Ever wished you could go back to 1986 and see Freddie Mercury command a stadium in his absolute prime? London is about to offer the next best thing.
On Saturday 3 October, Camden’s Roundhouse will transform into a giant Queen gig for Queen Budapest: The Concert Film Experience, an immersive screening of the band’s legendary 1986 Budapest performance.
And “screening” is underselling it slightly.
Rather than sitting politely in a cinema seat while Bohemian Rhapsody plays on screen, fans are being actively encouraged to stand up, dance, sing and generally behave as though Freddie and co are actually on stage.
The newly restored concert will play across a giant LED screen with surround sound, live in-room mixing of Queen’s remastered audio stems, gig-style lighting and effects inspired by the original production.
There’s a standing dance floor too, plus an ’80s DJ warming things up, original Queen memorabilia displayed around the venue, photo opportunities and suitably excessive amounts of merchandise.
Subtle this is not. We’re sure Freddie would approve.
The event arrives just weeks after what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday, making it part concert film, part giant birthday party and part excuse for several thousand people to belt out We Are The Champions together.
And there’s plenty to belt out.
Filmed on 27 July 1986 at Budapest’s Népstadion during Queen’s enormous Magic Tour, the set features A Kind Of Magic, Under Pressure, I Want To Break Free, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and, naturally, We Are The Champions.
The Budapest performance has extra poignancy in hindsight. It came towards the end of Queen’s final tour with Mercury, just weeks before the band played Knebworth Park on 9 August 1986 – what would become their last ever live concert with him.
Playback Live has teamed up with Sony Music Vision for the Roundhouse event, which will give fans the chance to see the restored concert before the film subsequently heads to cinemas and IMAX.
For those wanting to go full rock royalty, VIP tickets add access to a dedicated dancing area, private bar and merchandise desk, alongside drinks tokens and a bundle of commemorative Queen goodies – including, brilliantly, a Freddie-style sweatband.
Radio Ga Ga, giant screens, a packed dance floor – consider this your cue to break free.
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Ever wished you could go back to 1986 and see Freddie Mercury command a stadium in his absolute prime? London is about to offer the next best thing.
On Saturday 3 October, Camden’s Roundhouse will transform into a giant Queen gig for Queen Budapest: The Concert Film Experience, an immersive screening of the band’s legendary 1986 Budapest performance.
And “screening” is underselling it slightly.
Rather than sitting politely in a cinema seat while Bohemian Rhapsody plays on screen, fans are being actively encouraged to stand up, dance, sing and generally behave as though Freddie and co are actually on stage.
The newly restored concert will play across a giant LED screen with surround sound, live in-room mixing of Queen’s remastered audio stems, gig-style lighting and effects inspired by the original production.
There’s a standing dance floor too, plus an ’80s DJ warming things up, original Queen memorabilia displayed around the venue, photo opportunities and suitably excessive amounts of merchandise.
Subtle this is not. We’re sure Freddie would approve.
The event arrives just weeks after what would have been Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday, making it part concert film, part giant birthday party and part excuse for several thousand people to belt out We Are The Champions together.
And there’s plenty to belt out.
Filmed on 27 July 1986 at Budapest’s Népstadion during Queen’s enormous Magic Tour, the set features A Kind Of Magic, Under Pressure, I Want To Break Free, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and, naturally, We Are The Champions.
The Budapest performance has extra poignancy in hindsight. It came towards the end of Queen’s final tour with Mercury, just weeks before the band played Knebworth Park on 9 August 1986 – what would become their last ever live concert with him.
Playback Live has teamed up with Sony Music Vision for the Roundhouse event, which will give fans the chance to see the restored concert before the film subsequently heads to cinemas and IMAX.
For those wanting to go full rock royalty, VIP tickets add access to a dedicated dancing area, private bar and merchandise desk, alongside drinks tokens and a bundle of commemorative Queen goodies – including, brilliantly, a Freddie-style sweatband.
Radio Ga Ga, giant screens, a packed dance floor – consider this your cue to break free.
Queen Budapest: The Concert Film Experience takes place at the Roundhouse, Camden, on Saturday 3 October 2026. Tickets are available via the Roundhouse.
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