Freddie Mercury’s iconic performance with Queen at Live Aid in 1985 is widely regarded as the epitome of one of the most charismatic performers to have graced the stage. However, the legendary frontman still required explicit directions from the festival’s organizer, Bob Geldof, before taking the stage. The Boomtown Rats’ frontman, Geldof, advised Mercury not to overindulge in theatrics and simply play the band’s hits during their 17-minute set.
Two decades after Live Aid, Queen’s six-song performance was crowned the greatest rock concert of all time. During their brief set, Mercury managed to captivate an audience of 72,000, with the crowd clapping in unison. Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor, later revealed in an interview that the audience clapped and swayed together, creating a spectacle akin to a “whole field of wheat swaying.”
The band’s performance was almost a nonstarter until Queen’s lead guitarist Brian May intervened. May convinced Mercury to take part in the event, which featured over 50 bands on the same bill. May argued that if the band didn’t participate, they would regret it. Mercury ultimately agreed, and the band went on to deliver a memorable performance.
Mercury was instructed by Geldof to keep the show focused on Queen’s hits, and the band obliged. According to Geldof, Mercury’s set was one of the most selfless acts he had witnessed. The promoter initially hesitated to invite Queen, fearing their popularity had peaked. Nevertheless, he and Queen’s management worked together to fit the band into the festival’s lineup.
The performance was part of two Live Aid shows, one in London and the other in Philadelphia, and had to be coordinated with precision due to satellite time constraints. Geldof and the producer Harvey Goldsmith collaborated on the schedule, ensuring Queen was slated to perform during the late afternoon slot. Goldsmith believed the band would be the perfect fit, and Geldof eventually came around to the idea. In the end, Queen delivered an unforgettable performance, proving their staying power as one of the world’s greatest rock bands.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/01/bob-geldof-told-freddie-mercury-dont-get-clever-before-1985-live-aid-set
