Anniversary of Live Aid approaches, a memorable backstage moment between Queen’s legendary frontman Freddie Mercury and U2’s lead singer Bono has resurfaced. This playful interaction showcases Mercury’s larger-than-life personality and charm, even behind the scenes.
Freddie Mercury, known for his flamboyant stage presence and incredible vocal talent, struggled with his sexuality during his teenage years and twenties. However, by the time the 1985 charity concert rolled around, Mercury was openly gay within the music industry. Despite this, some stars were still taken aback by his flirtatious nature, including Bono.
A Surprising Encounter
The Live Aid concert was a historic event, bringing together some of the biggest names in rock music. Among them were Freddie Mercury and Bono, who had never met before this iconic gig. As Bono walked backstage with his wife Ali Stewart, Mercury spotted them and decided to make his introduction memorable.
Bono recalled the encounter: “I was walking with Ali and Freddie Mercury pulled me aside and said, ‘Oh, Bo-No… is it Bo-No or Bon-o?’” What followed was a humorous and slightly nerve-wracking exchange. Mercury, with his usual playful charm, flirted with Bono, even hustling him up against a wall.
Flirtation and Laughter
Mercury’s bold approach left Bono both amused and nervous. “He put his hand on the wall and was talking to me like he was chatting up a chick,” Bono shared. “He had me laughing, but I was shifting nervously at the time, with Ali and myself exchanging glances.”
The interaction didn’t faze Mercury, who often enjoyed exaggerating his persona for fun. Bono later reflected on the encounter, expressing his surprise at Mercury’s flamboyant behavior. “I thought, ‘Wow, this guy’s really camp’. I was telling somebody later and he said, ‘You’re surprised? They’re called Queen!’”
The Perfect Stage for Freddie
Live Aid organizer Bob Geldof joked about how the concert was the perfect stage for Mercury, saying, “It was the perfect stage for Freddie: the whole world. And he could ponce about on stage doing We Are The Champions. How perfect could it get?”
Freddie Mercury’s performance at Live Aid remains one of the most iconic moments in rock history. His ability to captivate both the audience and his fellow performers showcased his unparalleled talent and charisma. Even in his final moments, Mercury was surrounded by those who loved him, including his long-term partner Jim Hutton.
As we remember Live Aid, stories like this remind us of Freddie Mercury’s incredible impact on music and the unforgettable charm he brought to every interaction, both on and off the stage.
