Taken from the album ‘Queen | Live at The Miracle Pavilion 1989 | Arquest Live Remix’.

Download available at https://arquestmixes.blogspot.com.

* * * * * * * *

Shortly after the release of their ‘The Miracle’ album in May 1989, a concept for a few promo appearances was brought to band’s attention. The idea was to perform a selection of shows around the UK - not just to promote the new album but also to appreciate their British fans for their continued support. Each venue would be renamed ‘The Miracle Pavilion’ especially for the show and decorated in the theme of the album. Queen were hesitant at first, especially given Freddie Mercury’s rumoured health issues. However, after seeing the concept design for the show, they couldn’t say no. A 6-gig promo tour started on August 4 in Manchester to finish off with 2 sold out shows at the Wembley Stadium on August 18-19. A double concert album featuring best performances from the pavilion shows was then released in December 1989, right in time for Christmas.

As always, one of the most difficult things to agree on was the setlist. The band decided to play no less than six tracks from the new album (five of which were released as singles) as well as the classic hits we have all come to expect.

The show begins with a taped intro which quickly segues into a highly energic rendition of Breakthru, their then-current single release. It is followed by an older fan favourite Tie Your Mother Down. After two rocking tracks, it’s time to cool down for a bit – Queen sure know the dynamics of their show. An abridged version of the brand-new title track The Miracle starts a little medley, only to be followed by Seven Seas of Rhye, One Vision and a bombastic rendition of the first single from the new album - I Want It All. After Freddie plays around with the audience in a vocal battle, they continue to rock their fans with Hammer To Fall. Another One Bites the Dust and Crazy Little Thing Called Love follow and although both seem shortened compared to previous tours, they are certainly performed with the same energy and fun.

A short acoustic segment is now due with the obvious Love of My Life and, quite surprisingly, a revised version of ‘39 which was last played live ten years earlier. From the old to the new – a rocking version of The Invisible Man (which was released as a single on August 7 just after the tour started) featured an inventive use of the modern video screen technology. Then we’re back to the hits again – Under Pressure, Who Wants To Live Forever and I Want To Break Free all sound great. In between the hits, you can enjoy Brian May’s signature solo featuring excerpts from The Chinese Torture, a bonus track from the new album (only available on CD). Not to forget about their beginnings, the band plays a great rendition of Now I’m Here, only to force all in the audience to clap along to Radio Ga Ga which almost seems to end too quickly. Then another track from the new album is performed – Scandal which would not be released on single until October that year. It is a marvellous version, but what really gets the crowd going is Somebody To Love, this time played half a step lower to ease Mercury’s vocal strain. He stays on piano for the magnificent Bohemian Rhapsody to end the main part of the show.

The first encore begins with an updated take on A Kind of Magic, a hit title track from the band’s previous album, only to be followed by an epic new song Was It All Worth It which has quickly become a fan favourite. Queen really knows how to do an encore! Almost traditionally, the show ends with We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions. Freddie graces the audience but doesn’t promise the band will be back – we will have to see how that plays out!