Queen at Live Aid – 20 Minutes That Changed Music

Magnifico!

July 13, 1985 was quite possibly one of the most memorable days for Freddie Mercury and the rest of Queen. It was the day they did an explosive performance that blew 72,000 people away! During the unforgettable Live Aid  in the Wembley Stadium, they STOLE the show and made their mark in music.

In reviewing Live Aid in 2005, one critic wrote, “Those who compile lists of Great Rock Frontmen and award the top spots to Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, etc all are guilty of a terrible oversight. Freddie, as evidenced by his Dionysian Live Aid performance, was easily the most godlike of them all.”

Taking over the stage during the biggest even in rock history was no easy feat! It featured several big names like The Who, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. It wasn’t just any other concert, it was THE concert that would still be remembered years later. So what’s the best way to stand out? They sang one hit after another and Freddie Mercury was simply fired up and slayed every song they performed! From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Radio Ga Ga” followed by “Hammer to Fall” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” And how else would they best close that set than to have “We Will Rock You” as the finale!

“Everyone will be trying to outdo each other, which will cause a bit of friction. It makes me personally proud to be a part of it,” said lead singer Freddie Mercury.

Dave Grohl said it best: “Queen smoked ’em.”