Queen - The Biggest Crowd Ever (2026)

Queen's headline performance at Rock in Rio in 1985 remains one of the most iconic moments in live music history.
The band performed twice during the 10-day festival: once on the opening night, 11th January, and again on the
18th, alongside other acts such as AC/DC, Yes, and Rod Stewart. Although Queen did not take the stage until 2 A.M.,
they set a record for paid attendance, performing to at least 250,000 people each night, with some estimates
suggesting a crowd as large as 350,000 for the first night alone. Edited highlights, broadcast on Brazil’s national O
Globo channel, were watched by nearly 200 million people across South America.
After the show, EMI hosted a party in Queen's honour at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. Outside, on the beach, fans
gathered for a candlelit vigil, where 1,500 candles were arranged to spell ‘Queen’. Brian May was deeply moved by
the gesture, emerging to light some candles and sign autographs for the fans.

• Despite the late set times, Queen were met with a wildly enthusiastic crowd stretching as far as the eye
could see, delivering an unforgettable performance across both festival nights. The band were in sublime
form, with Freddie Mercury’s magnetic stage presence driving the audience’s rapturous energy, while the
band played with electrifying enthusiasm. A highlight compilation was later broadcast on local radio and is
now featured on this CD, capturing the very best of Queen in Rio for all to experience and allowing fans to
relive this historic moment in music once again.