I remember Roger Taylor from Queen talking about the day of the Live Aid show, he said that there were "all these little synth bands s**tting themselves at the prospect of playing in front of a billion people". He turned to Freddie and asked him if he was nervous. Freddie's response was, "Darling, I was f**king born for this day!" This is the difference between Queen and other bands.

Queen was fading as a band at the time, and weren’t on the poster for the show. They destroyed it so much, that not only did it give their career a shot in the arm, but it is widely believed to be the best live set ever. 20 minutes of perfection.

Your question - this performance (20 minutes) is widely known as the greatest live concert performance, ever.

I remember watching this in real time. Watching the crowd do the overhead hand-claps, this wasn't a "Queen concert," they were a last-minute add. They captured the world that day.

This song was an anthem to radio at a time when MTV, videos, & other visual tech were beginning to replace the radio as the main tech that everyone used to hear the world’s music. It was so on point.

Freddie would have turned 77 on September 5th. Considering that the amazing Mr. Tony Bennett was 94 when he gave his last public performance, and was still playing the piano and singing just the week before he passed, I think Freddie would have still been singing and strutting were he still alive today. Also, 🎉CONGRATULATIONS BRITT!!!🎉

Fun fact, Queen was never slotted to play this venue when the tickets were sold. They were a surprise last minute addition. Which means most of the people who are here bought tickets to see other bands. They didn't buy them to come see Queen. But the minute Queen hit the stage.. they ALL were Queen fans.

Faroukh Bulsara was from a tiny island called Zanzibar off the coast of east Africa and went to school in India. He was raised in the Zoroastrian religion before moving to the UK. A lot of his early songs dealt with him coming to terms with being gay in the 1970s. It’s amusing to me with all the garbage music we have in 2023 that Queen recorded a song slamming bad music in the early 80s. They were ahead of their time.

This Legendary concert LiveAid twinned with a concert in Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸, 72 thousand at Wembley Stadium Uk 🇬🇧 92 thousand at Philadelphia USA, the concerts were to raise awareness and funding for a terrible famine in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Africa, in 1985 it was the first of a kind televised worldwide to nearly 2 billion people, some of the best artists in the world performing on the day, each artist having a 20 minute slot to perform, Queen came on stage and with their flamboyant legendary outstanding performance where by far the best performers on the day Queen stole the show, Freddie had the crowds in the palm of his hand, I actually attended LiveAid and have many fond memories of that time, I also attended a Queen concert at Wembley Stadium 🇬🇧 in 1986, and I attended Freddie’s last live performance at Knebworth park also in 1986 , where the crowd was estimated to be 140 thousand, Freddie is surely missed he in my opinion was the best frontman of a band, great reaction thanks 🙏

I've been commenting a few times - watching the entire Queen segment of LiveAid is AN EXPERIENCE and you should definitely check it out for a reaction. Freddie was such an incredible performer. He had perfect timing, perfect voice control, perfect pitch... just everything all at once.

Queen was already on the map, but they were widely considered to be past their prime. This performance reminded everyone of their greatness.

It actually annoys me how much people think that Queen was just Freddy Mercury and a backup band. That isn't truth. Brian May was a badass. He wrote many of Queen's biggest hits. Not only was he a rocker, he was an astrophysicist and was knighted.

I get a mix of chills and tears every time I watch this performance. Freddie was just so special.

Not only is Freddie tallented at an iconic level, you can also see that he is passionate about singing and performing. He is truly amazing. I was never the biggest fan of their style of music, but watching him sing... you have to be comletely without a heart if you don't get pulled in to this man's energy. He is one of the greats. I am sure his band members miss him every day.

I believe Freddie was put on this planet to give humanity this 20 minute performance. He'll be remembered forever at his absolute pinnacle.

This is probably the top live performance of the ROCK era. And not a single stupid phone in sight. The audience was totally involved and engaged. I imagine performers appreciate that and feed off that themselves. Sadly today's audiences are self-absorbed in themselves. The entire band was on fire.

These guys re-wrote the book on how to DELIVER an unforgettable show that will forever stand the test of time 🔥✊️🔥

Queen were known as a SUPER GROUP before LIVE AID.... This performance just ROCKED them out of the PARK

This entire concert was epic. And Queen was the highlight, there is no doubt. I watched it real time back in the day.

Queen has performed at Wembley several times to sold-out crowds. This performance was very special because of all the other participating artists that Queen outclassed. After Queen, David Bowie went on stage for a very good performance, despite a band formed at the last minute. Legend has it that Bowie, only half joking, whispered S.O.B to Freddy, due to the high quality of his performance and the fact that he had added 20 minutes to the scheduled time.

I think Freddie would still tear it up now if he was alive and healthy!! Incredible talent!!

Queen at Live Aid were iconic, and when you consider that more than 70 bands/acts performed at Live Aid, who remembers, who the other 70 odd acts were, or what they sang, but everyone knows the performance of Queen, even though Freddie had a throat infection, is still held up as the greatest performance at Live Aid

History and the world of Rock’n Roll consider Queen’s Live Aid Show to be the single best rock performance EVER! They stole the show for sure! Love it!

One of the best front men ever. The way he always commanded the stage and controlled the crowd...epic. Man I wish I could have seen them live.

It really does feel different to watch the entire show. The whole thing is epic. ❤❤❤

Britt, love Queen almost as much as your channel. I have a few bands ahead of them, but only a handful not counting the thumb. BUT, this is THE MOST ICONIC live performance EVER. Literally stole the entire world from time zone to another regardless of space and time. Love to all on board!

Im so glad people are still moved so deeply by Freddie.

This was more like the peak of a stunning comeback for Queen. Although they never really went away in the early 80s, their career had taken a slight dip in terms of their popularity (with the exception of the "Under Pressure" duet with David Bowie). Then when The Works came out in '84 they were topping the charts again. They still might have been considered by many to have been a bit past their best, though, until this performance happened. Everyone was blown away by what they did at live aid. I can clearly recall the tabloids the next day. Even though dozens of legendary artists had performed (and performed very well), the front pages were all of Freddie with that now-iconic stance with the armband and one fist raised in the air (at least in the UK, where I was).

The best set of the day during Live Aid. Bar none. Had immense stage presence and could hold the crowd in the palm of his hand. Should watch entire set by Queen from that day. Amazing job (and he was fighting a respiratory illness and still belted it out). Was the greatest!

Thanks for the reaction, Britt! I've been a massive Queen fan since their LP "A Night At The Opera" came to my record store very early in 1976. Within a week I had purchased their first three albums and I was lucky enough to see them live three times! Freddie Mercury was an amazing front man and is a legendary songwriter and performer, but each member of the band were great. All were songwriters, all wrote hit songs for the band, each of them was supremely talented and contributed to the band in their own right. Freddie is fantastic, but the other members of Queen are equally deserving of love and respect.

You should watch the entire show. The way it flows is a masterpiece in and of itself.

This is a classic! Interesting fact, Freddie was not feeling well that day and still performed and sang brilliantly.

I watched the entire Live Aid concert - both continents. I was 12 and even though I was watching to see Duran Duran, this performance (and specifically this song) is etched in my brain. I remember this music video had just hit MTV, and there was an audience in the video doing the raised clapping during the chorus. I loved watching the Live Aid audience re-create that vibe from the video! One of the greatest memories from my childhood. Great reaction!

I grew up ini the 80s, Live Aid was awesome and Queen was off the charts. I really miss Freddie!

Queen's 20 mins at the Live Aid concert is widely thought to be the GREATEST 20 mins of Rock N Roll ever. It is immortalized in Rock history as is Queen and Freddie Mercury!

Britt, an interesting consideration here is most Queen fans were into their music long before videos. We bought albums and just listened to the music. Or caught it on the radio. We had little idea what the band looked like. Without a doubt video added another dimension that Queen was incredible at.

Britt, once again, your reaction is precious! Your face lights up with your smile and eyes.I grew up in the 60's and 70's in LA when one could easily see all the great bands and performers, which I did. I saw Queen during their Opera tour. It may be the greatest performance that I ever saw. Freddie was magnificent, as was Brian May's guitar playing. He has a unique sound. Love your reactions!!❤❤

I remember scrounging for another blank VHS tape when Queen started playing. I recorded the entire broadcast on 6 tapes lol. Iconic performance.

Classic Queen ❤ Britain's Rock ❤🎉

To see crowd join in, Love of My Life, live in Roc in Rio. 250,000 in crowd sing the song to Freddie and give Brian a great tribute.

The song ends with one of the best, probably the best, audience partication in pop. It was definitely part of the Rasio Ga Ga number and it would be tragic for you to miss it by ending too soon.

I have to admit, watching Freddie perform live to an adoring audience was always something vey special to me. For me his finest hour was the Wembley gig back in 1986 (where he wore that famous yellow jacket) and he sang 'Under Pressure' involving all the audience in his pre-song warm up. Just perfect. God rest him.

🇨🇦 Wembley Stadium Concerts hold between 70,000 to 90,000 people ! If Freddie was still around, he would be 77 years old !

He was here for too short a time, but boy did he make a ,very happy, difference to the world

They said that Queen brought in more donations that day than all the bands combined. Watching it still gives me goose bumps. It was one for the record books. People love Queen and really showed it that day.

Doing song by song of Live Aid separately you will miss the call and response...but a good reason to watch it again on your own. It is in the rock history books as one of the greatest live performances. I think if Freddie was here today, he would be mixing it up with projects, people, producing...he would have to keep himself engaged, never bored. But I think Queen would have periodically resurfaced now and then. They would all refresh and return.

I saw this on TV live. You should watch the whole 21mins of Live Aid. Freddie leads the crowd in a vocal warm up!

Great part of one of the best sets in rock music history. Freddie really knew how to work a crowd. Queen blew away some of the biggest names in music that day.

The way Freddie could command an audience was amazing and unmatched!!!!

Girl he is my spirit animal and I just love him too. He’s mine mine mine.😂😘❤

I love to watch you do these reviews. You are so refreshing.

Can watch that million times still get that same feeling when interacting with the crowd. Britt you are gorgeous ❤

This performance is famous for a lot of reasons.

Hi Britt, you need to react to the whole 20 minutes of Queen's set (6 songs) at Live Aid to experience just how awesome their performance was! I'm sure you'll love it. 😊❤ Queen are my favourite band.

Britt, it was so awesome when you revealed the reason for your glow. In a crummy world it is so cool to know you will pass along your smile and spirit and plum cool tude! Thanks to you and yours for the continued brilliance.

Ahem. Queen's performance at Live Aid in 1985 is also known as "The Perfect Set". Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) once said that if you're a professional musician you need to study THIS performance to learn how to do live shows. I agree. It's always important to remember (im sure it will be repeated here) that this is NOT a Queen concert. A dozen bands performed before and again after them but they stole the show. That crowd reaction.... Freddie was also sick and was under Doctor's orders to rest his voice and not perform. Its one of the reasons he does that vocal exercise early on to give his voice a quick stretch (his voice improves noticeably after) with the crowd call back. I could go on, but to answer your question this performance is special, period. Maybe not for the channel but I would STRONGLY recommend watching the whole thing one time. its an experience.

You really need to take the time to watch Queens whole Live Aid performance. It runs about 20 minutes but non-stop entertainment.

Even the other performers who played that day agreed that Queen stole the show.

hello...i was 10 years when this was aired in finland and i clapped my hands and when i saw the bohemian rhapsody in movietheater i standed up and clapped...in the beginning of of the movie i said to everyone hey! when radio gaga comes stand up and clap...but i was the only one...2 of my greatest memories EVER!!!

This was the defining live performance for not only Queen but all of Live Aid. This was not a Queen-friendly audience and most people had thought of Queen as an afterthought but Queen reminded everyone of the greatness of the band during their legendary set. Freddie had the whole crowd eating out of the palm of his hand

You should watch the entire 20 minute session to get the full impact of Freddie. Their performance set the bar at live aid and nobody came close. Thats why it's set in history.

this song was only recorded the year before so his voice was still able to replicate the recording. The video was also iconic so the crowd knew what to do at the chorus..

Should check out their whole performance.

This day rocketed Queen back to the iconic superstar position they had known ! A whole new era after this concert for them! Miss you Freddie❤❤❤❤

I wish I was able to see Queen perform life with Freddie! I've watched this video (and many others of live performances) MANY times and just LOVE how he interacts with the audience and how he just has everyone in the palm of his hand!! Just amazing!! And his birthday was 2 days before mine!!!

Hi Britt, great reaction, I could watch Freddie gallivant on stage all day😂 Live aid is definitely one of the most iconic performances. But a couple of others that are known to be iconic or of their top performances are Wembley 1986. A few of the songs from that concert that you should react to our another one bites the dust, under pressure, a kind of magic, and now I’m here. I believe you already reacted to who wants to live forever from the Wembley 86 concert. Another fabulous performance/concert from them is Montreal 1981. I believe you already reacted to somebody to love from that concert, but I would also suggest, save me, dragon attack, under pressure, another one bites the dust, Bohemian Rhapsody. If you like frisky Friday, you should definitely watch him perform fat bottom girls Milton kKeynes 1982.

Pure perfection ❤

You MUST watch the entire live aid queen set!

Great Preformance and you had a Great reaction Thank you Britt always fun watching you we all appreciate you and your time

I first wanted to say im a big fan of ur reaction videos. I watch alot of these and i enjoy the positivity you bring. Im a big time country boy but Freddy is my poision fruit. His vocal range and talent just makes his music feel how he was feeling. Keep up the great work pretty woman and god bless

Arguably the best rock front man. He had sooo much energy to give. RIP Freddie Mercury

They had been already on the map, it was not cool to be a Queen fan in the mid 80's, the non believers thought they 'had their time'. Live Aid proved them wrong and made us fans proud and vindicated, giving it loads of "I TOLD YOU SO!". We seen them live, we knew what to expect and they didn't disappoint. What it did do was bring them back to the top as their back catalogue started soaring in sales straight after this.

Queen had previously played to a bigger live crowd than this at the 1976 Hyde Park (London) free concert. Estimates for the crowd range from minimum 100,000 up to 250,000. I spent the whole concert about 25 yards from the front of the stage.

I saw this Live Aid 1985, i was almost 15-years old, and Queen hits! It was a good time for me to have that experience.And "Do they know is Christmas time" was awesome song on that time.

Roger Taylor, (the drummer), wrote this love song for the radio medium. (Queen is unique that way, all four members wrote big hits for the band). Queen’s Live Aid performance is often cited as one of the best live shows ever, but of course there is a bias for it because it was televised all over the world, and most people have seen it. But the band pioneered the huge stadium show long before Live Aid. I’m sure they had even better shows, (Freddie was under the weather during Live Aid), and I know they played before larger audiences than this. But the main reason they blew everyone else off the stage that day was they were used to playing stadiums and gigantic crowds, and most other artists of the day weren’t. Ands Freddie goes down in history as the artist with the largest audiences in the palm of his hand. He held them as if it was a gig at a small club. Unsurpassed to this day.

The handclaps are how it was done in the official video

It is Freddie's swan song . Absolutely his greatest moment . End of life , complete command of the crowd , the showmanship. It's epic .

I think Freddie would have been just as eccentric in whatever he would do if he was alive today. He DID say he wouldn't strut around a stage forever (but that was probably because he knew his outcome by then) but I sincerely doubt his enthusiasm and will power for his art would fade if he was alive and well today

Elvis Presley and Freddie on stage together would of been the best stage presence in the history of music just the way they were with there fans and just ahhhh 😢

I still remember reading the front page of the newspaper announcing his death and my heart just breaking. Freddie was amazing, a one-off and missed so much by so many, not only those of us who loved him while he was here but so many others who have discovered and loved him since he left us

Yes, this and the live performance of Somebody to Love in Montreal, also a monumental signature performance.

He would still be flamboyant AF and we would love it even more!

The pose at the end of Freddie's performance comes from The Afternoon of a Faun (French: L'Après-midi d'un faune), [1912] part of the Ballets Russes season in Paris that year. Part of this ballet can also be seen in the Queen video "I Want to Break Free".

Wasn't a fan of this song back in the day, but listening to it again all of these years later -- have a new appreciation for it -- especially the lyrics.

I always tear up watching this. Just the nostalgia alone of him singing about the radio and how it was everything until the video started killing it, and how he honored it through this song..Happy tears

No, it is not THEIR most monumental performance. it is THE most monumental performance there has ever been, PERIOD. It is widely recognized as THE greatest performance in the history of music, not just by them, but by any artist EVER. Yeah. It wasn't even their concert. They were just one band out of countless that day, and they completely blew everyone away and now people think it was just them, meanwhile it was the greatest collection of artists to have ever appeared on one show and they still blew everyone away.

Planet mercurial 😊 Queen is the benchmark S masterclass in musicianship Craftsmanship of the finest order They did and would not had to have tried… Only delivered with the prowess & respect for the crowd they always did ❤

In the UK it was a hot summers day and when walking in the streets all you could hear was people watching Live Aid on the TV. It was a magical eighties day, and this was the best performance. Of course though all because of people suffering with a famine - very sad, and still happening today

Freddie is one the best showman ever. And I am sure if he would still be there he would still be the best.

Best preformance by any band on any stage ever!!! FREDDIE RULES & ROCKS!!!

RIP Freddie the GOAT a rock vocalist that will never be forgotten😀

MORE QUEEN! 🔥 👑

Spectacular. He had that entire audience in the palm of his hand. I wish he lived to 100.

2 billion people watched Live Aid, 40% of the world's population at that time. Queen kicked ass (largely unexpectedly, because they were a 70s band and this was the mid-80s) in front of the biggest music audience in history. That's why it's iconic.

Side fact. Phil Collins performed at Wembley Stadium as well. After his performance, he caught the Concorde jet to NYC. Flew to Philadelphia, and performed again in front of the American Live AID crowd.

Every Queen live performance was exactly the same. Excellent.

Watched with my kids as it happened we danced around the room non stop was magical. One of the greatest memories we share from their childhood. The whole day was wonderful but Queen totally stole the show❤

It was the 70's. Legendary times . Radio stations controlled who got heard on the radio. We didn't have a lot of access back then.

Radio Ga Ga was written by the drummer, Roger Taylor. The story is one day his young son, Rufus, came out of the room after not being able to find anything to listen to on the radio and simply said "radio caca", and that gave Roger the inspiration to write the song. The audience hand clapping is because in the video of the song, the Queen fan club in the video started the "Ga Ga" clap and the concert audiences accepted it after that.

80's generation....Love this one. Thank you for this...