Review: 'Queen Rock Montreal + Live Aid' Showcases Queen at the top of their powers

In this column I review an upcoming title that is essential for any rock music lover's library...Robert Kinsler

Queen performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Artist: Queen

Title: Rock Montreal + Live Aid (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Queen, Freddie Mercury, Smile, Brian May

Tell me more: Following its record-breaking IMAX Event Cinema release worldwide in January 2024, the concert film "Queen Rock Montreal" is set for release via Mercury Studios on Friday, May 10. The concert film is being released as a double 4K Ultra High Definition package (the configuration reviewed in this column), as well as via several other configurations including a double Blu-ray, double audio CD, 2CD Limited edition and triple vinyl. A 3LP Colored Transparent Blue Vinyl package is available exclusively on the Queen Online Store at queenonline.com. The essential new title is a spectacular display of Queen captured at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on Nov. 24 and 2, 1981 — the final concerts of the British rock quartet's "The Game Tour."  The 4K Ultra High Definition allows the viewer to watch the concert film in its original full-from aspect ratio or cropped to 16:9 widescreen; the state-of-the-art release also features optional high-dynamic-range (HDR) for both aspect ratios. 

Freddie Mercury, left, with Brian May at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Singer-keyboardist Freddie Mercury, guitarist-vocalist Brian May, drummer-vocalist Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon were at the height of their collective powers when they were captured for this film (which was originally released in movie theaters in 1984); as detailed in the liner notes that are included with the title: "As would be expected of Queen, they took the form of the concert film to a new level, becoming the first group to shoot an entire show in full cinema format 35mm." The digitally remastered sound and visual quality on "Queen Rock Montreal" is extraordinary and the 96-minute concert includes a slew of the band's timeless hits as well as favorite album cuts. 

Bassist John Deacon at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

This writer was fortunate to catch Queen on "The Game Tour" when it came to Southern California in July 1980 and watching this film transported me back to the magic and power of that night. Highlights on the film include the night opening punk-styled take on "We Will Rock You," soaring "Play The Game," powerful "I'm In Love With My Car" featuring Taylor on lead vocals, tender "Save Me," crowd-pleasing "Under Pressure" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Although known for its melodic and winning radio hits, the band's hard rocking instincts were fully on display via killer runs through "Keep Yourself Alive," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Sheer Heart Attack." The band's emotional closer, "We Are The Champions," brought wonderful chills to this fan.

Roger Taylor performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

As a bonus, the band's earth-shattering 21-minute performance at Live Aid on July 13, 1985 upscaled to high definition for the first time ever (including brand new stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos sound mixes) and video footage of Queen rehearsing for that benefit concert is also included (a short interview with the band is also featured). The seldom seen performance from Mercury and May performing "Is This The World We Created...?" later at the event is also included. A wonderful 16-page booklet filled with colorful photographs from the concert film is also included.

Information: MercuryStudios.co and  queenonline.com.

Robert Kinsler

Bohemian Rhapsody: Fans Vs Critics

Watch the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the success of the hit movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" despite so many negative reviews from critics. 

Greta Van Fleet, Queen, Ace Frehley shine on new collections

The jaw-dropping full-length debut from Greta Van Fleet, the Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack featuring Queen, and solid return from former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley were all released on October 19.

Artist: Greta Van Fleet
Title: Anthem Of The Peaceful Army (Republic Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Led Zeppelin, Bad Company
Tell me more: While many classic rock fans cling to the hope of a Led Zeppelin reunion they are sadly missing out on the emergence of that band's mind-blowing musical descendant Greta Van Fleet. Since emerging with its breakout single "Highway Tune" in March 2017, Greta Van Fleet has been conjuring up an explosive sound blending the best of Led Zep with their own 21st century creative instincts — all leading up to the terrific new album Anthem Of The Peaceful Army released on Oct. 20. "The Cold Wind" is a stylish rocker wrapped up with an undeniable groove. The ambitious "Watching Over" feels like a rock ballad, but only briefly, before it builds to a majestic mid-tempo gait highlighted by Jake Kiszka's stellar guitar work and singer Josh Kiszka's inviting wails. The troupe can also scale back as evidenced by the acoustic-flavored "You're The One" with its warm choruses and sweet embrace. This writer's favorite track is "Brave New World," which sounds nothing like any of the band's '70s influences. A song that is both heavy and melodic "Brave New World" is bolstered by a nuanced musical soundscape featuring an intoxicating rhythm, artful guitar playing and singer Josh Kiszka's otherworldly vocals. Armed with skills as top-tier songwriters and musicians, Greta Van Fleet's mesmerizing Anthem Of The Peaceful Army is an incredible work whose power is both obvious and rare. The Michigan-spawned quartet's authentic rock 'n' roll attitude doesn't hurt either. Information: GretaVanFleet.com.

Artist: Queen
Title: Bohemian Rhapsody (Hollywood Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Queen
Tell me more: One of rock's greatest and most creative artists, Queen's well-deserved legacy is celebrated across the newly-released Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack. In addition to 11 number 1 hits, the 22-track collection features a mix of deep album cuts and live recordings. The lush prog rock-flavored "Doing All Right" (recorded when the group was known as Smile and featured vocalist Tim Staffell prior to the founding of Queen with Freddie Mercury), a fiery live recording of "Keep Yourself Alive" (featuring Brian May's guitar playing and a cool Roger Taylor drum mini-solo), a blistering "Fat Bottomed Girls" performed in Paris in 1979, and a moving "Love of My Life" recorded at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in January 1985 (with an audience of 300,000 singing along) are among the rarities on display. The release is highlighted by the inclusion of the audio from the band's complete Live Aid performance at Wembley in July 1985. That 21-minute set — "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Radio Ga Ga," "Hammer To Fall" and "We Are The Champions" — is widely viewed as one of the most memorable live performances ever. I can't wait to catch the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it opens in theaters on Nov. 2. Information: QueenOnline.com.

Artist: Ace Frehley
Title: Spaceman (Entertainment One)
You might like if you enjoy: KISS, Ace Frehley, Ozzy Osbourne
Tell me more: Fans of early KISS know that lead guitarist Ace Frehley was essential to the power of the band's best-known rockers. Now Frehley is back with Spaceman, his third solo LP in four years. The good news for fans of the brash, bar chord crunch of
'70s KISS is that Frehley has found plenty of new sonic pay dirt in that classic rock style across the new nine-track disc. "Without You I'm Nothing" is a hypnotic rocker with Frehley's flashy lead guitar front and center. Frehley also displays his finesse on his electric guitar via the tuneful "Your Wish Is My Command," the autobiographical "Bronx Boy" and hard-charging anthem "Pursuit of Rock and Roll." "Rocking With The Boys" comes closest to conjuring up the musical ghost of vintage KISS while elsewhere Frehley showcases his growth as an artist, particularly on an inspired reworking of Eddie Money's confessional "I Wanna Go Back" and his own cosmic "Mission To Mars." Frehley closes out the fast-moving LP with the amazing instrumental "Quantum Flux," a wonderful mix of folk rock and electric guitar prowess. Information: AceFrehley.com. 



Robert Kinsler

'Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live In Budapest' coming November 6

These just came in...I love sharing the good news folks!

HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY – QUEEN LIVE IN BUDAPEST



QUEEN ‘HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY – LIVE IN BUDAPEST’ WILL BE RELEASED ON DVD, BLU-RAY and DELUXE EDITIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME ON NOVEMBER 6th

New York, NY (October 4, 2012)—Hungarian Rhapsody: Queen Live In Budapest is a must–see concert experience by legends of rock, Queen. It will be released on DVD, Blu-Ray, 2CD+DVD Deluxe Edition and a 2CD+Blu-ray Deluxe Edition on November 6, 2012 in North America


Originally filmed in 1986, this momentous concert movie has been re-mastered in high definition and superb 5.1 surround sound. An amazing performance is now available to be seen in crystal clear HD clarity.

Also included on the DVD and Blu-ray is a new 25 minute documentary feature entitled “A Magic Year”. This follows Queen from just after their historic show–stealing performance at Live Aid, London, on July 13, 1985, through the year leading up to the epic concert in Budapest. Using archive footage from rehearsals, interviews with the band in the studio and on the road during the Magic Tour - some of which has never been seen before - this fascinating feature has been specially created for this new release.

As part of the hugely successful 1986 Magic Tour that, poignantly, was the last to be played by the band with Freddie Mercury, Queen were for the first time able to include Hungary on the tour schedule. With three years to go before the fall of the Berlin Wall, this was the largest concert ever staged at the Népstadion, Budapest, and the first Western Rock Concert staged in a stadium behind the then Iron Curtain. It was of such significance to the Hungarian authorities and film industry that a group of the country’s top film cameramen and technicians were brought together to film it for posterity.

Staged for 80,000 ecstatic fans, the concert set includes favorite hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “I Want To Break Free,” and “We Are The Champions.”

“We’re delighted that Queen fans across the world will finally have the chance to relive this amazing moment for the band. We knew a stadium concert in Budapest was ground–breaking, but hadn’t quite anticipated what a historic night it would turn out to be. The concert looks fantastic on the screen in all its digitally re-mastered glory and the documentary does a great job of setting the scene – it really was an extraordinary time in the band’s history.” Brian May and Roger Taylor

Eagle Rock Entertainment is the largest producer and distributor of music programming for DVD, Blu-Ray, TV, Audio and Digital Media in the world. Eagle works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle is a Grammy Award winning company and has received over 30 multi-platinum, over 50 platinum and over 90 gold discs, worldwide. Eagle Rock Entertainment has offices in London, New York, Toronto, Paris and Hamburg.