Queen:
Rock Montreal & Live Aid
RELEASED: OUT NOW
(Eagle Vision)
Has a band ever managed to be so creatively and technically talented, yet so often misusing their talents? Across these two sets (one from Montreal in 1981 and the other their defining moment of Live Aid), there are truly great moments in the shape of Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody and Killer Queen. But equally, has there ever been a more pompous and OTT closing triumvirate to a show than We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and God Save The Queen?
People tend to love or hate Queen so if you’re in the former camp you won’t be disappointed. The Montreal show captures the band towards the end of their time as a more streamlined dynamic rock band whereas Live Aid is clearly a momentous moment in stadium rock history. Both are caught with visual and sonic clarity. Whether even the most devoted Queen needs to see the raised, clapping hands of Radio Gaga again is another matter…