Today marks what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 75th birthday. The legendary Queen frontman had one of the best voices in rock ‘n’ roll and delivered countless iconic performances. Those performances were electrifying. Freddie had a way of capturing a crowd that could not be matched. Sadly, Mercury died on November 24, 1991 due to complications from AIDS.
David Bowie, who collaborated with Mercury on “Under Pressure,” described Freddie’s performance style in the legendary singer’s obituary:
“Of all the more theatrical rock performers, Freddie took it further than the rest. He took it over the edge. And of course, I always admired a man who wears tights. I only saw him in concert once, and as they say, he was definitely a man who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand. He could always turn a cliche to his advantage.”
Mercury’s captivating style is on full display in a video compilation of his greatest live performances. The collection kicks off with “Stone Cold Crazy” from 1974. The video also features “Bohemian Rhapsody” from Budapest in 1986 as well as a number of songs from Queen’s iconic concert at Wembley Stadium that same year including “Under Pressure,” “Radio Ga Ga” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Also included is “We Will Rock You” from Rio in 1985 and “Somebody To Love” at Milton Keynes Bowl in 1982.
To celebrate Freddie Mercury’s birthday, watch some of his greatest performances below:
Setlist via Queen YouTube
- Stone Cold Crazy (Live At The Rainbow, 1974)
- Play The Game (Live At Milton Keynes Bowl, 1982)
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Live In Budapest, 1986)
- I Want To Break Free (Live At Wembley Stadium, Saturday 12 July 1986)
- Somebody To Love (Live At Milton Keynes Bowl, 1982)
- Under Pressure (Live At Wembley Stadium, Saturday 12 July 1986)
- A Kind Of Magic (Live At Wembley Stadium, Friday 11 July 1986)
- Radio Ga Ga (Live At Wembley Stadium, Friday 11 July 1986)
- We Will Rock You (Live At Rock In Rio 1985)
- Bohemian Rhapsody (Live At Wembley Stadium, Saturday 12 July 1986)
[Originally Published: September 5, 2020]
