Freddie Mercury nearly missed out on delivering one of the most legendary performances in rock history—Queen’s unforgettable set at Live Aid in 1985.
In a revealing interview with Radio Times ahead of the concert’s 40th anniversary, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May recounted how Mercury was initially reluctant to take part in the massive charity event. At the time, Queen wasn’t touring or actively performing, and the idea of sharing the stage with 50 other bands struck many as chaotic and overwhelming.
“It seemed like a crazy idea, this talk of 50 bands on the same bill,” Brian explained. Among the band members, only drummer Roger Taylor was immediately enthusiastic about the gig. The rest—including Mercury—were skeptical.
“Freddie, in particular, said: ‘I haven’t got the right feeling for this,’” Brian recalled. “He wasn’t the leader of the band, but if he dug his heels in there was no dragging him, so we parked it.”
However, the band’s stance shifted after Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof made a second push to secure their participation. Brian May took it upon himself to convince Freddie, appealing to his sense of opportunity and legacy.
May said. That argument worked. Freddie’s response? ** it, we’ll do it.”*
Once committed, Freddie Mercury threw himself into the performance with unmatched energy and charisma. Brian described how Freddie “led the charge” and “jumped in like a lion.”
What followed was a masterclass in showmanship, with Freddie captivating a live crowd of over 72,000 at Wembley—and a global television audience of over a billion viewers. Brian marveled at Freddie’s unique ability to connect with every person in the venue, especially those at the very back.
“He had this magical ability to make everybody feel he was talking to them… Freddie harnessed that energy somehow and made that person at the back feel like he could do it too,” Brian said. “He’s not Farrokh Bulsara. When he walks on, he’s Freddie Mercury and he owns the world.”
Live Aid itself was a monumental event, raising approximately £150 million at the time (around £350 million today) for famine relief in Ethiopia. For Queen, participating was about more than the money—it was Brian and Roger Taylor reflected.
The band’s performance at Live Aid not only helped cement their status as rock legends but also became a defining moment of Freddie Mercury’s career—ironically, one he almost didn’t do.
