November 24 marks the anniversary of Queen singer Freddie Mercury's tragic death at age 45 from pneumonia, which was a result of AIDS. While he's no longer with us, his music still lives on. Here are 5 of Freddie’s best performances:
5. “These Are The Days of Our Lives” – 1991
The last video Freddie appeared in was the one for “These Are the Days of Our Lives.” While it was filmed in color, it was released in black and white to minimize how frail the dying singer looked in it. Even though he’d pass away months after recording the vocals for the song, the legendary singer’s voice is as strong as ever.
4. Improvisation – 1986
Even when he wasn’t singing a song, Freddie could do wonders with his incredible voice. Between songs in 1986, he performed this vocal improvisation that shows off his remarkable instrument.
3. “Barcelona” – 1988
In 1987, while the world didn’t yet know he had HIV, Freddie got the diagnosis and realized his days were limited. As an opera lover, the rocker stepped away from Queen and created an album called Barcelona with Spanish opera singer Montserrat Caballe. Here’s the title track off that record where you can see a different but just as talented side of Freddie’s voice.
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – 1986
Freddie never thought he was that great at the piano and actually did not look forward to performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” live for fear he might mess it up. That never happened though and instead, he always nailed the song, which is not an easy one to perform. Here’s one of the best versions of it from 1986 at England’s Wembley Stadium.
1. Live Aid – 1985
Even though some of the best acts in the world performed at Live Aid, Queen’s set was the most memorable one. Playing incredible renditions of some of their greatest hits in front of 70,000 screaming fans, Queen stole the show at the charity event. Guitarist Brian May called it “the greatest day of our lives.” The event not only marked one of Freddie’s all-time best performances, but one of the best performances of all time by anyone.
Photo: Getty