Queen’s Budapest concert from July 27, 1986, has been restored in 4K, and will hit cinemas and IMAX theaters on October 7th, with a home release to follow on October 30th.
The show marked not only the first Western arena show to take place behind the Iron Curtain, but also one of the final Queen live performances with Freddie Mercury ever, with the band ending their touring just five shows later. It also marks the final filmed live performance with Freddie Mercury before his passing in 1991.
The Significance of the Concert
Guitarist Brian May stated, “For years, fans behind the Iron Curtain had been able to listen to Queen music only on illegal cassettes. It was a forbidden thing to listen to rock bands like us, so to see them play in a live show would have been unthinkable. This concert, when they could finally come and see us live in person and interact with us, was a huge emotional moment for them and also for us. It felt like a very big deal – you could feel that incredible energy. There will never be an event quite like that again. Perhaps the most memorable highlight of all was performing that beautiful Hungarian folk song, which Freddie and I had learned for the occasion. Not a dry eye!”
Drummer Roger Taylor added, “We did love to think that the music could transcend the politics, the political barriers, and that was sort of part of our ethos, to actually bring the audience into the show and make them feel part of the show. I know Freddie tried to learn this folk song, but he had the words written phonetically on the back of his hand. When the audience just started singing, we realized, wow, music really can be a great cause.”
The Restoration Process
The film was remastered by acclaimed director Peter Jackson’s Park Road Post Production facility. He said, “As long time fans of Queen we were thrilled when they asked Park Road Post to restore the Budapest Concert footage. It has been a rare privilege to breathe new life into such an iconic moment in music history. We look forward to a whole new audience participating in the original band’s final live performance, captured on film. They will rock you!!!”
The restored concert film is set to premiere on September 15th as part of the Budapest Classics Film Marathon before receiving a UK premiere in London on September 30th. The worldwide screening will then take place in theaters and IMAX beginning October 7th.
The material will then be made available as a physical release on 3LP, 2CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital.
In conclusion, the restored Queen concert film is a must-see for fans of the band and music lovers alike. With its historic significance and iconic performances, it is an event that will be remembered for years to come. The film’s release in cinemas and IMAX theaters, followed by a home release, will allow fans to experience the magic of Queen’s live performance in a whole new way.
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