The famous image shows Freddie Mercury on stage at Wembley Stadium, London, July 12, 1986 on the occasion of the “Magic Tour”.

On this tour Queen played the last time with Freddy, who decided by himself to stop touring at the zenith of the band’s success.

By the way, a year before Live Aid, the charity for Africa, happened at the same place. Queen by far was the highlight among all the artists and bands playing that day. Short time after the album „A Kind of Magic“ was released, followed by the “Magic Tour”.

Years later and after Freddie’s death the band released in 1992 kind of a tribute to him with “Live at Wembley” which was released as an album/CD (The album cover used the same image but colored. Because the original shot was done in black and white an artist colored it by hand.)

All in all Freddie at Wembley is one of the ten most famous iconic R’n’R shots.

The Story behind the Picture -  by Neal Preston

Queen - The Neal Preston Photographs

BOOK TIP

This official book, produced in collaboration with the band, contains over 200 images and is an exciting journey through their years on the road together. It's the first time Preston and Queen have brought this work together in one volume: behind-the-scenes insights, live performances, post-performance highs and lows, and outtakes — many of which have never been seen before — are accompanied by memories and anecdotes from Preston with forewords from Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. The pages vibrate with a palpable energy.