Queen - Live at Wembley Stadium '86

I'm not kidding when I say this: If there is one live concert you have to watch in your life, you MUST catch Queen at Wembley '86. (can buy it here)



Now, I certainly hope thats not something I said that I will regret down the years, but having watched many many concerts, even those that go back in the 70s, I must say, this one is the epitome of rock concerts. Put it simply, they showed all bands in the world how it was like to stage a real, full out, rockin n rollin gig.

Ok, you say I'm exagerrating. Well, go see it for yourself then. If you don't have goose pimples watching it the 1st time, I will gladly refund you the DVD cost. (and for god's sake, don't just get the 2CD version. Yes the singing is fantastic and what not, but without the visuals you are only 10% there.)

Wembley, the UK's biggest stadium, hosting the world's best band at that time. I would say the early 80's was the peak of Queen's career, and in 86, with the band in good shape (and notably before Freddie Mercury got AIDS supposedly), they played to a sell out crowd. When I say sell out I dont mean 20,000. 30,000. 50,000. NONONO. The full capacity of Wembley is about 70,000. the ENTIRE PITCH was filled to the brim with people, bar the stage area. So, by my conservative estimates, possibly 120-150,000 people were watching them live. IT IS AMAZING SEEING THE PEOPLE ALL SWAYING, CLAPPING, SINGING IN HARMONY.

A lil intro of the band members.
Freddie Mercury. Freddie oh Freddie. Is he the world's first gay rockstar ? Ok, that's debatable, (and he's bi by the way), but almost certainly he is the world 1st Indian superstar. Yeah. unbelievable. Freddie actually has roots in India before emigrating to UK. On to his voice, I can safely say without regret, he has absolutely the BEST voice for a rock vocalist EVER. No one can beat him with his tonality n range n emotions. There's a reason for this. Watch out for the part where he took on the crowd acapella, with the crowd following suit. When he sings, he infuses so much energy in each of his songs that its unthinkable not to want to stand up and clap along in your own living room. The genius of Queen is that many of their songs were written to rouse the crowd, to involve the crowd. And that's one reason why so many Queen songs are so anthemic (think We are the Champions played worldwide at every stadium. And of course the iconic, chilling, addictive Bohemian Rhapsody). Freddie's even better when he pouts the same amount of energy into all of his songs, well known or not. He does not reserve his voice for the later songs in the concert (which are more popular), yet his voice does not degenerate like many other singers. He holds the stage as his own, the band listens to his every beckon and call, even stopping the start of a song cos he was drinking ! And most wonderful to behold, was his ability to feed off the energy of the crowd, who were energised by him in the 1st place. He had the crowd at the back of his hand. just think Radio GaGa and We Will Rock You. Costumes, all wonderful except for the Betty t-shirt. His now-famous yellow jacket and mic without mic stand base, his 'crowning' moement at the end ... extremly memorable.

Brian May, guitarist and songwriter for many Queen songs too. I like his 'Too much love will kill you" [not in this concert][this one supposedly written for Freddie]. He is really the unassuming fella, with a very plain face, typical 80's hairstyle, doesnt carry the look of a outstanding guitarist, but boy is he one heck of a player. His solo is pretty good, can watch out for that too. Uses lots of effect to um, good effect. Also backing vocalist.

John Deacon. Bassist. Nothing much to say about him. Kept the band tight, tho I wish he wore less tighter hot pants.

Roger Taylor. Drummer. A good one at it. I think in the entire band, Roger and Freddie had perhaps the best chemistry ... This is just purely my own opinion, that I think Roger's musical styles are similar much more to Freddie. Backing vocalist too [Queen had much to thank their backing vocals for their successes.] Some little known fact: in Bohemian Rhapsody's opera section, Roger sang the top section, and carries his note on further after the rest of the "choir" have stopped singing "Let it Goooooo". picked this up from wikipedia.

The crowd, the stadium, the band. What's next.

Song selection.

Wow.

1. One Vision
2. Tie Your Mother Down
3. In The Lap Of The Gods
4. Seven Seas Of Rhye
5. Tear It Up
6. A Kind Of Magic
7. Under Pressure
8. Another One Bites The Dust
9. Who Wants To Live Forever
10. I Want To Break Free
11. Impromptu
12. Brighton Rock Solo (Brain May's Guitar Solo)
13. Now I'm Here
14. Love Of My Life
15. Is This The World We Created
16. (You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care [Cover]
17. Hello Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart) [Cover]
18. Tutti Frutti [Cover]
19. Gimme Some Lovin' [Cover]
20. Bohemian Rhapsody
21. Hammer To Fall
22. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
23. Big Spender [Cover]
24. Radio GA GA
25. We Will Rock You
26. Friends Will Be Friends
27. We Are The Champions
28. God Save The Queen

I dont know if you, my dear readers, know all these songs. I also never heard of a couple till this concert. Apparently, Freddie n gang thought for days and nights over the song selection and sequence, to make sure it was the most enjoyable concert the crowd ever watched. Notable songs: "It's a kind of magic" with the inflated Freddies. "Under Pressure" Great song. "I want to Break Free" .. fantastic. "Love of My Life", my fav slow Queen song. The covers, not very good choice IMO. the only letdown if any. songs 20-28 ... I don't know what to say but, its really amazing. Top hit after another.

Perhaps the most beautiful moment in the DVD is during the 2nd part when the evening sun sets and darkness sets in. With the band playing tightly, Freddie singingly brightly, the fans all in chorus and harmony to the most memorable 70s and 80s tunes. And it's really a magnificent, beautiful sight.

I think I said enough. This IS the Godfather of all rock concerts. Get it.





Tags
Queen freddie mercury