Freddie Mercury looking out at the vast crowd at Slane in 1986. Photo: Carol Lee.

'Freddie came out and let rip with this amazing note, and everyone went wild'

Published: Wed 24 Nov 2021, 9:38 AM

Last updated: Wed 24 Nov 2021, 9:46 AM

Alex Conyngham was just six years-old when the first Slane Concert took place in 1981 for what would be the first of four decades of sensational concerts in his front garden.

He says that the show which really opened his eyes to the power of music was Queen five years later in 1986.

“Freddie Mercury went backstage to do one of his costume changes, and Brian May played a guitar solo to keep the crowd entertained.

Freddie Mercury performing at Slane Castle in Ireland during Queen's final tour in 1986. pic.twitter.com/MzFND4ejdr
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“It was a huge crowd, probably the biggest we ever had at Slane, and the whole audience was completely silent during the solo, and as he played the last note, there was this amazing energy as the crowd erupted, and at that precise moment Freddie came out and let rip with this amazing note, and everyone went wild, and that’s when I realised how captivating music was.”