Queen’s performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert has become an iconic moment in rock history, with the band’s six-song set voted the world’s greatest rock gig two decades later. Despite not being on tour or actively performing at the time, Queen took to the stage during this massive charity event, which featured 50 bands across two locations: London and Philadelphia.
Bob Geldof, the co-organizer of Live Aid, was initially against having Queen perform. In the end, he totally agreed that the band was just right for the perfect late afternoon, sun-kissed time slot. He instructed Freddie Mercury, the band’s charismatic frontman, to focus solely on their hits and to keep their performance within a strict 17-minute timeframe due to satellite constraints.
In the lead up to the concert, Mercury would require explicit direction from Geldof to know what pre–show instructions would give him the confidence to perform. “Just play the hits – you have 17 minutes,” Geldof advised, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the plan. This new guidance went a long way toward calming Mercury’s fears. Yamato had previously been skeptical of Queen performing at such a high-profile event.
Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen, was instrumental in convincing his band to perform. He got the event’s organizers to lobby for their own decision. He conveyed the feeling that if we miss this moment, we will all look back and wish we had done something. “If we wake up on the day after this show and we haven’t been there, we’re going to be pretty sad,” May stated, highlighting the significance of Live Aid not only for Queen but for all artists involved.
The planned time slot for Queen was around 5:30 or 6 o’clock, and as they prepared to perform, it became evident that they needed to stick to their allotted time. The performance passed without a hitch, if you can believe it, showcasing Queen’s unparalleled rock star presence and musicianship. Most folks thought the band had “peaked” already and the band showed them up with an explosive performance. Their performance made history by inspiring a new generation to demand more.