Having been in the wrong kind of mood when I saw Queen in 1984, then missing them at Live Aid as a matter of principle, when the opportunity arose to see them again, I didn’t hesitate.
The Magic tour was being held in stadiums, so it was time to head to Wembley.
Support acts were The Alarm, INXS and Status Quo.
The Alarm weren’t really on my radar and, in all honesty, after they’d done their set, fell off it again.
INXS were a band I was aware of, but hadn’t really taken much notice of up to then. They did put on a great show, though, and 
it remains a mystery to me why I didn’t go and see them again in later years.
Quo were… well, Quo! They came out and put on a cracking show, connecting with the crowd in their usual, almost casual, manner, and played all the songs we’ve come to know and love.
Whenever I attended any Wembley gig, I avoided the stands otherwise you were guaranteed to be further away from the stage. Of course, that was possible at ground level, but it wasn’t the plan. We’d find a spot somewhere in the quarter of the pitch closest to the stage, then gradually work our way forward as the afternoon and evening progressed. Not that I ever managed to get right to the front, but you could generally get close enough to be able to see the artists without resorting to watching the screens.
This strategy did mean you’d settle in a spot for a while every now and then before moving on. That said, even though you might think you were stopping in one place, the gentle movement of the crowd around you could mean that, like treading water in the sea, the tide moves you along.
From memory, I think around half a dozen of us went together. The only girl I can remember was my then girlfriend. She wasn’t particularly a fan of Quo, but it didn’t stop her joining in with the air guitar – much to the delight and amusement of my friends. While Quo were on, we were still far enough back to have sufficient space around us to form a small circle without bumping others and we rocked and rolled and sang and generally had a good time.
It was the middle of summer when we went to this gig and, with Queen coming on stage early evening, we were able to see the band clearly enough without extra lighting to start with.
Even though I’d seen them before, I was struck this time by how Freddie dominated the stage, and clearly loved being the centre of attention. Not that he came across as being conceited or big-headed. Yes, he was a show-off, but he managed to temper that with his connection to the crowd. We all loved him, from the One Vision opening, to the “Day-Oh!” sing-backs, to the strutting with the sawn-off mic stand, to the punching the air during the anthemic songs. He really was a man who knew how to touch his audience and take them along for the ride. Recalling that now, and knowing he’s no longer with us, does bring a lump to the throat. When he sang Who Wants To Live Forever? it felt very poignant. If only we’d understood why.
For two hours, we sang, we chanted, we clapped (especially to Radio Ga Ga), we danced and, yes, we celebrated the joy that was Queen. And when we finally left for our train home, we knew we’d seen something very special.
The Magic tour was Queen’s last with Freddie, and I’ve never felt inclined to go and see them without him. In one sense, it would just feel like going to see a glorified tribute band. That’s said with no disrespect to the other band members. All are fine musicians and songwriters. But, for me, the band was the sum of its parts and, without Freddie, it could never be the same again.
Zim was one of the friends who was at the gig and the following Christmas he bought me the live album taken from the concert. Written across the back of the sleeve were the words: “We was there!” and I remember feeling the prickling at the back of my eyes when I read that. It had been a special day. And we still didn’t know just how special it had been.
Of all Queen’s songs, One Vision seems to affect me the most. In part, I’m sure it’s because of the opening of this concert, but the lyrics seem to urge you on to achieve something, providing an anthem that motivates me. So that’s what I’m going to end on.
Bet they were amazing to see live. Have always loved their songs and have to admit I’ve watched the Bohemian Rhapsody film nearly 10 times already lol. He died far to young.
If you read my previous Queen post, you’ll know I wasn’t as impressed as I should have been the first time I saw them – but that was down to me, not them. Certainly a band I’m glad I went to see. And Bohemian Rhapsody did bring it all flooding back, Sarah. Don’t blame you for watching it again and again!
How strange that this post is published the day after I watched Bohemian Rhapsody, Graeme. I never saw Queen in concert, but I wish I had now. Freddy was indeed the centre of attention (the centre of the universe to some) and could put on a wonderful show. Even in his solo career he was a showman, but he needed the band and they needed him.
My claim to fame is that I once served Freddy Mercury a drink. He paid with a £20 note and told me to keep the change. It was one of the biggest tips I’d ever got as a barman.
What a claim to fame! And I hope you enjoyed the film as much as I did.
5-star from me. Far better than ‘A Star Is Born.’
Can’t comment on A Star is Born. Didn’t really appeal to me – not enough car chases and explosions…
lovely Graeme I wasn’t really a concert goer so it never occurred to be to see them but their music is fab as is their story…nice to have shared it with you via this post…
Thanks, Geoff. I don’t go so often these days, but there is something that little bit more special about the live experience…
That’s one band I would have liked to see live.
It goes without saying that you missed a treat. They weren’t my favourite live band, but they were definitely up there with the best of them!
I missed a lot, I’m afraid… but then, I had Paris instead 🙂
Yeah I recall the 84 gig and thought they were good, but potentially washed up as a band as by then they’d been treading the boards for quite some time and seemed positively ancient to me back then! Live Aid was a different matter and I was very fortunate to be at that one. Putting aside band allegances, which I used to be bristlingly argumentative about, Queen were the best act of that day. Well that’s my opinion but I’ve never heard a decenting voice to be honest.
Wasn’t so impressed in 86 when I was with you at Wembley nor the vastness of Knebworth the same year (which turned out to be Freddie’s live swan song). But to be fair it’s far easier to let rip for all of the 18 minutes Live Aid gave each act and Frederick would clearly need to pace himself for the two’ish hour full set they delivered to us the following year.
Anyway, thanks for mentioning the line up, I had no idea I’d seen INXS. Clearly they left far less of an aural mark on me than you mate!
I know what you mean about them seeming ancient. It’s amazing what the passage of time will do to change your perspectives. If you recall, two years earlier we’d been to see The Stones because, in 1982, they must be getting to the point of retiring, so it would probably be our last chance!
Sounds like this trip down memory lane has prompted some thoughts, and that’s not a bad thing. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Yep. Age is very subjective. When we went to see the Stones in 1982 we were 19 and off the back of that, I’m guessing they were in their late 30’s so hardly geriatric, but they appeared so to a ‘teen’. Now of course we find ourselves substantially older than Mick and Keef. At this point I was about to make a smirking remark that you were a whole day older than I but thinking about it, I reckon that’s Bula and you are 10 days younger? So on that basis I’ll shoot my own firework down before you do mate!
I’m afraid you’re right, Zim. I was the baby of the group – though not feeling quite so babyish at the moment!