Queen
Queen Rock Montreal (DVD)
Eagle Vision
By David Chiu
On this latest DVD, Queen’s 1981 performance at the Forum in Montreal finally gets the upgrade it deserves. It was originally released as a concert film, entitled We Will Rock You, in the mid 1980s but the band didn’t own the movie rights. Now under the supervision of surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor, the movie has been properly restored to much better visual and sound quality, and has a new name. It captures Queen at the height of their popularity in North America, coming off of the success of The Game album. Most of the songs performed in Montreal are now considered classics: “Killer Queen,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” The highlights include a fast version of “We Will Rock You,” a medley of “Now I’m Here/Dragon Attack,” Roger Taylor’s tympani solo, and one of the earliest, if perhaps the first, live rendition of Under Pressure. It’s always poignant to see the late great singer Freddie Mercury strut his stuff, tight white shorts and all. Now that this concert film has gotten the official proper release, it’s about time the band start releasing performances from the ‘70s. (Another version of this DVD contains the band’s memorable 1985 performance at Live Aid).
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