Queen fans around the world are in for a treat as Imax, in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films, is set to release the digitally remastered version of “Queen Rock Montreal”. This legendary concert film, directed by the late Saul Swimmer, captures Queen’s live performance in Montreal in November 1981.
A Glorious Trip Down Memory Lane
For four days starting on January 18th, fans in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and other key markets will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Queen’s performance on the big screen at over 450 Imax locations. The film includes electrifying renditions of iconic hits such as “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, “We Are The Champions”, and songs from the album “The Game”.
Brian May, Queen’s guitarist, reflects on the significance of the film, saying, “I don’t think we quite realized it at the time, but this film has preserved one of the highest peaks in Queen’s touring life, on stage in the old glory days. The director was very much focused on Freddie, and this now stands as probably the most precious intimate capture ever of Mr. Mercury at his full awesome power.”
Drummer Roger Taylor adds his sentiments by saying, “Enjoy. We were young!” This highlights the nostalgia that this concert film evokes, allowing fans to relive the energy and brilliance of Queen’s live performances during their prime.
The film captures a pivotal moment in the band’s history when they returned for the fourth time to Montreal’s 18,000-seat Forum for two shows on November 24th and 25th, 1981. Queen had already become a massive global sensation propelled by the release of their album “The Game” and the hit single “Under Pressure”. This concert film serves as a testament to the group’s meteoric rise and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Resurgence of Concert Films
The release of “Queen Rock Montreal” follows the successful re-release of the Talking Heads’ 1984 concert film “Stop Making Sense” by A24, which premiered at Imax theaters. The anticipation continues to build as AMC Entertainment gears up for the release of “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film and “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé”. Concert films have become a popular medium for artists to showcase their live performances to a broader audience, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the energy and spectacle of these larger-than-life shows.
The executive producers of “Queen Rock Montreal” include Geoff Kempin and Alice Webb for Mercury Studios, as well as Jim Beach and Matilda Beach for Queen Films. With their combined expertise and passion for music, this team has successfully brought back one of the most iconic moments in Queen’s career, ensuring that it stands the test of time.
“Queen Rock Montreal” is a must-see for any Queen fan or music lover. This digitally remastered version will transport audiences back to the band’s glory days, capturing the unparalleled talent and showmanship of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Imax’s global release of this concert film is a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen and their ability to captivate audiences across generations. So get ready to experience the magic, energy, and iconic hits of Queen on the big screen, and be prepared to witness the legendary Freddie Mercury at his full awesome power.