Queen’s headline performance at Rock in Rio in 1985 remains one of the most iconic moments in live music history.The band performed twice during the 10-day festival: once on the opening night, 11th January, and again on the 18th, alongside other acts such as AC/DC, Yes, and Rod Stewart.Although Queen did not take the stage until 2 A.M., they set a record for paid attendance, performing to at least 250,000 people each night, with some estimates suggesting a crowd as large as 350,000 for the first night alone.Edited highlights, broadcast on Brazil’s national O Globo channel, were watched by nearly 200 million people across South America.After the show, EMI hosted a party in Queen’s honour at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.Outside, on the beach, fans gathered for a candlelit vigil, where 1,500 candles were arranged to spell ‘Queen’.Brian May was deeply moved by the gesture, emerging to light some candles and sign autographs for the fans.
