut the numbers short, and spared the audience for boring instrumental solo,s / presentation of band members = boooring, and no one cares - 2 = they "mixed" some of the tracks into eachother like a DJ would do, and by doing this avoided boring pauses, and kept people "on the beat" - 3 = Freddies outstanding Daaaooh inter action with the audience - nothing beats that - he was on a different level - world class act.
The greatest concert of all time would have to be Beethoven's 1808.. When you premiere The 5th, 6th symphony and 4th piano concerto at the same gig it even knocks freddie of the top podium... From a massive queen fan btw...
One reason is overlooked here, I think. There was no sound check due to time constraints. However, Queen's sound engineer, Trip Khalaf, had listened out front and had jacked the sound levels up for the band's performance. This made the huge audience stand up and take notice! Of course, Mercury's mesmerizing stage presence captivated the crowd. Few have that kind of charisma in the entertainment world. He had it in spades!
And who was it that knew stadium rock shows best? Trip didn't "jack" it up by accident. And by the way, when they did a show, they ALWAYS were rehearsed and ready, and they knew the importance of sound, that's why Mr. Khalaf was on their team.
It wasn't possible to up the volume, soundlevels had to be respected due to regulations (they were hard set and couldn't be bypassed), but having your own sound engineer controlling the sound is a smart move, he can make it sound louder without it being louder. He knows how to set the levels the way the band sounds the best. He probable was able to create a wider, broader sound, so it sounds louder without it being louder.
They were the best that day, i remember when freddie started playing the piano for bohemian rapshody i couldnt take my eyes off him and the band, and the way he stopped half way through it then went into radio gaga my two favourite queen songs, its one of the most amazing stage act i have ever seen. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!
No band in history had more anthems that we all recognize and to use them all on live aid was historic. freddie was smart enough to use the simpler songs that the whole world can rise and sing along. in every field of life we like to see the best of the best. that night there was no better band in the world.
It was a great day, I was there. It was up and down depending on the artists. There were so many, coming on, singing one or two tunes, some surprised us, some disappointed us and then Queen happened!!! It truly blew us all away. Everyone, and there was a huge selection of varying fans there, came together. We were the centre of the universe for about 15 minutes!
the right band, in the right stadium, in front of the right crowd, played the right track-list, the right weather and yes............a certain mr mercury, majestical as always.
Despite what music insiders and so forth might have thought, Queen were clearly incredibly popular even before this "comeback" concert. Those 72000 people out in the audience didn't learn the lyrics to all those songs 5 minutes before the show. They were singing along the entire time.
Exactly. I'm reading the comments here and yes they knew how to play staduims, practiced etc BUT I think what happened was magic because THREE men brought 10s of thousands of people to sing in unison. As some have explained, they played with the crowd not to the crowd
When you see that sea of people clapping to Radio Ga Ga... a pretty recent song at the time, and that wasn't even "their" audience. It looked as if the crowd was there just for them.
Curiously, their first album debuting at number 1 was Kind of Magic, which was published in 1986. Other acts such as Paul McCartney, Elton and Bowie had already had several albums debuting at number 1 (which represents a clear fan base).
@@amymonroe9328 Likewise, you don't know much about Queen, Freddie didn't really like stadiums, Queen was an Arena band, in fact, they didn't play in stadiums many times and when they did it was because they had to.
Queen & Live Aid, what can anyone say, they were perfect, perfection, magical, they were in their element, the whole world was watching, Freddie lived for the whole world to watch him, no one will ever forget that night…❤
A number of reasons. The music was upbeat and energized the crowd. The guitars and drums were stellar, truly. And there was Freddie with his incredible stage presence and his inviting the crowd to sing. They became part of him. A legend.
Now I am 65 years of age and I still remember watching the concert with my stereo at full blast and TV in my bedroom nothing I had ever seen before compared to Freddie s performance heavenly where he is now
I'll never forget live Aid '85. I was only 15 so couldn't go but it was an electric atmosphere even for people at home. Blistering hot in the UK, everyone waiting for midday. My Dad managed to sync the Tv and radio sound through his hi-fi speakers and we (and pretty much everyone else in the street) blasted music all day long. By the evening, we were all pretty much doing other things and sweltering in the evening heat with live aid playing in the background. Somehow, Queen completely re-ignited the party atmosphere! All of the stereos and tv's in the area were suddenly turned up again. Queen brought the energy back! It really was an amazing show and a day i've always used as a benchmark for great days.
Freddie Mercury is by far the best live performer to ever sit or stand on a stage. No arguments, no doubts and it’s an awesome performance. Freddie Mercury, who he was, the music he wrote, the music he sang, will live forever. I’m glad they found new fame after Live Aid and there will never be another Freddie Mercury, ever!
4:52 Queen was not in a slump in 1985. After the failure of Hot Space in 1982, the band released The Works (1984) which was a huge success and featured classics like Radio Gaga and I want to break free (both Top 3 hits in UK). The 1984-85 tour to promote the album remains the band's most successful financially and lasted until a few weeks before Live Aid. The narrative that Queen was in a slump at this time is a fictionalized plot element from the movie and was used as a way to elevate the the Live Aid performance presenting it as a reunion after years of low sales.
Freddie didn't want to do it, but when he finally agreed to do it, he and his mates had something to prove; so they rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed some more. The band had something to prove, and prove it they did, even with Freddie's being ill. It was sheer magic, and they ruled the world from the first note to the last.
The film bohemian rhapsody is highly fictionalized. Queen never broke up pre live aid. Freddie wasn't the 1st queen member to release solo albums. Freddie wasn't diagnosed with hiv for another 2 years.
No way. Didn’t you know That LiveAid was the last show Queen ever played? Freddie died of AIDS just after walking off the stage (the movie would like you to believe). /s As much as I love Queen, I’d watch Rocketman before BoRhap any day of the week. It’s a bit infuriating how fictionalized it is. And atleast Taron Edgerton sang in it.
Everybody at their best but Freddie Mercury owned that stage with his confidence. He knew he could deliver and he did. Flawless performance fing flawless!
Dude, Queen released a very very successful album called "The Works" in 1984, and embarked on a massive world tour in 1984-85. Queen also played to 300,000 people in January of 1985 in Rio in the Rock in Rio festival. So they were not in a slump by any means. Secondly the fashion comment about him wearing jeans and a muscle tank vs more elaborate costumes, Freddie was wearing t shirts and jeans in their shows since 1981. Some of these inaccuracies could have been avoid with some basic research.
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It’s not inaccurate. They fell into a slump after Hot Space was released because it’s their worst album. In The Works era, they were big in South America and other countries, but their reputation fell in the USA because of the IWTBF video controversy (obviously not their fault). The band stated themselves that after that they “lost the US”. Even before, people threw razors at Freddie in their 1980 US tour because of his sexuality. Their biggest fall was when they performed in Africa in 1984, which became a huge controversy and ruined their reputation (again, not their fault) before Live Aid. Freddie did wear t-shirts and jeans in some of their 80s concerts, but also still wore leotards in several concerts. Sorry, but you’re the one who’s stating inaccuracies and should do basic research.
@@stellaphantom366 They played in South Africa in 1984, not 1985. I am aware they lost their popularity in the US after Hot Space and particularly after the drag video (Americans are deeply puritanical after all), but this video did not say "in the USA". It said "they were in a slump". Also the video says "comeback" of Freddie. From what? He was right there singing at Rock in Rio like 3 months before Live Aid.
@@Nina-oi1qk yes, the African tour was in 1984, sorry that was a typo, I already edited it. I mean overall their popularity fell from 1982-before Live Aid so you could say that was a slump. Rock in Rio was big only in South America, not globally.
Queen was my very first concert I went to and 50 years later they are still my favorite group and always will be. Rest In Peace dear Freddie you will never be forgotten
Nobody could get an audience to participate like Freddie Mercury. He had so much energy on stage. He involved the audience in Queen concerts. Even when he said F-- You we all still loved him. To this day Freddie in videos still has the power to mesmerize you. God I wish he was still around.
Freddy Mercury, a stunning human being because he didn’t hide from the world who he was! It’s was a rarity, as the majority of groups and or singers were always performing when in the headlights 😂😅. We all miss fantastic singers whose soul you could hear in their voice. There are always amazing singers who were just born to sing. Music, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things ever invented. Many blessings to all! Love from 🇨🇦 Canada!!!
It was definitely one of the best live performances that any music band has ever played in history. Absolutely 100% Freddie was perfect that 22 minutes that day 👍🏼
I was stationed in Italy in ‘84 and took leave in ‘85 to attend this event. I was a big U2 fan when I got there. I was a bigger Queen fan when I left. I still have a picture my buddy took of me with Queen playing behind me. Memories……..
Honestly, I'm 55 now and in their time, I really enjoyed Queens music but I didnt truly appreciate it. After watching live aid on TV I was hearing it for the first time. After live aid I couldn't listen enough. Thank you Freddy for the greatest songs of me Era. God Bless you man and RIP WE MISS YOU.
I have to agree with you. I also listened and enjoyed when their music came on the radio. However when I stumbled across live aid on you tube their performance was stunning. How had I missed all this wonderfulness? This is one of the things in life that I wish I could experience again for the first time.
With respect. I’m 60. I lived this.Queen have always been Enormous. They never had Anything ever to overcome. Live aid simply made them even Bigger. I was there.
I'm ten years younger. Queen were old news, yesterday's story, why are they even here with modern acts like Madonna and Duran Duran? OK, that's why. Best of the show, by far.
I absolutely love queen i grew up with them as I'm 61 yrs old and they're my all time favourite band. No band has ever come close to being as good as them. Brian and Freddy are just master magicians when it comes to the words and some of the music. Nobody will ever knock them from top spot they're just to good. It was the saddest day when Freddy died i remember hearing it and just cried for hours the only other day like that was when Princess Diana died too. She and Freddy loved one another platonically and had fun. May you live forever Freddy! ❤❤❤
Even with a sore throat, this man was hands down the best act that night. When they were coming off stage Bowie was coming on and called Mercury a bastard lol.
@@sdavis5001 Nobody turned the volume up, that was just fictionalised for the movie. Queen had the best sound engineer in the world, who was capable of making them sound better and louder without actually being louder
He was before my time, but it's evident that Mercury was the master of versatility, and it's that vast array of abilities that makes someone a GOAT at what they do. He could sing, he could play, he could dance, he was a master showman, he could write, he was in a band that also had members who were incredible at what they did, and above all these guys, especially Mercury were driven. When you get someone like this, they achieve something that looks impossible, but they have gotten there with tremendous work. It starts with a dream and becomes real from years of dedication and improving weaknesses in whatever a person thinks they need to get better at. You can ask any GOAT rockstar or athlete, or a writer like Stephen King about how they got where they are, and it will quickly become evident how much time they put into their work! Freddie Mercury! What an incredible guy! The performer who could do it all!!!
Freddie said “I’m not not going to be a Rock Star, I’m going to be a LEGAND”!! Wish you could see just how big of a LEGAND you still are to millions and millions of fans. We all miss you Freddie, RIP Genius ❤️
Fun fact: Phil collins played at both Live Aid venues (in the two continents) on that same day. He played in England first then flew in the Concord to the U.S.A. and played at the second Live Aid venue in Philadelphia as well that day. That was also huge! in addition to Queen's performance being a such a success.
Another fun fact: Freddie was 1 of only 2 performers out of the 75 who appeared on stage at either concert who was actually born on the continent of Africa.
Caught this as a kid on tv and can’t imagine how amazing it would have been in person just watching live. This performance has stayed in my mind and my heart my whole life 🙏🏽💕🏅
I was not a fan of Queen for the longest time, but after watching this concert some years back, I became a fan. Freddie's interaction with the crowd was amazing.
One major difference is the opening number. Most bands tend to play their best number last. Queen played the best part of their best number first! And that caught and mesmerized the crowd. And to their credit, Queen managed to build on that for the rest of the time that they had on stage. Mesmerizing! 👏👏
To answer the question, Queen viewed Live Aid as an opportunity to re-energise their standing in the USA because they'd been on the slide due to indifferent 80s albums. They wanted to make a statement in front of a world audience. Contrived most definetely. They hired a small theater in London and meticulously rehearsed their 'medley' set for several days before Live Aid. From what I've read most bands rehearsed once or twice before, The Who only rehearsed for 20 minutes apparently - and it showed). In addition, they had been on tour in 1985 and were performance ready as their final concert before Live Aid had been on the 15th May, barely two months before the Wembley Stadium date. (The film has so much bullshit, but that's another story) In addition, if you believe some, their sound man was able to access the main volume controls on stage which aided their performance by giving them more power/volume. I'm not sure if this is true. Ultimately, they were a great live band, had the best sound mix - BM's guitar tone is astonishing - and they had FM, arguably the finest rock performer/vocalist ever. And they delivered at the most opportune of moments.
Rehearsing is not "contrived" it's professional. The use of volume was also professional's doing their job well. The performance. The music. The essence. Not a damn contrived beat. That was pure talent. Stars reaching and grabbing, as much for themselves (consider the circumstances) as for the purpose of concert and the mastery of owning it while entertaining the WORLD. The meaning of Live Aid was captured in their collage of repertoire. The meaning behind their artistry is captured forever. 'Contrived' was not an appropriate term. Captivating. Compassionate. Completely inspiring continuity of composition in concert would be a better description than such a hollow explanation. The entire band recognized and responded as professionals. Passionately. It was epic and remains so because there was nothing contrived about their ability to perform and ensure that after a break they still had it, which obviously, they owned it.
So glad I found this. I watched it live (on TV) that day when I was 14. I still remember how I felt then. And it's still true. Best live rock band stage performance ever. Freddie commanded that audience as if they were members of an orchestra. Credit to the live audience too though: they fed off his energy and gave back.
human emotions are never severed from the sun - watch the queen performance - only act done during sunset - this energized queen and the crowd - perfect talent, perfect sunset timing
@@kevinjoy7728 about right. Sun is going down, wind getting calm, air temp about right - crowd liquored up - then boom - Queen. Can’t get this pure talent stuff today mate.
When superstars say Freddy Mercury and Queen were the best band at Live Aid, that's enough for me, as I was so thrilled with that performance. Unbelievable performance.
![Live Aid (Queen) Full Concert [1985, London, Wembley Stadium]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PLIAp5nr0q0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Live Aid (Queen) Full Concert [1985, London, Wembley Stadium]](/img/tr.png)
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Queen was simply a gay band. The gays own the music industry.
heres a tip...shut up and play some of the hits your talking over.
You know it’s the best when all those artists performed yet you only really hear about queen’s performance
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Sure, no one talked and talks about U2 on live Aid. And U2 was just getting started on the (big) scene
There were others?
FACTS!!
I watched it live and queen stole the show. It was amazing.
'It was the perfect stage for Freddie, the whole world'
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What an amazing thing to say!! ❤️❤️❤️
Absolutely
I think you are correct, it was the stage he always wanted, and he fulfilled, not many people could do that.
Exactly
I was at Live Aid in 1985. I remember that performance. Being in the audience, it was electric. Freddie and Queen owned that stadium and the concert for those minutes. Here we are 37 years later praising a 22 minute performance. Why? Because it was Epic. So glad I had the privilege to be there. That is a treasure for life.
Me too!
What an unforgettable time of your life.
You were So lucky to have been there God bless
I saw them at Live Aid and Knebworth. Knebworth was better. Funny how history blurs these performances.
Well I couldnt see it alive, only on TV !
But he boom me! Best permonance ever
Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor, has often said that when people call Freddie Mercury the best showman, it makes him angry. He doesn't want them to forget that Freddie was a Great musician!
Someone should tell Roger not to worry, its impossible for anyone to forget how great of a musician Freddie was. In fact, "great musician" feels like a HUGE understatement. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
He does have a very nice solo career
The problem is people don’t play instruments so it’s impossible to explain that to normal people
He was a great boxer to 👍
Of course he was a great musician, but there were many great musicians of the 70’s and 80’s. But the reason that Freddie is elevated from great to legendary is that he combined his great musicianship with incredible showmanship and a connection with the audience (never shown better than at the Live Aid concert) and there are hardly any other people from that era who came close to that - only Mick Jagger, probably.
Live Aid was a great concert but what people need to know is that at every Queen concert Freddie gave his all and was always able to make the fans jaw drop. Freddie was the best musician/ stage performer EVER!
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Yes, the best.... He always put everything he had into, all that he did !❤️
As far as I know, Queen never had a single bad concert in their entire career (at least imo)!
@@stellaphantom366 Yes, they had many singelels, which was a BIG flop. Do you know Calling all Boys, Calling all Girls? This was a flop single. Brian sayed, that the Musicvideo saw three peoples around the world :D
@@Tobias1985 yep that’s in Hot Space, that’s why they declined when they produced that album. But I’m talking about concerts, not singles.
This video missed out one major asset, the band's sound engineer. Most bands were used to concert halls, but Queen had been playing stadiums. As Queen walked on their sound engineer changed all the settings, whacked up the volume, and set the standard that remains to this day.
I don’t get it, why did that make a difference?
@@vanessa1052 totally different acoustics, easier to hear throughout the crowd and probably dropped a lot of the reverb to clear up the sound over a longer distance.
The set being absolutely phenomenal with top class musicians didn’t hurt.
@@IRMentat thank you!
They were louder than every other band, as well.
In the biopic, they made a nod to this
For 20 minutes, the world was ruled by a QUEEN!!!
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Yes
still is when you live in Canada ;D
22 minutes. Queen=Best Ever! I was going to say Band but they were so much more than that!
The Empire Shall Not Fail!!
God save the Queen!!
I was there! The concert was amazing. Just when you thought the music and atmosphere couldn't get any better - Queen came on stage. Everything just went off the scale.
It was like Queen were part of the crowd and played WITH the crowd. Everyone else just play FOR the crowd.
Since I was only 7 at the time, and not in the UK, it wasn't really feasible, but I'm still jealous! ;)
wasn't born yet and it's not fair.
Your so lucky to be apart of history man!
Me too. Good eh
Our electrical firm was called to rush in some parts for some failing equipment on the day, we arrived as Bowie was ending his set and we stayed for the rest of the event, I missed seeing this historic performance by minutes.
I was there, not too far from the front right of the stage. The U2 performance was incredible, but the crowd were leaping up and down with there U2 banners, which was a little scary! Then Queen came out, and it was completely different. Never before or since have I seen a band, or a performer take control of a crowd like that. Everyone was hung on every note, every word, and Freddy had us all in in the palm of his hand - as you can see in the video. I'm not sure if it was charisma or something else, but it was another whole level of entertainment. Unforgettable.
That was the performance that turned Freddie into the legend that he is, really, before that, Queen was a good band, but it was just another band.
@@jesuslopez1682No,THEY were before very Loved and known and famous!!! THEY played in Stadiums years before already!!!!! Watch Out for example the First Rock in Rio Concert in Januar 1985!!! That huge brasilian crowd was singing their Songs in english,espacially "Love of my Life"!!!! Goosebumps!!!! It's a historic Concert Too!!! It's worthwile to watch Too!!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤
I'd be honored if some Queen fans would come by & give a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal live performance of RADIO GA-GA in tribute to one of the band's top 80s-era hits and to Roger Taylor (who wrote the song). Live 1-take recording with no autotune or digital editing. Peace & stay safe.
Definitely charisma and that something extra that brings some humans close to the Gods and one with the Eternity
probably the songs were a large part, they are stadium sing along type songs - anthemic
As a young student I camped out all night in the streets of Manchester with hundreds of others to get tickets for me and my sister to Live Aid in Wembley and it was truly one if the best and most unforgettable days of my life! I still get shivers...The atmosphere was electric from start to finish & all the performances were amazing but Queen stood out as absolutely outstanding! Freddy was so totally in his element- it was incredible. I always love hearing their performance being referred to as the greatest live rock performance of all time... and I'm thrilled I was there to witness that bit of history in the making!!🤩
I got goosebumps reading this, so glad for you man!
You lier
Rock the Multiverse Mercury !!!
Oh my gosh!!! You're so blessed to have been there. If I could go back in time, this concert would definitely be one of my stops.
@@rheatailor1081 you can thank my grandads cousin for live aid you lucky little fuckers
There will never be another Freddie Mercury in my lifetime, or perhaps EVER. He was the ultimate musician, bitchin vocals and master showman.
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I wish u are right and it used to be
But Brandon Urie as a singer wipes Freddie off the map but urie says bh is the greatest song ever written
All about him coming out as a gay man
His mom obviously didn’t like that he was gay
@@charfras4767 Urie wipes Freddie?...lol...give one more joke :)
@@charfras4767 sorry ,,,,,but Fred was THE best front man ..
No contest. !!!! Never even heard of Brandon whoever ,,
They played Live Aid "naked". no special lights,,,smoke bombs,,lazers etc,,,an rocked the planet,,( an shown us all what a bell end Nobo (Bono) is
,,,
You are so right. Queen rocked then and will forever! Freddie is immortal! 💖💖💖
I saw Queen four times in the 80s - the Live Aid performance was a snippet of how they ALWAYS performed. Mercury is a legend: he invigorated the audience from the moment he walked on stage to his final bow. The songs were anthemic, often amusing and there was rarely a song performed by the band that the audience didn't love. And here's another reason why the Queen shows worked - Brian May made sure his guitar rifts could be sung along to, so that with Mercury's engagement with the audience and May's singalong guitar solos, there was never a pause or excuse NOT to be involved. Pure magic.
None of them were hunky bodybuilders, though. And that disgusts me.
Freddie never wanted to be just another rock star, he wanted to be a legend. And he became one!
I think he was very sick at this point to when he went out and made this performance
I love the story of him hosting fancy dress parties at his home where everyone would turn up dressed as their hero and Freddie dressed as himself
Yes but at what cost? Was it worth it Freddy!?
@@mattbarbarich3295 the only greatness for man is immortality, in both ways
@@mattbarbarich3295 If you're a legend, the cost was worth it.
My late husband and I were really struggling financially at the time . We watched the concert at a friends house . Bob Geldof kept saying that if you're watching donate some money . Next day my husband donated £10 via bank transfer . Doesn't sound much today but it was a lot for us back then . Queen were outstanding !!
To this day you can stomp twice on a stage and you'll see kindergartners clap in time on that next beat. Nothing will ever compare.
Underrated comment!!
omg we all did this in our class room back in high school and middle school in the mid to late 2000s when u thump the table twice someone will eventually clap and im all the way from south east asia 😀
Some music this day is trash imagine almost all of stuffs,crew maintenance and the while thousands of audience stomp together to join to the beat of freddie thats one thing is amazing.
In the Army we sang a cadence that was simply called "stomp, stomp, clap." The words changed according to the drill sergeant's mood, but it was always with a similar sound to "We are the Champions," and it was always classic! Of course, we only did it when we were marking time or seated in bleachers. Imagine a couple of hundred people, with boots on, doing this on aluminum bleachers! It was soooo LOUD!!!
My girl knew it before she could even walk . Its on our DNA
I was lucky enough to be at Wembley for the Live Aid concert, pretty close to the stage. Freddie and Queen stole the show, no doubt about that. That concert and Queen's performance will stay with me until the day I die.
I will be eternally jealous...absolutely brilliant. They were Live Aid. I got the consolation prize of seeing them performing on air. I would have given my left arm to be there live!!
Pog
Bravo!
You lucky sob 😎
There isn't anyone in the world who would disagree with you that Queen were the standout on that day. As a matter of interest, was Queen the reason you went?
Queen rehearsed their set and fine tuned it to perfection. Most acts hardly bothered with rehearsals. It also helped that the band had often played large audiences. Queen were (and remain) the ultimate live act.
It was tight.
Absolutely right. Most bands and artists didn't seem to take Live Aid seriously. Queen were exceptionally professional. I saw the concert live on TV and I was getting pretty bored with it until Queen came on. They were considered to be past it by then, but that performance reignited their popularity. The interaction between Freddie Mercury and everyone in that crowd sent shivers down my spine. It was amazing.
@@Pwecko what a comment
Phil Collins played Philly and London
Yes,but this crowd wasn't only Queens Fans and the whole Event was worldwide streamed in real time!! On the whole Planet!!!! And the occasion was really Special!!!!
Never knew queen until It one time when I was at the lowest point of my life with depression and suicidal thoughts. Then listening to bohemian rhapsody and all the other songs in the live aid concert made me think there are people out there experiencing far worst than I am. My dad played it and the lyrics just spark a light inside me. Gave me the strength to fight even against all odds. Stay lit everyone
That’s great 👍♥️
Stay well my friend
Did you ever hear "dont try suicide" ? Its as if Freddie knew all about us. The VIBE of the song is literally life saving.
Je connaissais Queen mais Freddie m a également sorti d une dépression, merci
Your light and your time here on earth is a precious gift.
Don’t you dare ever put out that light or ever think about snuffing it out.
Know your worth.
Feel your power.
Be good, strong and classy.
My great aunt was at the Live Aid performance and she explained the whole Queen performance as being in a trance. You couldn't (and didn't want to) look away. She says it was the best day of her entire life and she'd give anything to go back.
I was born in 2003 so I missed Queen by a long shot, but I'm in love with their music and would give anything to see them live.
Same here, I was born in 2002 so I didn’t really had the chance to see them live, since Freddie died in 1991, BUT I really love their music and I watched the Live Aid concert a million times on yt and just can‘t get enough.
I was born in 1985 so like yourself missed the mark..but Omg I wish I could see it through your aunts eyes💞
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Same! Born in 2003 as well, my Dad watched Live Aid on his TV and he told me that everyone was glued to the screen during Queen's set. He introduced me to their music and they've been one of my favorite Bands of all-time. If I had a time machine I would easily go back and watch Live-Aid in person
Same I’m born at 2009 but I love there music
Queens’ performance at Live Aid (1985) was undisputed as the best performance ever and forever by any human band❤❤❤❤❤
We had a huge neighborhood block party that day and Live aid was being projected on the side of a neighbor’s garage. When Queen stepped on to that stage every single person there stopped whatever they were doing or saying and we were standing completely mesmerized by Freddie. I was 14 and my parents were not fans of Mtv or current music but on that day, at that moment everyone loved Freddie and Queen. It is still one of my most treasured memories.
@UCr9Waeedsk1zcrUlMjfGhFw ..it's hard for foreign bands to break America as a lot of music outside of America is not to American tastes ..America has some great music, but not very keen on much that's not American unless it goes viral temporarily, then it's back to American music only...shame really as so many fantastic UK bands
I was at live aid and when Queen took to the stage I have never felt such a vibe, absolutely breath taking.
wow! you've had a successful life!
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Blessed art thou!
I watch this concert over and over. Tears stream down my face with every viewing. Tears of happiness for the life of Freddie Mercury and tears of sadness at his death
Freddie Mercury didn't make it all about him, he got the crowd and the world to participate, and it was pure rock n roll magic!!! Queen always included the fans and made each show the best, Freddie captivated the world and our hearts with his amazing talent and persona 🥰
@@frederiquerijsdijk 😱😱, 🤣🤣🤣🤣
THANKYOU...I didn't even know. Lol
I'm late to your original comment, but this is exactly what it's all about. I'm 44 and just watched it for the first time. Amazing. Your point nails it, just as Queen did.
Freddie was a musical genius.
Complex talent.
Creative, unique, special.
Not just one
he was a frontman, but also Queen's heart, his engine.
His talent was special - his wonderful voice, his charismatic personality brilliant.
It was much more than a rock star.
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That’s Right! 👍🏻 Freddie we miss you 😢 R.I.P. 🙏🏻 King 👑 of the Queen 👸
Yes a human be great your part
Freddie Mercury was a miracle you will never see another like Freddie Mercury again thank you Freddie
I had watched Live Aid from start to finish, I recorded the whole thing. All the performances were great but after a while it all seemed just kind of ok that's nice. Then Queen came on and they blew me away. I was sitting there just awed and watched with stunned amazement. After it ended I quickly ejected the tape I was recording on placed in a new one. Took the copy and ran down to. A buddies room (I was stationed in Ft Hood TX, Army) put it in his VCR just so I could watch it again. Yeah it was that amazing. You could feel the energy from everyone there. My buddy who wasn't a fan of Queen became one that day.
Same here....l still have it on my Betamax tapes.
@@michaelreece458 good man, best home recording sound quality of the era. I've still got a big storage tote of betas (mix of studio produced and personal recordings) and a well maintained 32" early 90's Trinatron CRT that I use for watching them and playing pre Playstaion game consoles in their original interlaced glory.
Just two dudes wearing camo, watching Queen
I wish I could be able to go back in time and see them. I was born in 2002 so I didn‘t had the chance to see them live since Freddie sadly died in the 90‘s BUT whenever I watch/hear anything from Queen I‘m just focused on it. I really like them ! I‘m so happy you had a great time. 🥰
My dad and I watched the whole Live Aid show. We, and EVERYONE on the planet, were looking forward to the Led Zeppelin reunion. Queen stole the show.
one way or another Led Zep also stole the show :)))))
Led Zeppelin was the worst of the whole show. We were all cringing watching it in my parent's basement!
Queen practiced and practiced and practiced to time everything down to the second in their 20 minute set. Roger Taylor keep the whole band synched to a mind blowing level with the drum lead. The band as a whole really knew timing and synchronization extremely well. And then there's Freddy. What an amazing showman and singer he was. You didn't just watch him. The audience became an integral part of the show. Queen is what professional artistry truly means.
Because at 22 minutes their feed gets switched off.
And they really did have it down to the second, they had no choice
@@MostlyPennyCat Exactly. They even surrounded themselves with clocks and were one of just a handful of bands that practiced for this event outside of other bands who walked onto the stage cold. Led Zeppelin as legendary as they are were disbanded at this time and walked out cold and unfortunately were quite awful when trying to play their songs.
@@maxpower8916
Do you know about the traffic lights system all the bands could see?
Queen were down to their very last warning flashes (amber or red, I forget) but that was what they practiced for, down to the bitter end.
Just insanely good.
I saw Live Aid on TV as a 7 year old.
I was a Queen fan and it was electric.
Somewhere in my parents attic is my copy of their biography and both Greatest Flicks 1 & 2 on VHS.
I watched and read them to death.
Us music, theatre and dance kids at school went _nuts_ for Innuendo when it was released.
They were just an undiluted kind of magic.
I was devastated when Freddie died, I was 13, cried my eyes out.
@@MostlyPennyCat Yes. I knew about that system. I should have emphasized that Queen surrounded themselves with clocks at practice so they could get it down to the very last minute of their set time on stage.
This is why I can't believe it when people say at live aid they were not a Queen crowd
It really was the BEST ever performance,even to this day!!
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Agree
It was 17 mins ! I’m guessing you haven’t seen many concerts. Imagine a Rolling Stones concert 72-74
@@MrThedonhead it's not all about length 😉
@@MrThedonhead he said PERFORMANCE, not concert
Freddie literally controlled the crowd all he had to do was scream Ay-Oh and the crowd repeated after him
But what made that so interesting was the fact this was not a Queen audience. It was a stadium full of random people, who all bought in to Freddy's performance. Thats what makes the hand clapping in Radio Ga Ga so haunting. It was just that spontaneous.
I feel like "controlled" isn't even the ideal word... He INVOLVED them, in the performance... Made them part of the songs. That's something that few bands have achieved to anywhere near the same musicality. They were his CHOIR for a spell.
@@AnimeSunglasses Ever seen them perform Spread Your Wings? Freddie made the crowed sing the chorus for the entire song while they played and Freddie ad libbed over them!
he didn’t scream Ay-Oh, didn’t you recognize the song?
it’s “Under Pressure” he recorded with Bowie
@@tihomirrasperic what do you mean? He sang "ay-oh" with the audience on live aid right before "Hammer to Fall"
All members of Queen are LEGENDARY!
Can you name 1?
@@jamesdelaney3797 Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May, John Deacon. Nope, I can only name all of them.
@@OttoByOgraffey impresive
I remember that day, can't imagine there ever being another like it, and they'll never be another Freddie, RIP mate.
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McCartney, elton, bowie, the who and zep all played that show and Freddie schooled them all. He was born to be a star.
Bowie went after Queen and he seamlessly nailed it
To be fair Led Zeppelin’s set was hilariously bad
@@_d.v.j.l_2624 To be fair, Led Zeppelin was without John Bonham
@@_d.v.j.l_2624No wonder they didn't upload the songs on the Live Aid youtube channel.
@@Corey-pd3miEXACTLY...U CANT REPLACE THE GREATEST DRUMMER EVER... BIG JOHN...
It truly was an astounding performance. I've never seen a lead singer better than Freddie. There really has never been a front man quite like him. His songwriting, singing, and performing was absolutely stunning. I wish him peace forever. Miss you Freddie.🕯️
Freddie was the greatest showman, he could get an audience in the palm of his hand. Plus how many bands had played before to warm up the crowd not that Freddie needed it.
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But the crowd weren't warmed up. That was the whole point. I remember watching with wandering attention asit had been going for several hours by then and many acts just didn't get the opportunity that this was a massive worlwide stage. They dialled in a lacklustre performance and the mood and energy had definitely dipped. The phones had gone quiet with donations and Bob Geldof was heading to the Comms office to fire a rocket up their arse and try and get attention whipped up again. He was walking across a gantry when Queen were doing Radio Ga Ga and looked out across the crowd of thousands of swaying and clapping arms and was bowled over. There's a great BBC documentary about the whole of the concert.
On both sides of the Atlantic
Not showman. He was a musician, performer, songwriter, singer, piano player, arranger
They had been playing to huge stadium audiences for years;
They had some great sing along songs for stadium audiences;
They realised the significance of the event and practiced their set for weeks before hand; and
They had the greatest frontman ever.
All that and more 👍
And your point is ???
@@andreabrownlie5614 that there's no need to watch the video, because he summed it up perfectly in a lot less than 14 minutes and 47 seconds
@@andreabrownlie5614 That whole event was made for a band like Queen
Word.
Born to Indian parents. Brought up in the UK as a British citizen. Smashed American and world music charts. Was perhaps one of the best most passionate performers who ever lived and even worked for charity.... What a guy!
Tanzanian parents
@@andrewbryan3889 born in Zanzibar as a Parsi-Indian. Had to overcome a lot of racism before the band hit it big making his achievements even more inspirational especially to young Indians or any ethnic minority actually striving to overcome similar prejudices and succeed in life.
I always thought he was of Iranian descent. Go figure.
@@firehorsewoman414His ancestors were of Iranian descent
@@hijack69 so whats with the Tanzania connectIon?
Here is why three specific things made this so brilliant --
1 = they cut the numbers short, and spared the audience for boring instrumental solo,s / presentation of band members = boooring, and no one cares -
2 = they "mixed" some of the tracks into eachother like a DJ would do, and by doing this avoided boring pauses, and kept people "on the beat" -
3 = Freddies outstanding Daaaooh inter action with the audience - nothing beats that - he was on a different level - world class act.
Totally agree 💯 😊
Because it's Queen, and they were absolute perfectionists. It's that simple.
Couldn't have said it any better!
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Freddie had a unique charisma. Queen was so passionate about giving the people enjoyment while performing.
Best show of all time. All the band members are great. Freddie will be missed
Indeed!
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They did tones of better shows... you’ve been mind fucked by the movie
The greatest concert of all time would have to be Beethoven's 1808.. When you premiere The 5th, 6th symphony and 4th piano concerto at the same gig it even knocks freddie of the top podium... From a massive queen fan btw...
@@neilf6782 It's all subjective. Pleased Beethoven's would have been your favourite, but wouldn't be mine (and I'm sure mine wouldn't be yours).
It was 17 mins 😂
One reason is overlooked here, I think. There was no sound check due to time constraints. However, Queen's sound engineer, Trip Khalaf, had listened out front and had jacked the sound levels up for the band's performance. This made the huge audience stand up and take notice! Of course, Mercury's mesmerizing stage presence captivated the crowd. Few have that kind of charisma in the entertainment world. He had it in spades!
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Was in Philly for LiveAid. Queen on screen and you knew this performance was Historic🎼
And who was it that knew stadium rock shows best? Trip didn't "jack" it up by accident. And by the way, when they did a show, they ALWAYS were rehearsed and ready, and they knew the importance of sound, that's why Mr. Khalaf was on their team.
It wasn't possible to up the volume, soundlevels had to be respected due to regulations (they were hard set and couldn't be bypassed), but having your own sound engineer controlling the sound is a smart move, he can make it sound louder without it being louder. He knows how to set the levels the way the band sounds the best. He probable was able to create a wider, broader sound, so it sounds louder without it being louder.
@@hds66nl29 He turned the rack limiter off!
They were the best that day, i remember when freddie started playing the piano for bohemian rapshody i couldnt take my eyes off him and the band, and the way he stopped half way through it then went into radio gaga my two favourite queen songs, its one of the most amazing stage act i have ever seen. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!
No band in history had more anthems that we all recognize and to use them all on live aid was historic. freddie was smart enough to use the simpler songs that the whole world can rise and sing along. in every field of life we like to see the best of the best. that night there was no better band in the world.
It was a great day, I was there. It was up and down depending on the artists. There were so many, coming on, singing one or two tunes, some surprised us, some disappointed us and then Queen happened!!! It truly blew us all away. Everyone, and there was a huge selection of varying fans there, came together. We were the centre of the universe for about 15 minutes!
"We were the centre of the universe for about 15 minutes!" --- That is pure living poetry.
Freddie Mercury is the Greatest Rock Singer of All-Time
Drop the word rock
You are correct! Sorry @@jacobjones1457
the right band, in the right stadium, in front of the right crowd, played the right track-list, the right weather and yes............a certain mr mercury, majestical as always.
The only thing missing on that man's head that day was a crown.
He's wearing it now.:)
Update: Freddie Mercury Finally made it to Mars
@@thebeatlesandqueen8817 AND became a legend!
Nah, it was there in spirit
Despite what music insiders and so forth might have thought, Queen were clearly incredibly popular even before this "comeback" concert.
Those 72000 people out in the audience didn't learn the lyrics to all those songs 5 minutes before the show. They were singing along the entire time.
Exactly. I'm reading the comments here and yes they knew how to play staduims, practiced etc BUT I think what happened was magic because THREE men brought 10s of thousands of people to sing in unison. As some have explained, they played with the crowd not to the crowd
@@amymonroe9328four men
When you see that sea of people clapping to Radio Ga Ga... a pretty recent song at the time, and that wasn't even "their" audience. It looked as if the crowd was there just for them.
Curiously, their first album debuting at number 1 was Kind of Magic, which was published in 1986. Other acts such as Paul McCartney, Elton and Bowie had already had several albums debuting at number 1 (which represents a clear fan base).
@@amymonroe9328 Likewise, you don't know much about Queen, Freddie didn't really like stadiums, Queen was an Arena band, in fact, they didn't play in stadiums many times and when they did it was because they had to.
Queen & Live Aid, what can anyone say, they were perfect, perfection, magical, they were in their element, the whole world was watching, Freddie lived for the whole world to watch him, no one will ever forget that night…❤
The sawed-off mic stand was a regular thing for Freddie, long before Live Aid.
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Thank you!!! are people stupid, he always sung with a sawed-off mic, I saw him 3 times in concert and he always had his mic like that!!
Yeah he broke it while performing with his other band ibex before queen
@@sandraroussell5439 no need to call people stupid, many of which are from a generation where Queen didn't exist as an active group.
It's not sawed off - it's the boom section detached from the floor stand which Freddie made his very own trademark prop.
A number of reasons. The music was upbeat and energized the crowd. The guitars and drums were stellar, truly. And there was Freddie with his incredible stage presence and his inviting the crowd to sing. They became part of him. A legend.
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Because Queen had the songs, and 4 remarkable skilled musicians with a one in a million front man that was Freddie Mercury!!
Now I am 65 years of age and I still remember watching the concert with my stereo at full blast and TV in my bedroom nothing I had ever seen before compared to Freddie s performance heavenly where he is now
One of the best bands and singers the world will ever see
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I'll never forget live Aid '85. I was only 15 so couldn't go but it was an electric atmosphere even for people at home. Blistering hot in the UK, everyone waiting for midday. My Dad managed to sync the Tv and radio sound through his hi-fi speakers and we (and pretty much everyone else in the street) blasted music all day long. By the evening, we were all pretty much doing other things and sweltering in the evening heat with live aid playing in the background.
Somehow, Queen completely re-ignited the party atmosphere! All of the stereos and tv's in the area were suddenly turned up again. Queen brought the energy back! It really was an amazing show and a day i've always used as a benchmark for great days.
Will Never forget, Freddie, on Live Aid......”What A Performance “ !!!
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Freddie Mercury is by far the best live performer to ever sit or stand on a stage.
No arguments, no doubts and it’s an awesome performance.
Freddie Mercury, who he was, the music he wrote, the music he sang, will live forever.
I’m glad they found new fame after Live Aid and there will never be another Freddie Mercury, ever!
Elvis fans might disagree.
Queen music is too awesome for words. Their music is mind blowing. I love their music. It will endure time.
4:52 Queen was not in a slump in 1985. After the failure of Hot Space in 1982, the band released The Works (1984) which was a huge success and featured classics like Radio Gaga and I want to break free (both Top 3 hits in UK). The 1984-85 tour to promote the album remains the band's most successful financially and lasted until a few weeks before Live Aid. The narrative that Queen was in a slump at this time is a fictionalized plot element from the movie and was used as a way to elevate the the Live Aid performance presenting it as a reunion after years of low sales.
Good good. The narrator of the video based off the movie but you know they add things in movies that don't happen to make them more dramatic
That’s always bothered me about that movie
Exactly. Their slump was so massive that earlier that year they had their show in Rio with hundreds of thousands of people attending. jeebus...
@@tiagoptlol, all those people would have been there regardless if Queen performed or not. It was a festival not a Queen show
@@davebain1982 Thank you for demonstrating such low reading comprehension skills.
Freddie didn't want to do it, but when he finally agreed to do it, he and his mates had something to prove; so they rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed some more. The band had something to prove, and prove it they did, even with Freddie's being ill. It was sheer magic, and they ruled the world from the first note to the last.
Freddie had a sore throat but had not yet become ill with AIDS by the time of Live Aid
This wasn't the account given in the wildly successful Queen's biopic
The film bohemian rhapsody is highly fictionalized. Queen never broke up pre live aid. Freddie wasn't the 1st queen member to release solo albums. Freddie wasn't diagnosed with hiv for another 2 years.
No way. Didn’t you know That LiveAid was the last show Queen ever played? Freddie died of AIDS just after walking off the stage (the movie would like you to believe).
/s
As much as I love Queen, I’d watch Rocketman before BoRhap any day of the week. It’s a bit infuriating how fictionalized it is. And atleast Taron Edgerton sang in it.
@@DR-rs6ou umm, you high?
Everybody at their best but Freddie Mercury owned that stage with his confidence. He knew he could deliver and he did. Flawless performance fing flawless!
Dude, Queen released a very very successful album called "The Works" in 1984, and embarked on a massive world tour in 1984-85. Queen also played to 300,000 people in January of 1985 in Rio in the Rock in Rio festival. So they were not in a slump by any means. Secondly the fashion comment about him wearing jeans and a muscle tank vs more elaborate costumes, Freddie was wearing t shirts and jeans in their shows since 1981. Some of these inaccuracies could have been avoid with some basic research.
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It’s not inaccurate. They fell into a slump after Hot Space was released because it’s their worst album. In The Works era, they were big in South America and other countries, but their reputation fell in the USA because of the IWTBF video controversy (obviously not their fault). The band stated themselves that after that they “lost the US”. Even before, people threw razors at Freddie in their 1980 US tour because of his sexuality. Their biggest fall was when they performed in Africa in 1984, which became a huge controversy and ruined their reputation (again, not their fault) before Live Aid. Freddie did wear t-shirts and jeans in some of their 80s concerts, but also still wore leotards in several concerts. Sorry, but you’re the one who’s stating inaccuracies and should do basic research.
@@stellaphantom366 They played in South Africa in 1984, not 1985. I am aware they lost their popularity in the US after Hot Space and particularly after the drag video (Americans are deeply puritanical after all), but this video did not say "in the USA". It said "they were in a slump". Also the video says "comeback" of Freddie. From what? He was right there singing at Rock in Rio like 3 months before Live Aid.
@@Nina-oi1qk yes, the African tour was in 1984, sorry that was a typo, I already edited it. I mean overall their popularity fell from 1982-before Live Aid so you could say that was a slump. Rock in Rio was big only in South America, not globally.
Not in a slump at all in ‘85. People tend to only react to what they saw in the movie. Wrong.
Queen was my very first concert I went to and 50 years later they are still my favorite group and always will be. Rest In Peace dear Freddie you will never be forgotten
These four highly talented musicians who understood their audience seemed to have something special. Probably the definition of the X Factor.
Nobody could get an audience to participate like Freddie Mercury. He had so much energy on stage. He involved the audience in Queen concerts. Even when he said F-- You we all still loved him. To this day Freddie in videos still has the power to mesmerize you. God I wish he was still around.
How honest of Freddy to say that. “I’m doing it out of pride.”
Freddy Mercury, a stunning human being because he didn’t hide from the world who he was! It’s was a rarity, as the majority of groups and or singers were always performing when in the headlights 😂😅. We all miss fantastic singers whose soul you could hear in their voice. There are always amazing singers who were just born to sing. Music, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things ever invented. Many blessings to all! Love from 🇨🇦 Canada!!!
It was definitely one of the best live performances that any music band has ever played in history. Absolutely 100%
Freddie was perfect that 22 minutes that day 👍🏼
The answer is simple: Everything on this show was perfect! They gave everything, especially Freddie
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Yes the event deserves more credit. They all did great and kudos to Bob Geldof and Midge Ure!
Simply god blessed them
I was stationed in Italy in ‘84 and took leave in ‘85 to attend this event. I was a big U2 fan when I got there. I was a bigger Queen fan when I left. I still have a picture my buddy took of me with Queen playing behind me. Memories……..
Honestly, I'm 55 now and in their time, I really enjoyed Queens music but I didnt truly appreciate it. After watching live aid on TV I was hearing it for the first time. After live aid I couldn't listen enough. Thank you Freddy for the greatest songs of me Era.
God Bless you man and RIP WE MISS YOU.
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I have to agree with you. I also listened and enjoyed when their music came on the radio. However when I stumbled across live aid on you tube their performance was stunning. How had I missed all this wonderfulness? This is one of the things in life that I wish I could experience again for the first time.
With respect. I’m 60. I lived this.Queen have always been Enormous. They never had Anything ever to overcome. Live aid simply made them even Bigger. I was there.
I'm ten years younger. Queen were old news, yesterday's story, why are they even here with modern acts like Madonna and Duran Duran?
OK, that's why. Best of the show, by far.
no words are adequate to describe the prodigious performance of Freddie & the boys @ Live Aid … legendary doesn’t touch it! forever the best …
I absolutely love queen i grew up with them as I'm 61 yrs old and they're my all time favourite band. No band has ever come close to being as good as them. Brian and Freddy are just master magicians when it comes to the words and some of the music. Nobody will ever knock them from top spot they're just to good. It was the saddest day when Freddy died i remember hearing it and just cried for hours the only other day like that was when Princess Diana died too. She and Freddy loved one another platonically and had fun. May you live forever Freddy! ❤❤❤
Even with a sore throat, this man was hands down the best act that night. When they were coming off stage Bowie was coming on and called Mercury a bastard lol.
Can you imagine having to FOLLOW them next???
It certainly helped that their sound receptors were heightened, which made them the loudest. Awesome awesome move.
@@sdavis5001 Nobody turned the volume up, that was just fictionalised for the movie. Queen had the best sound engineer in the world, who was capable of making them sound better and louder without actually being louder
He was before my time, but it's evident that Mercury was the master of versatility, and it's that vast array of abilities that makes someone a GOAT at what they do. He could sing, he could play, he could dance, he was a master showman, he could write, he was in a band that also had members who were incredible at what they did, and above all these guys, especially Mercury were driven. When you get someone like this, they achieve something that looks impossible, but they have gotten there with tremendous work. It starts with a dream and becomes real from years of dedication and improving weaknesses in whatever a person thinks they need to get better at. You can ask any GOAT rockstar or athlete, or a writer like Stephen King about how they got where they are, and it will quickly become evident how much time they put into their work! Freddie Mercury! What an incredible guy! The performer who could do it all!!!
i watched Live Aid , and Queen blew everyone away never seen anything like it
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@@musixion copypaste answer to everyone? No subscribe ever to such author, sorry
I cannot write the subscribe link everytime brother, and i feel its my duty to remind people to subscribe.
@@musixion people will sub if they like the content. There will be people who won't sub simply because of the spam.
Freddie was so damn sexy! What a voice, what a legend!! Queen's music rocks!
Freddie said “I’m not not going to be a Rock Star, I’m going to be a LEGAND”!! Wish you could see just how big of a LEGAND you still are to millions and millions of fans. We all miss you Freddie, RIP Genius ❤️
Yea I think he became a lagand..
@@willm3027 Perhaps a LUGOND.
@@karnasaur sounds about right..
I LOVE Queen, there music and the band relationship is just amazing! R.I.P Freddie, also has anyone seen bohemian rhapsody? Or just me?
Fun fact: Phil collins played at both Live Aid venues (in the two continents) on that same day. He played in England first then flew in the Concord to the U.S.A. and played at the second Live Aid venue in Philadelphia as well that day. That was also huge! in addition to Queen's performance being a such a success.
The piano Phil Collins played at Wembley was Freddie's. He went to Freddie and asked if he could borrow it and he said yes.
That’s an awesome fact to know!
Another fun fact: Freddie was 1 of only 2 performers out of the 75 who appeared on stage at either concert who was actually born on the continent of Africa.
Concorde. So 80s rocker
Thanks for that scoop Jackson
I remember it like it was yesterday. Best performance hands down on that day. Queen killed it.
Just watching Freddie singing and acting out his music, his passion is an absolute thrill. Truly one of a kind.
Queen literally invented the stadium anthem. That's why. They were in their element, 100%.
Caught this as a kid on tv and can’t imagine how amazing it would have been in person just watching live. This performance has stayed in my mind and my heart my whole life 🙏🏽💕🏅
I was not a fan of Queen for the longest time, but after watching this concert some years back, I became a fan. Freddie's interaction with the crowd was amazing.
One major difference is the opening number. Most bands tend to play their best number last. Queen played the best part of their best number first! And that caught and mesmerized the crowd. And to their credit, Queen managed to build on that for the rest of the time that they had on stage. Mesmerizing! 👏👏
To answer the question, Queen viewed Live Aid as an opportunity to re-energise their standing in the USA because they'd been on the slide due to indifferent 80s albums. They wanted to make a statement in front of a world audience. Contrived most definetely.
They hired a small theater in London and meticulously rehearsed their 'medley' set for several days before Live Aid. From what I've read most bands rehearsed once or twice before, The Who only rehearsed for 20 minutes apparently - and it showed). In addition, they had been on tour in 1985 and were performance ready as their final concert before Live Aid had been on the 15th May, barely two months before the Wembley Stadium date. (The film has so much bullshit, but that's another story)
In addition, if you believe some, their sound man was able to access the main volume controls on stage which aided their performance by giving them more power/volume. I'm not sure if this is true. Ultimately, they were a great live band, had the best sound mix - BM's guitar tone is astonishing - and they had FM, arguably the finest rock performer/vocalist ever. And they delivered at the most opportune of moments.
Rehearsing is not "contrived" it's professional. The use of volume was also professional's doing their job well. The performance. The music. The essence. Not a damn contrived beat. That was pure talent. Stars reaching and grabbing, as much for themselves (consider the circumstances) as for the purpose of concert and the mastery of owning it while entertaining the WORLD. The meaning of Live Aid was captured in their collage of repertoire. The meaning behind their artistry is captured forever. 'Contrived' was not an appropriate term. Captivating. Compassionate. Completely inspiring continuity of composition in concert would be a better description than such a hollow explanation.
The entire band recognized and responded as professionals. Passionately.
It was epic and remains so because there was nothing contrived about their ability to perform and ensure that after a break they still had it, which obviously, they owned it.
Freddie had one of the most dynamic voices ever recorded. I doubt there has ever been a song that he couldn't perform. R.I.P. 🥺
So glad I found this. I watched it live (on TV) that day when I was 14. I still remember how I felt then. And it's still true. Best live rock band stage performance ever. Freddie commanded that audience as if they were members of an orchestra. Credit to the live audience too though: they fed off his energy and gave back.
human emotions are never severed from the sun - watch the queen performance - only act done during sunset - this energized queen and the crowd - perfect talent, perfect sunset timing
Queen played from about 6:40 to 7. Sunset in London wasn’t til after 9
@@kevinjoy7728 about right. Sun is going down, wind getting calm, air temp about right - crowd liquored up - then boom - Queen. Can’t get this pure talent stuff today mate.
It was great because of his interaction with the audience. The audience was pumped from beginning to the end of it. That's what makes a great concert.
The concert was so long that the crowd got bored...until Queen showed up in the end.
all other bands before seemed like kindergarden songs, then there's Queen!
Best live performance to date
Freddie Mercury had complete control of the audience there and at home.
Will always remember this performance
He still WOWS young listeners to this day, my 6 yr old LOVES QUEEN 😍
I am a diehard Bowie Fan! I was there and without doubt Queen Stole the Show!
Queen Was the show....
When superstars say Freddy Mercury and Queen were the best band at Live Aid, that's enough for me, as I was so thrilled with that performance. Unbelievable performance.