Queen live at the Central, Chatham, UK (02.12.1973)

Fan stories

Written by Alison

I'm currently working with someone who said they attended an early concert at Central Hall, Chatham - Mott the Hoople support - looking at your concertography, this must have been in the Dec of the Queen I tour - and that Queen were booed off stage!!! As he said "Well, everyone has to start somewhere..." but of course, he still sees it as something of a 'claim to fame' for him!!!

Written by Rob Lucas

I was at the Mott the Hoople 02.12.1973, Chatham, UK - Queen was backing... I had front row center stage seats, it was amazing but I don't remember Queen being booed, far from it - Queen got the encore, not the main group that night! I just wish I had the foresight and cash to have bought their album which they were autographing for fans passing the ticket office on the way out.

Written by Tom Mitchell

When I was 14 years old I attended the Mott the Hoople gig at Chatham Central Hall on Sunday 2nd December 1973. They were supported by a band I had not heard of before - Queen. The singer only had the top half of his mic stand and the lead guitar player had some sort of one-of-a-kind homemade guitar (The Red Special - made by Brian May and his father). The upper mic stand was an early trade mark of Freddie's and Brian May's guitar design later went into commercial production. Queen made an awesome sound and it was rather strange that they were the support act although at the same venue I had seen Status Quo supporting Slade! I sat somewhere near the front - I don't have the ticket stub. Another comment was posted by Rob Lucas. I either went with Rob or we met up at the venue as we attended the same school. There may have been some other school / class mates from Chatham Tech too. Mott the Hoople gave a great performance but I think they may have been a bit burned out. The lead singer, Ian Hunter, made a comment about this gig being the penultimate of this tour which was the third of three. He made a comment on stage about how difficult it had been in getting their clothes washed and how tough day-to-day life was on tour. It was - perhaps over-sharing a bit too much. No idea how or why I remembered that after 44 years! Hunter later published 'Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star' in June 1974 reflecting upon a chaotic tour of the USA in November and December 1972. This tour predated the one with Queen but may be one of the tours he was referring to? I certainly don't remember any boos at that gig but previously at the same venue (24 June 1972) I saw a support act to 'The Flamin' Groovies', 'Mr Moses School Band' The lead singer did get booed could this be what the other commenter remembers?

Written by Ian Jarman

I was at this concert with 3 mates. Queen were support to Mott the Hoople, so came on first and blew the audience away. Freddie was in black and white satin tight jumpsuit. Mott came on second half and were a bit lack-lustre and Ian Hunter had a go at the audience over something and got booed. All in all Queen made the night. Shortly after this concert Seven Seas of Rhye was released and I was cheesed off that I didn’t buy anything at the gig, though subsequently bought the LP (Queen II).

Written by Dave

Just to clarify the story at Chatham Central Hall gig on 2/12/1973. Having watched Queen introduced by Whispering Bob Harris on the "Old Grey Whistle Test" singing Liar, I immediately looked through the NME to find where this unbelievable band might be appearing. Chatham Central Hall was my closest and they may have been support to Mott The Hoople but they certainly didn't come second. There was a great support for this great new band, a lot, like me, having just seen them on TOGWT. Not only were they brilliant, but Freddie came back onstage during Mott the Hoople's encore and sang backing vocals on "All The Young Dudes". Brilliant night, never forgotten.