“He Was So Strong!” – The Day Freddie Mercury Overpowered a Rock Star

As the world celebrates the 40th anniversary of Live Aid on 13 July 2025, one of the most iconic moments of the event is often remembered for the way it brought together the biggest stars in music for a good cause. But for Francis Rossi of Status Quo, there were moments backstage that proved just as unforgettable, particularly one involving the incomparable Freddie Mercury.

Live Aid, the global concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1985, was a musical event like no other. It raised millions for famine relief in Africa and broadcasted to an audience of over two billion people. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see so many legendary performers unite for a cause. But behind the scenes, some antics unfolded that would stick with the stars long after the final curtain fell.

As the opening act, Status Quo were chosen by organizer Bob Geldof to set the tone for the day with their energetic hit, Rockin’ All Over The World. Despite some internal tensions and lack of rehearsal time, Rossi later admitted that the show was far from a disaster. “It was the most euphoric gig,” he said, reflecting on the undeniable connection with the audience.

However, the true star-making moment came when Queen took the stage. Rossi, like many in the audience, recognized the brilliance of Freddie Mercury and his bandmates. “They were the donkey’s knob that day,” he said. “Everyone said, ‘Jesus, they’re on it.’” As one of the most electrifying performances in rock history, Queen’s set at Live Aid remains a high point, widely agreed upon by fans and fellow musicians alike.

But it wasn’t just the performance that left an impression on Rossi. Backstage, he found himself in the company of two other musical icons, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie. As he recalled in a 2019 interview with Classic Rock, “Near the end of the show, I was sitting at a table with Bowie… and as Geldof was trying to get everyone up for the big finale, the lights went out, and the table collapsed!” The chaos didn’t end there.

In a moment that seems straight out of a backstage comedy, Rossi shared how Freddie Mercury, always larger-than-life, grabbed him in a half-nelson, overpowering him with surprising strength. “Freddie bent me over a desk, held me down and I couldn’t move. Fuck, he was strong!” he recalled, laughing at the memory. The playful tussle between the two rock stars captured the larger-than-life personalities that made Live Aid not just an event, but a spectacle.

Despite the camaraderie between some stars, there were a few backstage tensions. Rossi revealed a clash with Elvis Costello, who seemed to look down on him. “I remember getting the hump with Declan – Elvis Costello,” he admitted. “I said, ‘Alright?’ And he looked at me like, ‘I can’t talk to you, I’m a proper musician.’” Rossi, never one to hold back, responded with typical bluntness: “Get over it, son. You’re up your own bottom, aren’t you?”

As we approach the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, these anecdotes serve as a reminder of the personal interactions that took place backstage at one of the most iconic music events in history. Whether it was a playful wrestling match with Freddie Mercury or a tense moment with Elvis Costello, the moments that went unseen by the public were just as memorable as the performances themselves. Live Aid may have been about giving for a great cause, but for those who lived it, it was also about the unforgettable personalities that made the day legendary.