| QUEEN*1 26.12.2004 21:20 |
Im only 17 and everytime i listen to freddie and the boys i always feel sad because i never got the chance to see him live, and i always get a sicky feeling because i just cant get to grips that he aint here anymore. Did any of you get the chance to see him live and just how good was he, i mean i've watched the wembley 86 concert on DVD and he and the boys were brilliant, but its nothing compared to being there. |
| GonnaUseMyPrisoners 26.12.2004 21:35 |
Even in the cheap seats of the largest stadiums, the feeling I got from Queen shows was this: By the end of the show I really felt like they were friends of mine and of everyone around me. Really insanely talented friends who included the audience in their fun & gave everything they had, every night, and loved every minute of performing. |
| freddieismyqueen 26.12.2004 21:44 |
I never got the chance to see Freddie Mercury live, but I do know people who have. I've never heard a bad review either. A drama teacher of mine from New York actually MET Freddie, and told me all kinds of things. He said that Freddie was very nice, very polite, but wasn't at all in person like he was on stage. On stage, he said Freddie was phenomenal...he had the ability to make everyone feel involved in the show. He said every show was an experience like no other...one of those things that you never forget. He says he can still remember being in the front row...the warmth of the lights on his faces, Freddie's water hitting his face...I can't help but wish that I were there everytime he tells me about it. My aunt saw them once...she said it was a great show, and even though she was really far back, she enjoyed every minute of it. She also told me that you couldn't capture on tape how great Freddie's voice really sounded in person. Hope I helped! Sara |
| djaef 26.12.2004 23:48 |
I saw Queen 3 nights in a row, and awesome does not even come close to describing how they were. Freddie was a supernova on stage, he was simply a star. Those three nights I'll never forget. PS> And by the way, it's Freddie, not Freddie. :) People are sensitive about that sort of stuff around here. |
| Robin 26.12.2004 23:50 |
I saw them twice. Both times were just amazing. Great live band! |
| Dubroc 27.12.2004 03:42 |
I did once in Leiden Holland 1986. This concert was the only Queenconcert I went to see. I was 16 years old at that time and we (my girlfriend, my best friend and his girl) didn't get to see a big concert like that until that day. We got hold of some tickets and went to Leiden. When the bus arrived in Leiden the doors were just opening, so I fogot all about my spare ticket. We rushed in and got right at the front of the stage. My girlfriend and myself went a little dizzy when after standing staight up and waiting for one and a half hours for the support-act. Like hundred guys were pushing us against the fences in front of the stage. We got out the crowd and found a better place just behind the jumping and pushing people (approx. 10 meters from the front). I have a good memory of details, in contrary to my friend, so when we talk about the concert I can recall a lot. This was almost 17 years ago . After seen so much of Queen material during the later years and having no-one to confirm things, I sometimes doubted the acurracy of my memories. But the bootleg recording is the proof for me! The support-act was INXS. Never heard of... The whole crowd was singing "We want Queen" between their songs. At a moment Michael Hutchins got a banana thrown at his feet. After their last song Michael thanked the audience and went of stage... A very loud cheer from the Queen fans followed. This was the moment we were waiting for! Queen was coming! At least we thought... After standing on the concrete for another whole hour the lights faded. The lightingset was put in a low-height position, the stage was being filled with smoke, and everybody was singing the football-anthem thing: Ole - olehe - ole!!! etc. Suddely the loud synth beginning of One Vision! We went mad at that point. Precizely after the smoke and the lights were high above the stage, Brian hits his first chords. Out of nowhere the band was there! I think I lost my voice in those first minutes. As we can hear on the cd's, Freddie asked us:" What was it you were singing? That football song..." So we did it all over again, but twice as loud as before. "Add a beat to it..." Roger was trying to find the beat to it, Brian and John were looking for the chords. The Groenoordhallen in Leiden is indoors with lousy accoustics and the crowd was getting to enthousiastic so it didn't work. I also recall Freddie having a beer. He asked someone in the front: "Want to have a beer, my dear?" He did give it to that person. "Pass it around, there is enough for everyone!" he joked. Since that day everytime I hear the beginning of One Vision I go back to 1986. At that time Friends Will Be Friends was in the dutch charts. It was never one of my fav.'s but it will remind me of the concert. The videoclip had a bit of the same atmoshere. I did see Brian Solo twice (Rotterdam and Utrecht) later, it was excellent but did not have as much impact on me as the Queen concert did... (this story is also on queenconcerts.com) |
| Teo_torriate04 27.12.2004 04:48 |
25 years ago yesterday. Yes I was at the fabled Boxing Day 1979 gig at the Hammersmith Odeon. Also saw them a year later at Wembley arena. Can't wait 'til spring 2005. Bring it on ! |
| Megamike The GREAT 27.12.2004 08:52 |
I was one of the fortunate to have see this great band live during their best.. I saw them in Detroit Michigan September 20th, 1980 and to help you out, here is the link to my account of the concert link Some have told me that it is the best story up there, Well.. I am not going to toot my own horn, so read it for yourselves. :) |
| Mr Mercury 27.12.2004 10:40 |
Saw them 3 times. The first was in Glasgow 1979 - the one where Roger forgot the words to IILWMYC, the second in Edinburgh 1982 and the final one at Knebworth 1986. And to answer you question, each time they were brilliant but for me personally the Knebworth concert was the jewel in the crown. |
| skunkboy69 27.12.2004 11:36 |
I saw them in 1986 in Newcastle.THE best bad I've seen live and I've seen quite a few.I agree that lota of people would love to see them on a new tour.Maybe I would have too if john had been involved.It@s not queen,I'm not going. |
| moonie 27.12.2004 11:47 |
Hi, hope everones had a good un and your not too hungover (I know I am!) I saw Queen 3 times, the NEC on The Works Tour(I was 13) and Newcastle and Knebworth on The Magic Tour Anyone at Newcastle remember that dodgy German heavy metal band Zeno? Christ they made Bad News sound like Led Zepplin! |
| Janet 27.12.2004 11:56 |
I did. And he was amazing. |
| mickyparise 27.12.2004 13:51 |
I seen Queen twice, 1980- The Game tour and 1982- Hot Space tour,in Cleveland, Ohio and I was never so amazed at the magnitude of seeing Queen live. Freddie both times was just simply amazing, he captured the crowd, and u felt like part of him giving it his all. And the 1982 tour, Billy Squier, opened up for Queen and the press was saying Billy, who was at his prime, and who I like, would steal the show, but the day after! Queen was praised for such a remarkable concert and just blew away Billy Squier...and this was from USA Reporters which was more amazing, and the light show, especially on the Hot Space tour was like nothing I've ever seen. I had a chance to go to the 1977 show but got sick a couple of days before, Regret it now....... But Queen live was just remarkable, and dvd's, cd's, videos, doesn't do them justice.......... Everyone have a GREAT NEW YEARS...... 2005 is coming upon us! |
| deleted user 27.12.2004 14:23 |
Unfortunately i never got to see them live. It's a great shame i never got to because all the live shows i've seen on video or DVD are absolutely brilliant. I'm not too keen on the hot space tour though. |
| Melancholy Blues 28.12.2004 01:29 |
a friend of mine went to go see then when they toured australia in 1976. he said they were brilliant. he didn't think they would be able to recreate bohemian rhapsody on stage but they did and he said it was just as good as on the album. freddie was even wearing union jack hotpants! |
| Bob The Shrek 28.12.2004 05:06 |
Hyde Park '76, Rock for Kampuchea Hammersmith '79, Wembley Arena '80 and 3 nights in a row on the Works Tour Wembley Arena '84. |
| Peta 28.12.2004 06:10 |
Hi all Queen fans, I never saw Queen live too because I have been Queen fan since 1990 when I was 12 years old. What a pity! I read your articles and it is very interesting!! HAPPY NEW YEAR |
| BrianRules 28.12.2004 07:54 |
I was fortunate enough to see Queen 12 times, and each one was better than the last. Freddie and Brian just blew me away with their showmanship and professionalism. Mickyparise, I see you're from Cleveland too. Did you catch the Brian May show at the Agora in '93? |
| brENsKi 28.12.2004 08:25 |
5 times birmingham 24/11/79 - my first pay packet paid for the ticket - milton keynes 5/6/82 birmingham 2/9/84 wembley (saturday) 86 and knebworth august 86 - their final gig |
| deleted user 28.12.2004 08:45 |
Us young ones that have never seen Queen live don't want to know the dates and events. We want to know what actually HAPPENED. More details please... ;p |
| Brian_Mays_Wig 28.12.2004 09:19 |
Never. Was at the tribute though. Closest I ever got. |
| White or Black 28.12.2004 11:45 |
djaef wrote: I saw Queen 3 nights in a row, and awesome does not even come close to describing how they were. Freddie was a supernova on stage, he was simply a star. Those three nights I'll never forget. When and where was it? |
| redyfredy01 28.12.2004 12:40 |
I'm only 12, so i definately didnt get to see them because freddie died before i was born. But no matter what i am saving all my money to get tickets to see the tour in 2005. Even though Freddie won't be there, it will still great to go. |
| flash00 28.12.2004 15:45 |
i saw queen in 86 st james park, newcastle, and it was amazing!! freddies voice was so powerful, i agree the dvd's dont do justice to freddie's voice! amazing night,, i remember seeing more people on the outside all around the stadium there were thousands some trying to sneak in!!! lol. |
| Zander05 28.12.2004 16:09 |
I, like many, did not have the chance to see them live. I was born in December, 1986 so I completely missed out. But I was fortunate enough to go to a Guitar Center in 1998. There I stood for two hours waiting to get the autograph of Brian May. As luck would have it, I was next in line when some d*ckhead announced "Mr May has to leave now, he has a plane to catch" and so we snuck to the back where his limo waited. I was short so I couldn't see as over 100 people were cheering wildly. A very, VERY kind woman, already holding a baby, lifted me up and I got to see HIM! He walked out smiling and waved at everyone - even me :-) Suddenly chants of "TOUR! TOUR! TOUR!" (no, he didn't tour anywhere near IL as far as I know) erupted outside. It was really a good day and definately one of my favourite memories. |
| markaw 28.12.2004 17:52 |
Charisma is the defining word when seeing Queen live. Freddie even in the early days (Wolverhampton Civic support to Mott the Hoople)He was dynamic, bantered with crowd (well with those of us who appreciated what we were seeing).He played to the gallery like the true showman he was-voice of an angel but with the devil when needed. Interesting someone mentioned a friend who'd met him-I was a lucky bugger too at Stafford Bingly hall NOTW Tour-Mr sincere or what! I have to say I preferred the indoor gigs like NEC 80 or Birmingham Odeon 75-you really did feel like one of a select few (thousand!!). But the Wembley and Knebworth shows proved that Freddie could do it with such an enourmous crowd as well. I'm sure there won't be any dissenters when I say you missed a genuine star- You'll hear people talk about the Beatles and Hendrix for us the 70s was about getting into Queen-now we can say as our folks do...what a man!!! |
| karen 28.12.2004 18:19 |
I am so jealous reading these stories. Every time I watch the Wembley DVD, I can imagine the excitement they generated. I didn't see Queen live, but gee I wish I could be at their concert next year. Can you imagine those first few minutes when they first come out!! WOW!! I have been to tribute concerts and they are great - people happy & singing together and it is not even the "real" Queen!! |
| Awesome-O _4000 29.12.2004 01:38 |
God I'm so upset. That sounds awesome. |
| maxpower 29.12.2004 04:38 |
july 12th 1986 a rather famous date some shindig down at wembley stadium i was only 10, i was very very lucky |
| Tailzer 29.12.2004 17:41 |
I never saw queen as I became a big fan at the end of 86. Seen the other Guys together at the tribute concert, but did get to see Freddie in what was one of his last proper live gigs at the Charity performance of Time. He was outstanding, I was just blown away by his presence. I have a bootleg of the show that is probably the worst quality I have ever heard, but I treasure it as a memory of one of the Greatest performers I will ever see. |
| tymd 22.01.2005 02:20 |
Saw Queen in Memphis '78. All around great show. Freddie was a true performer & knows how to work an audience.Sold out show.I remember the crowd standing for most of the show.It did not seem to me that sexual preferance was an issue. Everyone enjoyed a great rock n' roll show.It's sad that some people stereotype people because of nationality.You have good and bad people everywhere. Peace |
| egret 22.01.2005 04:48 |
I saw Queen play the Boston Garden in 1980 and 1982. Very happy concerts. Very upbeat. Very loud. Very good humored. It sounds corny but it's true that Freddie made you feel like you were all friends, however many thousands of you, and he was so pleased to see you made it to the show, now be happy and have a good time. I remember he smiled a lot and danced real fast. I remember he goofed around with the piano, sitting on the keyboard and laughing. I remember the piano was so loud it was overwhelming, and Freddie's voice was mesmerizing. At the 1980 show, he asked if we liked his new mustache, and people booed. He laughed and said, "But I grew it just for you!" I'm trying to think of who else I've seen who had that kind of charisma and charm and talent, and all I'm coming up with is the late great Johnny Cash. --Egret |
| alibat 31.01.2005 07:41 |
I saw them in Leeds(82), Birmingham(84) and Manchester and Knebworth(86). Truely amazing. Freddie really did make you feel special. He made the concerts out of this world. My mum still makes fun of me (19 years later) when I came home from Manchester and announced that Freddie had looked me straight in the eye. It really did feel like he was singing to me. The guy was just a star. |
| RohemianBapsody 31.01.2005 08:04 |
Saw them live several times from 78 (Brighton) to 86 (Wembley). A great moment was at Wembley Arena (either 1980 or 1984) when it was Freddie birthday and the whole crowd sung to him. I was also at Milton Keynes, and at the start of Staying Power Freddie threw a bag into the crowd (you can Feddie reach down on the DVD). I was the fortunate one to catch it, but then acted like the parcel in pass-the-parcel. Around 8 people around me all jostling for the bag and its contents. I never did see what was in the bag, so if anybody can enlighten me on this I would be grateful. Freddie was the true showman and always got the crowd on his side. |
| Voice of Reason 2018 31.01.2005 08:07 |
Saw them twice and even managed to shake Freddie's hand outside the Gresham Hotel in Dublin in 1984. Seems like a lifetime ago now. |