#the freddie mercury tribute concert for AIDS awareness

[ultra-francesca-mercury]

april 20, 1992

The remaining members of Queen hold the "Concert For Life" at Wembley Stadium in London, raising money for AIDS awareness in honor of their fallen frontman Freddie Mercury. David Bowie, Elton John, Guns N' Roses and George Michael all perform.

[fruitcage]

[not-the-coffee-machine4]

this will probably be long but I don’t care

It never ceases to amaze me how decent the people in Queen all are. Like yeah they are a major rock band and there was no shortage of Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll™️ going on. We know this. I’m not trying to portray them as perfect people.

But like, if you look at literally anything anyone who’s spent time with them has said or just their actions in general it’s almost hard to believe how like…generous and kind they all are. I mean especially comparing to stuff you hear about the other people/groups at the time.

Freddie bought Christmas dinners for all AIDS patients in hospitals every year. He was a great tipper. He invited anyone who had nowhere else to go to Garden Lodge for holiday dinners. He bought his friends Christmas presents for a Christmas he knew he wouldn’t see. He bought Jim a car. He took in a stranded musician in Japan and sent his driver up to McDonalds when he discovered the person (I’m sorry I don’t remember who it was) didn’t like sushi and then paid the owner to let the guy just sit there. He was the peacemaker of Queen. Everyone around him has always said how funny, kind, generous, and respectful he was.

Roger got a taste of a solo career and immediately went “I’m going to raise awareness for a whole bunch of issues because I am in the position to do so.” He wrote songs about war, racism, socioeconomic inequality, AIDS, neo-Nazism/holocaust denial, domestic violence. He called out religious extremism, politicians, and the extremely wealthy sometimes by name. He’s a patron of Cornwall Pride. He had a signed congratulations note delivered to a couple who got engaged during Somebody To Love. And of course, he co-founded the Mercury Phoenix Trust and then nearly single-handedly organized what remains the largest tribute concert ever the proceeds of which went to the MPT

Brian is Brian. I mean anyone who follows him on Instagram will know he just has a philosophy of treating people with kindness. He’s a queer ally, he calls out crazy right-wing people on a variety of issues, he calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and he champions animal rights. And he practices what he preaches as you will know if you kept up with their last Japan tour and his quest to find vegan food. Not to mention as well as also being a co-founder of the MPT, he and Roger went on national television ONE WEEK after Freddie died to dispel homophobia, AIDS fearmongering, and to raise awareness (not to mention trying to clear up everything the press had been saying about Freddie).

As John is the quiet, private person not much is known about him regarding this but he obviously had deep love and respect for Freddie and I mean there is something to say about the company you keep.

I don’t really have a point I just marvel at it

[defsteria]

More photos of The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness — 20 April 1992, at Wembley Stadium in London.

[natromanxoff]

Today - April 22, 1992

Credits to Roberto Macchi.

Why Bowie had to say the Lord's Prayer for pal Craig

by LIZ MOORE

SUPERSTAR David Bowie yesterday told of the sadness which led him to sink to his knees and pray on the stage of the Freddie Mercury tribute concert.

Bowie recited the Lord's Prayer before an audience of millions in a very public show of compassion for the private plight of a close friend, Craig, who is dying from Aids.

“He was in my thoughts as I watched the concert and I knew that I wanted to send a message to him,” Bowie revealed.

“I had no idea of what I was going to say until just before I went on stage.

“Something made me think of the Lord’s Prayer and it seemed to me that it would be the most direct way of reaching him with integrity. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

Before he flew out of Heathrow for New York, the 46-year-old rock star said: “Craig is someone who my assistant Coco and I have known for many, many years and who has tragically been toppled by Aids.

“He does not have long to live, I'm afraid.”

It was largely because of Craig that Bowie took part in the star-studded Easter Monday tribute to Freddie Mercury.

Bowie stunned the audience when he interrupted the music to pray for the victims of Aids, mentioning Craig by name.

Before he flew out Bowie vowed to keep Craig's personal details secret.

“He's a private individual, nothing at all to do with the music business or entertainment.

“I think because of that, it would be totally unfair of me to reveal his identity or any more information about him. It's vital that his anonymity is preserved.”

Asked if he was involved in caring for Craig, he said: “Coco and I are constantly in touch with him.”

Before the show, Bowie revealed that his friend's plight had spurred him into taking part.

On stage Bowie said: “This tribute is for our very good friend Freddie and also to our friends, your friends and possibly members of your family who have been troubled by this relentless disease.

“To all the people watching and to my friend Craig, I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone.”

Yesterday, Bowie said he was satisfied the concert had succeeded in getting across the message of Aids awareness, as well as being a fitting tribute to Freddie Mercury.

“I think enough of the performers said enough about the issue to nail down the seriousness of this horrific disease.

“And it was an absolutely splendid show.”

Bowie's agent Alan Edwards added: “Craig is obviously someone he knows outside the music world. He won't divulge any more about him.”

Concert organisers and Aids workers yesterday began the task of deciding how to allocate the estimated £20 million raised by the show.

The money, which came mostly from film and television rights, merchandising profits and public donations, will go to Aids charities to boost the battle against the disease.

[Photo caption: Supermodel Cindy Crawford sports spots]

Stars club together for King of Queen

Words: JANE MOORE

Pictures: DAVE HOGAN, RICHARD YOUNG, NIKOS

THE stars who rocked the fans at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert later danced until dawn at a party in his memory.

The flamboyant Queen singer's spirit lived on as band members Brian May and Roger Taylor joined Liza Minnelli, Cindy Crawford and George Michael.

Earlier, as the 72,000-strong crowd filed slowly from Wembley Stadium, a fleet of limousines whisked the stars to exclusive Browns club in London's Covent Garden.

The champagne flowed as the guests swapped stories about the Queen front man who died of Aids in November.

The celebrities toasted the success of the concert which looks set to raise £20 million for Aids charities worldwide.

George Michael, dressed from head to toe in black, stayed until the early hours of the morning at the club where he is a regular customer.

He spent a long time chatting to Cabaret star Liza Minnelli, who was still flushed from her emotional performance.

She led the finale with a version of Queen hit We Are The Champions.

Drummer Roger Taylor was escorted by stunning girlfriend Debbie Leng, who was dressed in figure-hugging black leather shorts and jacket.

And Queen guitarist Brian May took his girlfriend Anita Dobson, dressed in a black bolero hat and black lace dress.

Joining them were EastEnders actress Gillian Taylforth — enjoying her first big night out since the birth of her daughter Jessica three months ago — and her boyfriend Geoff Knights.

Paul Young and his wife Stacey left their daughter Levi with a babysitter.

Seal arrived with a new image. Gone were the trademark black leather trousers. Instead he wore a loose fitting white suit and glasses.

Wild Guns 'n' Roses frontman Axl Rose arrived without his usual posse of burly minders.

Still on a high from his concert success, he chatted to Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott.

“The atmosphere was fantastic because everyone was still buzzing from the concert,” said one guest.

“They played really up music all night long, and the dance floor was absolutely packed the whole time.

“They played a couple of Queen tracks and everyone went wild.

“The general feeling was that everyone should go wild and have a really good time because it's what Freddie would have wanted. He wouldn't want people sitting around moping about him."

However, one star was missing. “Everyone noticed that Elton John was particularly quiet backstage at the concert,” said an organiser.

“I think he found the whole thing rather upsetting because he loved Freddie very much.

“I don't think he could face going to a huge party.”

But for the party-goers the night was the ideal way to remember the life of the man who loved celebrations.

As he left, Roger Taylor summed up the mood: “Freddie would have loved it.”

[Photo caption: Roger Taylor escorts girlfriend Debbie Leng at the party]

[Photo caption: Wild singer Axl Rose relaxes in the luxury of a limousine]

[Photo caption: Part guest George Michael]

[Photo caption: Paul Young gives wife Stacey a hug]

[binkbonkers]

🏳️‍🌈Pride Month Day 5: Freddie Mercury🏳️‍🌈

The next artist is Freddie Mercury, who is best known as the lead vocalist and pianist in the rock band Queen. While Mercury never explicitly said what his sexuality was, many speculated that he was bisexual due to his relationships with both men and women. Journalists also speculated on his sexuality based on his theatric and flamboyant stage presence, both as a part of Queen and during his solo career. Part of this flamboyant style was seen in the music video for the band's song "I Want To Break Free," in which Mercury and the other members of the band crossdressed as housewives. Mercury is also considered one of the best vocalists of all time, like during Queen's iconic Live Aid performance in 1985.

Unfortunately, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987. He continued to record with Queen during this time, but he passed away in 1991 due to complications from the disease. In 1992, a tribute concert was held to honor him and benefited AIDS awareness. The album "Made In Heaven" featured Mercury posthumously in 1995. Mercury was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen in 2001, and his life was turned into a biopic in 2018.

[stylecouncil]

Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium for AIDS Awareness, 1992 📸: Mick Hutson

[manitat]

Annie Lennox and David Bowie perform at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness at Wembley Stadium on 20 April 1992 in London...

[juliopison]

CONCIERTOS (World) The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness London Wembley Stadium (1992)

Atención: Solo para ver en PC o Notebook Para ver el Concierto pulsa el Link: https://artecafejcp.wixsite.com/escenario-cafejcp/post/the-freddie-mercury-tribute

Café Mientras Tanto jcp

[ayrodynamic]

Remembering The Angels of Pop: The Deep Impact of the AIDS Crisis on the LGBTQ+ Community within Pop Music

A Symphony of Sorrow:

The calamity that was the AIDS epidemic echoed in the world's ear during the late 20th century, ruthlessly snuffing out millions of vibrant lives. The LGBTQ+ community was particularly hard hit, losing many illustrious figures who sparkled on the pop music scene.

Among those silenced too soon was the flamboyantly gifted Freddie Mercury, the dynamic frontman of the band Queen. His stunning vocal prowess, ebullient stage performances, and the uncanny ability to enrapture audiences made him a trailblazer of his generation. When AIDS claimed him in 1991, a dark shadow of grief descended over the world. Mercury had unveiled his AIDS diagnosis to the public just a day before he passed, a testament to the crippling stigma associated with the disease. His departure was a harsh blow to the music industry, but it inadvertently spotlighted the AIDS crisis, marking a watershed moment in the public understanding of this looming spectre.

We also mourned Sylvester, the multi-talented American singer-songwriter. He was a radiant star in the pop music galaxy, blending disco, soul, and gospel in an audacious falsetto. Sylvester was unashamedly himself, fearlessly bending gender norms and championing sexual freedom, particularly as an African American gay artist during a time of stark prejudice. His demise in 1988 due to AIDS amplified the loss within the pop music world, resonating deeply within the burgeoning movement for gay rights and acceptance.

These devastating losses were collective wounds that forever marked a generation of artists and fans. They ignited the drive for urgent AIDS research and treatment and underscored the sobering reality of the epidemic. The departed became torchbearers, fuelling activism and inspiring an ensuing wave of music steeped in urgency, resilience, and hope.

Poetic Advocacy:

The AIDS crisis scarred not only the lives of talented artists but it also etched its mark on pop music content. As the epidemic raged on, musicians turned their sorrow into powerful songs that raised awareness, expressed solidarity, and confronted the raw grief of the time.

Elton John's heartfelt ballad "The Last Song," released in 1992, was one such moving composition. It encapsulates the agonizing tale of a young man on the brink of succumbing to AIDS, seeking reconciliation with his estranged father. The song was a profound reflection of Elton John's personal journey, having lost many friends, including his beloved friend, Freddie Mercury. "The Last Song" paid homage to those he'd lost while underscoring the critical urgency of the AIDS crisis.

Melissa Etheridge's soul-stirring "Scarecrow" paid tribute to Matthew Shepard, a gay university student whose life was brutally extinguished in a hate crime. While not directly about AIDS, it exposed the pervasive climate of fear and hatred that amplified the AIDS crisis. These songs serve as poignant reminders of the AIDS impact, highlighting how pop music emerged as a vehicle for dialogue, introspection, and activism.

Unprecedented Mobilization:

The monstrous tide of the AIDS crisis triggered an unprecedented rally within the pop music world. Artists, producers, and fans joined forces, wielding the power of music to fundraise, educate, and advocate.

The Concert for Life held at Wembley Stadium in 1992 stands as a significant instance of this. The concert paid tribute to the late Freddie Mercury and served as a major fundraiser for AIDS research, uniting big-name performers like Elton John, David Bowie, George Michael, and the remaining members of Queen. The event echoed across the globe, raising millions for AIDS charities, marking a substantial leap in the global response to the epidemic.

There were countless smaller-scale efforts within the music industry to support those affected by the disease. Benefit concerts, charity singles, public service announcements, and advocacy campaigns emerged as powerful vehicles for change. Through their actions, pop musicians demonstrated the transformative role of the arts in responding to societal crises and driving positive change.

Pioneering Advocacy:

As fear, stigma, and misinformation engulfed the 1980s and 1990s, pop musicians leveraged their platform to illuminate the stark realities of the disease and advocate for change. Their influence over fans, personal experiences with the disease, and global reach enabled them to communicate vital health messages, dismantle discrimination, and lobby for increased funding and research.

Madonna consistently used her platform to raise awareness about AIDS. For instance, she included an AIDS fact sheet in her "Like a Prayer" album, enlightening millions of fans worldwide. Similarly, George Michael became deeply involved in advocacy after losing his partner to an AIDS-related illness, and pop group Erasure utilized their music to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and combat stigma. Their collective efforts amplified the public conversation about AIDS, combating fear, and highlighting the need for compassion and understanding.

Breaking the Silence:

The era of the AIDS crisis was fraught with rampant homophobia, misunderstanding, and denial about the disease. The pop music industry was not immune to these pervasive attitudes, influencing the experiences of LGBTQ+ musicians and the nature of their music.

Some artists boldly challenged the stigma through their music, offering coded expressions of solidarity and resistance. Conversely, the fear and stigma also led to silence and self-censorship. However, through both overt and coded messages, pop music served as a bastion of resistance, expressing grief, offering support, and advocating for change.

The Lasting Cadence:

The echoes of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s continue to reverberate in the corridors of pop music, leaving an indelible impact on LGBTQ+ representation. The loss of musical luminaries spurred artists to become more politically active, ushering in a wave of activism that's still palpable today.

The crisis spurred conversations about sexuality, health, and discrimination into the mainstream pop culture. The songs and performances that addressed the crisis have become a crucial part of pop music history, educating and inspiring listeners. The increase in visibility for LGBTQ+ artists and issues has led to a more inclusive and diverse musical landscape, where artists can express their experiences and perspectives freely.

While the AIDS crisis was a heartrending period for the LGBTQ+ community and the pop music industry, it catalysed monumental changes that continue to resonate today. This era underscores the power of music as a tool for social change and the pivotal role of representation in the fight for equality and justice.

[ultra-francesca-mercury]

sept. 5, 1946

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is born as Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar

Destined to one day be considered one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, Freddie Mercury is born into a diverse range of childhood experiences. Raised as Farrokh Bulsara in a family of Parsis (Persian immigrants to India), Mercury grows up practicing the Zoroastrian religion. Most of his childhood is spent in India, where he takes up piano lessons at seven years old. By the age of 12, he starts his first band, the Hectics, while attending St. Peter's School in Panchgani, India. A passionate fan of Western pop music, Mercury dazzles friends with his ability to play back on piano the songs he hears on radio. In order to escape the Zanzibar Revolution, Mercury and his family move to 22 Gladstone Avenue in Feltham, Middlesex, England, in 1964, when Mercury is 17-years-old. Mercury earns a diploma in Art and Graphic Design from Ealing Art College and joins a couple bands before meeting guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. Together, they start up Queen. This is also the time when Bulsara starts using the name Mercury, after the Roman messenger to the gods. With Queen, Mercury becomes one of the most iconic figures in UK music history. Queen's song "Bohemian Rhapsody" is in the Guinness World Records British Hit Singles Book as the UK's favorite hit of all time. The band has nine UK #1 albums and six UK #1 singles, not to mention 25 Top 10s and somewhere between 150 and 300 million records sold. Songs such as "Under Pressure," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," and "We Are the Champions" continue to get regular airplay long after their initial releases. Mercury's solo albums, including his debut, Mr. Bad Guy (1985), also sell well in the UK (though not as well as Queen's), with one going gold and the other silver. For his efforts, Mercury is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2003), and the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004). Mercury is also revered as a representative of the LGBT community. Mercury's death from AIDS complications on November 24, 1991, significantly raises public awareness of the disease. Following his death, the surviving members of Queen hold the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert on April 20, 1992. Held at Wembley Stadium and featuring a lineup of legendary musical acts, the concert is viewed by 1 billion people in 76 countries. Mercury's tragic, brilliant life takes him around the world multiple times and leaves behind a legacy of beloved music and social impact, all starting on this day in 1946 in Zanzibar.

[vmonteiro23a]

Annie Lennox and David Bowie perform at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness at Wembley Stadium on 20 April 1992 in London. Photo by Dave Benett.

Annie Lennox and David Bowie perform at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness at Wembley Stadium on 20 April 1992 in London. Photo by Dave Benett.

[not-the-coffee-machine4]

Day 7 of Queen Being Allies to countdown Pride month

“this concert is primarily a celebration of and a tribute to our dear friend and colleague—Freddie Mercury. It is also a means of using the tragedy of his death to some good affect in bringing a greater awareness of the fact that AIDS affects all of us: rich, poor, famous, not famous, young, old, black, white, red, yellow, gay and straight. This is an important message, especially for the younger people of the whole world—especially NOW”

-Roger Taylor about the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, 1992

obviously “red and yellow” are outdated words we’re not gonna use anymore 😃

[defsteria]

The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness — 20 April 1992, at Wembley Stadium in London.

[natromanxoff]

(x)

Freddie’s £10m rhapsody of hope for AIDS victims

World's biggest concert will pay for new hospital

ROCK LEGEND Freddie Mercury left a legacy of hope to thousands of fellow AIDS victims, it was revealed at the star-studded Wembley tribute to the Queen lead singer last night.

Guitarist Roger Taylor said a clinic for HIV and AlDS sufferers called the Freddie Mercury Hospital will be built in Britain from concert proceeds. Mercury died aged 45 last November after losing a long battle against AIDS. A large part of his fortune was donated to AIDS charities. It is expected that the total amount raised from last night's rock spectacular will top £10 million.

"This is something we feel strongly about and we are sure Freddie would approve," Taylor said.

“It's a means of using the tragedy to some good effect in bringing a greater awareness of the fact that AIDS affects all of us.”

Just before the show volunteers handed out red ribbons to fans, symbol of AIDS Awareness.

Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli joined forces with the cream of pop and rock talent including DavidBowie, Elton John, George Michael and metal band Guns'n'Roses.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford, the 26-year-wife of actor Richard Gere, spoke of the courage of close friends who died from AIDS.

Global

"The more discussion there is about AIDS the more people can learn and everyone needs to help," she said.

The 72,000 fans at Wembley paid £25 or more a head.

It was also broadcast live and attracted a larger global audience than Live Aid, going out to a billion people.

Some fans fell prey to touts charging up to £250 for tickets.

Even so, hundreds of fans were prepared to fork out.

"I supported Freddie throughout his life and I will support him in death," said Steve Parkin, 22, who travelled from Liverpool with no ticket.

"He was the greatest and I couldn't miss a concert like this."

Jayne Browning from Sheffield said: "I came with £100 and I would be willing to spend all of that."

Protests

Guns'n'Roses were one of the surprise bands in the concert.

Four years ago lead singer Axl Rose wrote a song with the lyrics: "Immigrants and faggots spread disease".

Shows have been dogged by protests from gay rights activists ever since.

But Guns'n'Roses drummer Matt Sorum said the band would be using the concert to explain their behaviour towards gays.

"Axl has a few things to say about accusations about being homophobic," Sorum said.

"He's still getting flak from it."

Just before the show Axl seemed to be suffering stage fright.

He failed to turn up for rehearsals and missed a sound check, preferring to stay in his Mayfair hotel suite.

Liz Taylor presented George Michael with a brooch with red rhinestones set in silver in the shape of the AIDS symbol.

Then, in a speech half way through the concert, she urged the crowd to practise safe sex and use condoms.

"You are the future of our world, you are the best and brightest," she said.

Gay

"You are the shining light that will illuminate a better world tomorrow.

"Protect yourselves. Every time you have sex use a condom. Every single time.

"Straight sex, gay sex, bisexual sex — use a condom whoever you are.

"And if you use drugs, don't share the needle.

"Each day around the world 5,000 people are infected with HIV — the virus that causes AIDS.

"Just last week it was reported in the U.S. that there are 9,000 actual cases of AIDS among teenagers and young adults, with thousands more who probably don't even know they are infected.

"There are 72,000 people in this stadium tonight. Look at yourselves, look at how many you are.

"In two short weeks there will be as many new infections as there are people here tonight. Please don't let it happen to you."

She added: "We are here to celebrate the life of Freddie Mercury, an extraordinary rock star who rushed across our cultural landscape like a comet shooting across the sky.

"We are also here to tell the whole world that he, like others we have lost to AIDS, died before his time.

"The bright light of his talent still exhilarates us, even now that his life has been so cruelly extinguished.

"It needn't have happened. It shouldn't have happened. Please, let's not let it happen again.

"Protect yourself, love yourself, respect yourself, because I will keep telling you until you do.

"I won't give in and I won't giveup, because the world needs you to live."

At the show the stars poured out personal tributes to their dead friend.

Roger Taylor said: "This concert is primarily a celebration of and a tribute to our dear friend and colleague Freddie Mercury."

His Queen co-star Brian May added: "It seems inconceivable that we now have to do without Freddie.

Living

"This proud, vibrant, irreverent and passionately creative man surely cannot have been extinguished in the prime of his life.

"Freddie was denied the privilege of growing old but in 45 years he packed in enough living for a dozen lifetimes.

"A child of strict upbringing he was, when I met him some 25 years ago, an uncertain youth stepping into an unfamiliar world outside.

"But his head was full of great dreams and the certainty that they could be achieved.

"At the age of 20 he already lived the dream, and behaved with a gentle grandeur that demanded respect.

"He looked and acted like a million dollars, though he scarcely had the bus fare home.

"That never changed. Later, when his millions were safely in the bank, someone else always carried his purse.

"Perhaps in changing his name prior to our first record he decided to leave the fragile Frederick Bulsara at home under parental care and become the god Freddie Mercury."

Queen guitarist John Deacon said: "It's hard to imagine being here without Freddie. We will all miss him."

Elton John said: "Until a cure is found I won't rest. I've lost so many friends.

"I'm in my mid 40s and this is the time in life that instead of just planning everything around a career, you can try to do something else."

George Michael said: "Freddie Mercury was a great inspiration to me and I felt a genuine loss when he died.

"So this concert will be a strange mixture of honour and sadness.

"Hopefully it will also serve as one more opportunity to fight against AIDS.”

[Photo caption: HELPING: Supermodel Cindy Crawford yesterday. She lost friends to AIDS]

[Photo caption: TALENT: Queen singer Freddie Mercury, dead of AIDS]

[ach3r0n]

Somebody To Love - Live At The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert For AIDS Awareness, Wembley / 1992 By Queen, George Michael From the album Greatest Hits III Saved April 5, 2023 at 01:19PM Listen on Spotify: https://ift.tt/P4ip2nY