The mark of a really skilled band is when the live version of a song not only completely blows away the album version, but also brings fresh elements to it that are not present in the album version. Queen did that all the time. Live at Wembley ‘86 is still my all-time favorite live album by any band. The energy and electricity on this album from start to finish is unparalleled. You can’t not get pumped up while you’re listening to it. This live version of “A Kind Of Magic” is a prime example. Listening to this song is like hearing everything that is awesome about being alive distilled into music.
Also, listening to this album as a kid, I don’t think I quite appreciated or truly comprehended what a FREAKING INSANE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE were at this show. 100,000 was just “a big number” to me back then. Now I’m an adult and thinking “Holy crap that’s more people than attend most Super Bowls.” I mean just LOOK at this video. THAT IS A SEA OF HUMANITY. And Freddie Mercury is in charge.
Enough out of me. Watch this video and jump up and down. This I command.
