Live Only Songs
This page includes details of released tracks which were only ever performed live, and not recorded in the studio.
All The Young Dudes
Written by David Bowie, and originally recorded by Mott The Hoople, reaching no 3 in 1972, and later by David Bowie himself in 1973.
Ian Hunter sings lead vocals on this performance, with guitar by Mick Ronson, and saxophone and vocals by David Bowie.
The track was later included on Mick Ronson's 1994 album 'Heaven And Hull', and on the 'Beside Bowie' soundtrack CD, with footage in the DVD documentary, which also includes an edit on the main menu.
A live version with vocals by Ian Hunter, with Roger on drums, appears on 'The Mick Ronson Memorial Concert'. 1. Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (3:37) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 20 April 1992)
2. Beside Bowie DVD Menu Edit (0:52) (available on the 'Beside Bowie' DVD only; this is a short edit of the above version, which includes part of the intro, a single verse, and part of the outro)
Big Spender
Written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields, and originally recorded by Shirley Bassey, reaching no 21 in 1967. 1. A Night At The Odeon (1:22) (recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, on 24 December 1975)
2. Rare Live (1:02) (this is an edit of the above version, which loses the sections from 0:06 to 0:15, and 1:13 to 1:22)
3. Live At The Rainbow, November 1974 (1:31) (recorded at the Rainbow Theatre, London, on 19 or 20 November 1974; available on all of the 'Live At The Rainbow '74' releases, apart from the 2 LP set)
4. Live At Wembley, Second Night (1:06) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 12 July 1986)
5. Live At Wembley, Second Night Excerpt (0:25) (on the 'Live At Wembley Stadium' 2003 DVD song selection screen; an edit of the above version from 0:24 to 0:49)
C'mon Baby
This track was performed by Brian in the guise of T.E. Conway on his 'Another World' European, Japanese and Australian tours in 1998.
The track is based on the guitar riff from 'Slow Down', is mostly instrumental, and is yet to be officially released. Full details of the track can be found on the Brian May Miscellaneous Live Songs page.
Dust In The Wind
Written by Kerry Livgren, and originally recorded by Kansas, reaching the top 10 in the USA in 1977.
This track was performed by Brian May and Kerry Ellis on the 2012-2014 'Born Free' tours, and other shows in 2013 and 2014. 1. Acoustic By Candlelight (3:41) (recorded in Corby, England, on 7 November 2012)
2. The Candlelight Concerts - Live At Montreux 2013 (3:53) (recorded at the Stravinski Hall, Montreux, Switzerland, on 19 July 2013)
Gimme Some Lovin'
Written by Steve Winwood, Muff Winwood and Spencer Davis, and originally recorded by The Spencer Davis Group, reaching no 2 in 1966.
This performance bears very little resemblance to the original. 1. Live At Wembley, Second Night (0:55) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 12 July 1986)
2. Live At Wembley, Second Night Excerpt (0:25) (on the 'Live At Wembley Stadium' 2003 DVD song selection screen; an edit of the above version from 0:22 to 0:47)
God
(The Dream Is Over)
This track was performed by Brian throughout his 1993 'Back To The Light' tours, and was dropped from the 'Live At The Brixton Academy' album due to copyright reasons. It was originally the penultimate track, between 'We Will Rock You' and 'Hammer To Fall', and is a cover version of a 1970 John Lennon album track about the break up of The Beatles. Full details of the track can be found on the Brian May Miscellaneous Live Songs page.
Heaven & Hell
Written by Black Sabbath, this track originally appears on the 1980 Black Sabbath album of the same name.
This is an instrumental electric guitar solo, similar to the start of the original track, and is performed as Tony Iommi comes on stage. 1. Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (0:29) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 20 April 1992)
Hello Mary Lou
(Goodbye Heart)
Written by Gene Pitney, and originally recorded by Ricky Nelson, reaching no 2 in 1961. 1. Mannheim 1986 (1:15) (recorded at Maimarktgelande, Mannheim, Germany, on 21 June 1986; available on the 'On Air' 6CD set)
2. Live At Wembley, First Night (1:18) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 11 July 1986; available on the 2011 DVD only)
3. Live At Wembley, Second Night (1:20) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 12 July 1986)
4. Live At Wembley, Second Night Excerpt (0:25) (on the 'Live At Wembley Stadium' 2003 DVD song selection screen; an edit of the above version, from 0:33 to 0:58)
5. Hungarian Rhapsody (1:15) (recorded in Budapest, Hungary, on 27 July 1986; available on the CD only)
Heroes
Written by David Bowie and Brian Eno, and originally recorded by David Bowie, reaching no 24 in 1977.
Performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, with lead vocals by David Bowie and Mick Ronson on guitar.
The track also appears on the 'Beside Bowie' soundtrack CD, while footage was also included in the DVD documentary. 1. Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (4:06) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 20 April 1992)
Imagine
Written and originally recorded by John Lennon, reaching no 1 in 1975 and later no 3 in 1999.
This track was performed by Queen at Wembley Arena, London, on 9 December 1980, and the Festhalle, Frankfurt, on 14 December 1980, as a tribute to John Lennon who was shot and killed on 8 December. Queen + Paul Rodgers also performed the track at Hyde Park in 2005, in tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in London on 7 July. 1. Hyde Park 2005 (3:25) (recorded in Hyde Park, London, on 15 July 2005, available on the 'Return Of The Champions' DVD only)
Innuendo / Kashmir / Thank You
(medley)
This medley was performed with Robert Plant at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in London, 1992. An edited version of the track, which only includes 'Thank You', was released on the video, DVD and Blu-ray releases of the concert, while full details of the 7:49 full version can be found on the Miscellaneous Live Songs page. 1. Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert Edit (1:43) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 20 April 1992)
In The Bleak Midwinter
This track is a Christmas carol, based on a poem by Christina Rossetti and music by Gustav Holst.
This track was performed by Brian May and Kerry Ellis on the 2012 'Born Free' tour. 1. Acoustic By Candlelight (3:07) (recorded in St Albans, England, on 12 November 2012)
Jailhouse Rock
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and originally recorded by Elvis Presley, reaching no 1 in January 1958.
In addition to the performances below, this track was also performed as part of a 'Rock And Roll Medley'. 1. Golder's Green 1973 (0:54) (recorded at Golder's Green Hippodrome, London, England, on 13 September 1973; this is a major edit, featuring the start of the track only, which was performed as part of a rock and roll medley)
2. Live At The Rainbow, November 1974 (4:07) (recorded at the Rainbow Theatre, London, on 19 or 20 November 1974; available on all of the 'Live At The Rainbow '74' releases, apart from the 2 LP set)
3. Live At The Rainbow, November 1974 Edit (1:34) (available on the 'Box Of Tricks' video only; an edit of the above version, losing all but one of the verses and most of the outro)
4. We Will Rock You / Queen Rock Montreal (2:17) (recorded in Montreal, Canada, on 24/25 November 1981; on all releases of 'Queen Rock Montreal' but only some of the laserdiscs/DVD's of 'We Will Rock You')
5. Final Concert Live In Japan (2:39) (recorded in Tokyo, Japan, on 11 May 1985)
Let's Get Drunk
This track was performed by The Cross on the 1988 'Shove It' tours, with Peter Noone or possibly Clayton Moss singing lead vocals.
It is a fast-paced track, dominated by guitar and drums, and is yet to be officially released. Full details of the track can be found on the Roger Taylor & The Cross Miscellaneous Live Songs page.
Let There Be Drums
Written by Sandy Nelson and Richard Podolor, and originally recorded by Sandy Nelson, reaching no 3 in 1961.
This is an instrumental drum-orientated track, but also features accompaniment from the rest of the band. It was performed on the 2005 Queen + Paul Rodgers tour, as an introduction to 'I'm In Love With My Car'.
The official download incorrectly names this track as 'Let There Be Gene'. 1. Official Download, Newcastle 2005 (3:25) (recorded in Newcastle, England, on 3 May 2005)
2. Return Of The Champions (3:40) (recorded in Sheffield, England, on 9 May 2005)
3. Super Live In Japan (3:19) (recorded in Tokyo, Japan, on 27 October 2005; not released on the Highlights CD/DVD)
Lucille
Written by Little Richard and Albert Collins, and originally recorded by Little Richard, reaching no 10 in 1957.
The only version released was performed by The Cross in 1990, with guest Brian May, but it was also performed live by Queen in 1977. 1. Bootleg (6:29) (recorded at the Astoria Theatre, London, on 7 December 1990, performed by The Cross and Brian May)
Nothing Really Has Changed
Written by Virginia McKenna, but not recorded.
This track was performed by Brian May and Kerry Ellis on the 2012-2014 'Born Free' tours, and other shows in 2013. 1. Shamwari Game Reserve (3:20) (recorded in Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in early 2012, a private surprise performance for Virginia McKenna; included as a bonus video on 'The Candlelight Concerts - Live At Montreux 2013' DVD and Blu-ray)
2. Acoustic By Candlelight (3:37) (recorded in St Albans, England, on 12 November 2012)
3. The Candlelight Concerts - Live At Montreux 2013 (3:37) (recorded at the Stravinski Hall, Montreux, Switzerland, on 19 July 2013; available on the DVD and Blu-ray, and also released as a single)
Pinball Wizard
Written by Pete Townshend, and originally recorded by The Who, reaching no 4 in 1969.
This track was performed by Brian May and Tony Iommi to introduce Roger Daltrey to the stage, and features only the instrumental introduction. 1. Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert (0:28) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 20 April 1992)
Rock And Roll Medley
This medley was performed at many different concerts, particularly in the early 1970's, and released versions have included different combinations of 'Be Bop A Lula' (written by Gene Vincent and Tex Davis, originally recorded by Gene Vincent, reaching no 16 in 1956), 'Jailhouse Rock' (written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, originally recorded by Elvis Presley, reaching no 1 in 1958) and 'Stupid Cupid' (written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, originally recorded by Connie Francis, reaching no 1 in 1958). It has been released under several different names. 1. Live At The Rainbow, March 1974 (4:19) (recorded at the Rainbow Theatre, London, on 31 March 1974; available on the 'Live At The Rainbow '74' double disc download and CD, and the 4 LP set; the track is titled 'Jailhouse Rock / Stupid Cupid / Be Bop A Lula (medley)' and it closes with a reprise of 'Jailhouse Rock')
2. A Night At The Odeon (6:05) (recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, on 24 December 1975; the track is titled 'Jailhouse Rock (medley)', and contains 'Be Bop A Lula' and 'Stupid Cupid'. It segues from 'Big Spender', which is part of the medley, but was programmed as a separate track)
3. Rare Live (2:30) (recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, on 24 December 1975; this is an edit of the above track, including the sections upto 0:03, 0:06 to 0:24, 0:58 to 1:31, 1:49 to 2:49, and 5:33 to 6:05; the track is titled 'Rock And Roll Medley')
Since You've Been Gone
Written by Russ Ballard, and originally recorded for his 1976 album 'Winning'. It was also recorded by Rainbow, reaching no 6 in 1979.
This track has been performed by Brian on his solo tours, other shows, and with Roger at a few one-off Queen concerts. 1. Live At The Brixton Academy (3:35) (recorded at the Brixton Academy, London, on 15 June 1993)
2. The Sunflower Superjam (3:37) (recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, London, on 16 September 2012)
Something
Written by George Harrison, and originally recorded by The Beatles, reaching no 4 in 1969.
This track was performed by Brian May and Kerry Ellis on the 2012-2014 'Born Free' tours. 1. Acoustic By Candlelight (3:36) (recorded in London, England, on 11 November 2012)
2. The Candlelight Concerts - Live At Montreux 2013 (3:43) (recorded at the Stravinski Hall, Montreux, Switzerland, on 19 July 2013)
Soul
This track was performed by Jason Falloon at Roger's 'Happiness?' concerts in 1994 and 1995. It is an acoustic track, featuring just guitar, with no involvement from Roger, and is yet to be officially released. Full details of the track can be found on the Roger Taylor & The Cross Miscellaneous Live Songs page.
Tavaszi Szel Vizet Araszt
This is a traditional Hungarian folk song, with an unknown writer. It was performed in Budapest at Queen's show in 1986 and Queen + Paul Rodgers shows in 2005 and 2008 (with no involvement from Paul Rodgers). 1. Hungarian Rhapsody / Live In Budapest (1:50) (recorded in Budapest, Hungary, on 27 July 1986)
2. Hungarian Rhapsody / Live In Budapest Excerpt (0:23) (available on the video releases only, before 'One Vision'; this is an a-capella version, taken from the concert, containing only one verse)
3. Hungarian Rhapsody / Live In Budapest Rehearsal (0:19) (available on the video releases only; this is Freddie practising the tune)
4. Official Download, Budapest 2008 (1:12) (recorded in Budapest, Hungary, on 28 October 2008, this features Brian on guitar, with the audience singing all vocals) Tavaszi szel vizet araszt
Viragom, viragom
Minden madar tarsat valaszt
Viragom, viragom The spring wind blows the waters, my flower
Every bird searches for a partner, my flower
And I, whom should I choose, my flower
I choose you, and you choose me, my flower
Tutti Frutti
Written by Little Richard and Dorothy LaBostrie, and originally recorded by Little Richard, reaching no 29 in February 1957.
Brian also appears on a performance of this track by Jerry Lee Lewis, full details are available on the Brian May Collaborations 1989-1992 page. 1. Live At Wembley, First Night (3:25) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 11 July 1986; available on the 2003 and 2011 DVD's)
2. Live At Wembley, Second Night Full (3:23) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 12 July 1986; on the album with new artwork, the video and the DVD)
3. Live At Wembley, Second Night Edit (2:53) (on the albums with the original artwork only, this is an edited version and loses the reprise of the track)
4. Live At Wembley, Second Night Excerpt (0:25) (on the 'Live At Wembley Stadium' 2003 DVD song selection screen; an edit of the above version from 0:13 to 0:38)
5. Hungarian Rhapsody / Live In Budapest (3:27) (recorded in Budapest, Hungary, on 27 July 1986; available on the CD only)
6. Hungarian Rhapsody / Live In Budapest Edit (2:46) (available on the video releases only; as above, but omits the reprise from 2:46 onwards)
(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care
Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller in 1957.
A number of artists have recorded this song, including Elvis Presley (included on the 1957 no 1 'Jailhouse Rock' EP) and Buddy Holly (a no 12 single in 1961). 1. Mannheim 1986 (1:23) (recorded at Maimarktgelande, Mannheim, Germany, on 21 June 1986; available on the 'On Air' 6CD set)
2. Live At Wembley, First Night (1:20) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 11 July 1986; available on the 2011 DVD only)
3. Live At Wembley, Second Night (1:29) (recorded at Wembley Stadium, London, on 12 July 1986)
4. Live At Wembley, Second Night Excerpt (0:25) (on the 'Live At Wembley Stadium' 2003 DVD song selection screen; an edit of the above version from 0:20 to 0:45)
5. Hungarian Rhapsody (1:23) (recorded in Budapest, Hungary, on 27 July 1986; available on the CD only)