Queen’s legendary 20-minute performance at Live Aid in 1985 is often hailed as one of the most electrifying live shows in music history. With Freddie Mercury taking command of the stage like a true showman, the band delivered powerhouse renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “We Are the Champions,” captivating the massive Wembley crowd and millions of viewers worldwide. It was a moment of pure rock magic, forever etching Queen into the annals of musical greatness.
But amidst the stadium-shaking anthems and Mercury’s iconic fist-in-the-air pose, there was a quieter, more poignant moment that often gets overshadowed. Just a few hours after their show-stopping set, Freddie and guitarist Brian May returned to the stage—but this time, they were armed with only an acoustic guitar and a song that hit with a completely different kind of power.
At 9:48 PM, the duo performed “Is This The World We Created?”—a haunting ballad that told the story of the devastating Ethiopian famine. Written by Mercury and May in Munich, the song was a sharp departure from the bombastic energy of their earlier performance. In the hushed atmosphere of Wembley, nearly 90,000 people stood silently, listening intently, many with tears in their eyes. It was a moment of raw emotion, a stark contrast to the frenzy of rock ‘n’ roll, yet equally, if not more, powerful.
While Queen’s explosive set had already secured their place as Live Aid’s most memorable performers, this stripped-down acoustic moment revealed a side of them often overlooked—their heart. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a reminder of why Live Aid existed in the first place: to raise awareness for global suffering and to inspire change. Queen’s unflinching commitment to that cause, even after the fireworks of their set, was a testament to their depth as artists.
Brian May later shared a clip of the moment with the caption, “This is the part of our performance at LIVE AID you don’t so often see.” And he was right. While their energetic, crowd-pleasing set will forever be remembered, this simple, moving performance deserves just as much recognition. It may not be the performance most people immediately associate with that historic day, but “Is This The World We Created?” remains a touching and timeless testament to Queen’s artistry—not just as rock icons, but as musicians with a powerful message.
After Live Aid, the song became a staple in Queen’s concerts, closing out their 1984 album The Works and leaving a lasting emotional impact on fans. It’s a rare gem, one that reminds us that Queen wasn’t just about loud guitars and stadium anthems—they were also capable of profound, soul-stirring moments that transcended rock music.
