Queen – Freddie, Live Aid and a band that never ages
Updated: · Techbox, Thessaloniki
Four musicians from London who wrote some of the best-known songs in the world. The story of Queen, the moments that lasted and the collectibles of Freddie Mercury.
How it began
Queen formed in London in 1970 with Freddie Mercury, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. In 1971 bassist John Deacon joined, and the line-up stayed the same for twenty years.
Brian May still plays the Red Special, the guitar he built as a teenager with his father.
Bohemian Rhapsody
In 1975 came "Bohemian Rhapsody", a six-minute song with no chorus that moves from ballad to opera to rock. The record label thought it would never get radio play. It became one of the most loved songs of all time.
Live Aid and Wembley
On 13 July 1985, at Live Aid at Wembley, Queen played twenty minutes that are regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. Freddie in his white vest became an image everyone recognises.
A year later, at the 1986 Wembley concerts, he wore the yellow military jacket, his second best-known look.
Freddie Mercury died in November 1991. The 2018 film "Bohemian Rhapsody", with Rami Malek winning the Oscar for the role, brought Queen to a whole new generation.
What to collect
Almost every collectible shows Freddie in one of his two iconic moments: the white Live Aid vest or the yellow Wembley jacket. Neca makes articulated figures, Knucklebonz its Rock Iconz, and Funko and MINIX smaller vinyl figures.
