Freddie Mercury and Queen top The Beatles and Elvis in new UK poll

Live Aid: Freddie Mercury warms up the crowd in 1985

The Beatles and Elvis Presley may be the best-selling musicians of all time, but they’ve just been topped by Freddie Mercury’s band. It turns out that the Great British public dream of seeing Queen live more than any other act around the world. This is an astonishing achievement given that, unlike other singers and bands they beat, Queen are still going with Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor in their collaboration with Adam Lambert.

O2 Priority Tickets polled 2000 Brits and Queen – who famously wowed the world at Live Aid in 1985 with their iconic set – won 37 percent of the vote of artists fans would dream of seeing live. Freddie, Sir Brian, Roger and John Deacon were 10 per cent ahead of The Beatles in second place.

Famously the Fab Four decided to quit touring in 1966 but went on to put out six more albums. In 1969 they performed live one last time on the roof Apple Corps HQ on Savile Row in London, as seen in Peter Jackson’s Get Back documentary on Disney+.

They were followed in third by Ed Sheeran on 25 percent and both Michael Jackson and Adele on 24. Meanwhile, Elvis Presley came in sixth on 23 percent. Scroll down for the full top 30.

When those polled were asked what they love most about live music, 66 percent said the atmosphere, 55 percent highlighted it being a unique experience and 52 percent said it is the best for making memories. Meanwhile, only 9 percent have tried to meet the band afterwards and 27 percent said being with other fans gives you a sense of community.

Overall 41 percent want to watch their dream act at a stadium, but 31 percent would prefer the up close and personal setting of a small club or bar. Additionally, 42 percent said life is too short not to see your favourite bands live.

Source: Read Full Article