Queen’s legendary 20-minute performance at Live Aid in 1985 is often celebrated as one of the most electrifying live shows in history. With Freddie Mercury commanding the stage like no other, the band delivered unforgettable renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “We Are the Champions,” captivating the massive Wembley crowd and millions watching worldwide. It was a moment of pure rock magic—one that cemented Queen’s place in the pantheon of musical greatness.
However, amid the stadium-shaking anthems and Mercury’s iconic fist-in-the-air pose, another, quieter moment unfolded later that evening—one that often goes unnoticed. Just a few hours after their triumphant set, Freddie Mercury and Brian May returned to the stage, this time armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a deeply moving message.
At 9:48 PM, the duo performed “Is This The World We Created?,” a haunting ballad inspired by the devastating Ethiopian famine. Written by Mercury and May in Munich, the song was a stark contrast to the bombastic energy of their earlier set. Instead of a roaring audience, there was a hush—nearly 90,000 people listening intently, many with tears in their eyes.
Queen had already delivered the most iconic performance of the day, but this stripped-down moment revealed something just as powerful—their heart. While their rock spectacle stole the show, this simple, poignant performance stood as a reminder of why Live Aid existed in the first place.
Brian May later reflected on the moment, sharing a clip with the caption: “This is the part of our performance at LIVE AID you don’t so often see.” And indeed, while their high-energy set is the one that lives in history books, this heartfelt acoustic rendition deserves just as much recognition.
After Live Aid, “Is This The World We Created?” became a staple of Queen’s concerts, closing out their 1984 album *The Works* and leaving a lasting emotional impact on fans. It may not be the performance most people associate with that historic day, but it remains a touching testament to Queen’s depth as artists—not just rock legends, but musicians with a message.