Search - Queen :: Live at Wembley

BY FAR my favorite Queen live album -- belongs in every live

Johnny Boy | Hockessin, DE | 07/23/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Queen. You know their history. Led by perhaps the greatest vocalist of all-time, Freddie Mercury, this band truly did it all. Whether it was blues, hard rock, heavy metal, pop rock, rockabilly, or R&B, Queen truly were one of the best and were certainly way ahead of their time.



By 1986, Queen were superstars -- #1 albums and singles almost everywhere you looked -- except America (boy were we MISSING OUT!) and were playing some of the biggest stadiums and soccer fields in the world across the globe. But, nobody knew the 1986 Magic Tour would also be their last.



Perhaps the most notable show on the '86 tour was their several night stand at Wembley Stadium -- playing to a crowd of over 400,000 people over the course of a few nights, it was recorded for a possible live album. Tracks from the band's appearance at Wembley Stadium were later included on the 'Live Magic' album which was released in Europe only in 1986 (Hollywood reissued the album in 1996 so it's now available stateside).



Finally, in 1992, one year after Freddie's untimely passing at the age of 45, Hollywood Records (the group's United States label) released this double-disc set, 'Live at Wembley '86' chronicling the band's performance at Wembley. To further appreciate this show, I *STRONGLY URGE* you to seek out the 'Live at Wembley Stadium DVD' as a companion to this.



Now, there's the history and the brief synopsis. Here are my thoughts on this double-disc live album.



Wow. Just wow. Queen were truly one of the all-time great live bands. And this set proves it. Queen rips through classics during their 13 years of recording (at that time -- 1973-1986), opening with a ripping version of 'One Vision' (that is one of the most enthusiastic crowds I have ever heard) as Freddie sings his heart out and Brian May shreds like a madman in his own, unique way.



The jam on 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' is incredible as well. This version found here blows the album version away. Why the radio stations always play the 1980 version from 'The Game' and not this one is beyond me. Freddie's doing a fine job as a rhythm guitarist, and Brian and John Deacon help lead him down the right path (Queen -- with the May/Taylor/Deacon punch are one of the best rhythm sections of all-time in my opinion).



The acoustic set is great as well. Listen to 'Love of My Life,' Freddie's tribute to his soulmate, Mary Austin, as the crowd sings along mellowly, further conveying the emotion of this song. What a touching, beautiful version, and Freddie clearly is impressed by the Wembley crowd as they sing this classic word for word.



Other highlights include 'Another One Bites The Dust,' a slightly different version of 'We Will Rock You' then the studio version, and a rocking version of 'We are the Champions,' which ultimately concludes the amazing performance at Wembley (along with an exit of 'God Save the Queen' -- played over the loudspeaker from Queen's interpretation on the 'A Night at the Opera' album from 1975).



Overall, this show is as good as it gets. Queen (or any band for that matter) could rarely play a show that matches the energy and raw performance of this one. The band is having a blast, and the crowd is clearly as into the show and the music as you possibly could be. An impressive crowd and an even more impressive show.



But don't buy this edition. Seek out the remastered edition -- titled 'Live at Wembley Stadium' which was released as a companion to the concert's release on DVD a few year's back. That edition sounds even better than 'Live at Wembley '86' and even includes bonus tracks -- always a plus when you are looking to make a purchase, right?



If you like live music or you like Queen even a *little* bit, the Wembley Stadium 1986 show is a must-own. Period. I don't care which version of the performance you buy, you must own the Wembley Stadium show. It's mandatory listening for a Queen fan. Truly one of the greatest concerts ever given by Queen -- or any band, for that matter.



Highly, highly, highly, HIGHLY recommended.



ENJOY!!!"