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Freddie Celebration Days 2023


Freddie Celebration Days 2023

Videos

Freddie Celebration Days 2023

Here's a retrospective video of the 2023 event.


Photos

Many thanks for taking these pictures to :
Cyril Tondut - Site web, Facebook
Willy Marsan - Facebook
Andy BJ Photography - Site web, Facebook

Updated on:

Thursday 31 August 2023

12pm
Market Square

Freddie Celebration Days 2023 Opening

More info

Opening of the bar, food-trucks and playing of music

2.30pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
3pm
Market Square

Acoustic Show - Galileo (IT)

More info

The Italian group Galileo will be giving an exclusive acoustic concert on the Place du Marché stage. This will be a warm-up for their evening performance on the main stage.

Acoustic Show - Galileo (IT)
4pm
Covered Market

Mike Moran (UK) with Peter Freestone (CZ) and Jim Jenkin (UK)

More info

Mike Moran is an English musician, songwriter, composer and record producer. Moran has worked with various members of Queen He was co-producer, arranger, keyboards performer and co-author of all the tracks on the album Barcelona.

Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years

Jim Jenkins, Queen expert, biographer and friend of the band.

Mike Moran (UK) with Peter Freestone (CZ) and Jim Jenkin (UK)
5pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
6pm
Market Square

Official inauguration, presentation of David Richards bust

More info

In the presence many VIP guests, we will officially open the festivities for Freddie Celebration Days 2023.

A bronze bust of David Richards will be unveiled to the public.

David Richards was a musician, sound engineer and producer in charge of Mountain Studios, where Queen recorded six albums with him. For 38 years he also contributed to the live recordings of the Montreux Jazz Festival, which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013.

Official inauguration, presentation of David Richards bust
8pm
Covered Market

Galileo (IT) Feat. Mike Moran & Graciela Dorbessan

More info

Galileo

Tribute band from Rome - Italy that includes in their show the entire repertoire of Queen, from the first self-titled album of 1973 to Made In Heaven (1995).

Mike Moran

Is an English musician, songwriter, composer and record producer. Moran has worked with various members of Queen He was co-producer, arranger, keyboards performer and co-author of all the tracks on the album Barcelona.

Graciela Dorbessan

Talented Argentine soprano, she alternates her international solo career with teaching. Since 2005 she has covered the roles of choir director, vocal trainer and singing teacher An artist who performs a multifaceted and unconventional repertoire Collaborate with GALILEO to recall the songs taken from the album Barcelona .She specially studied this repertoire in Switzerland with astudent of Monserrat Caballé, the Countertenor Vincent Aguettant.

Galileo (IT) Feat. Mike Moran & Graciela Dorbessan
After the Galileo concert
Market Square

Xavier - (CH)

More info

At the tender age of 14, Xavier never ceases to amaze a growing audience!

Although he only discovered the piano 3 years ago, he has progressed at a rare speed!

Since then, he's played on the RTS (swiss national TV), at the Reflet theatre in Vevey and at the Freddie Mercury tribute festival in Montreux, performing his own arrangements of famous Queen songs!

Humble, lively and funny, Xavier loves sharing music around his piano!

Xavier - (CH)

Friday 1 September 2023

9am, 10:45am, 1pm & 2:45pm
Pontoon Av. Nestlé

Boat tour with Peter Freestone

More info

A boat tour led by Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years.

An original way to discover some places of interest related to Freddie Mercury and admire the town of Montreux from the lake.

Reservation required

Please note that this activity is dependent on sailing conditions. In case of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled and each participant will receive a full refund.

Boat tour with Peter Freestone
11am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

1pm
Market Square

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)

More info

Here are 6 young students from Vevey who have been given carte blanche to perform Queen songs around the chalet and the statue!

Friends in life as well as on stage, they have only one thing to look forward to: taking part in this unique event, surrounded by unique people for a unique singer: Freddie Mercury!

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)
1.30pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
2pm
Market Square

Nikolasz Gál (HU)

More info

Young 17 year old pianist from Budapest, Hungary, who has been playing the piano for 5 years now.

He is a big fan of Freddie Mercury & Queen and will perform several of their songs on the piano.

Nikolasz Gál (HU)
3.30pm
Market Square

Acoustic Show - Queenshow (SK)

More info

The Slovakian band Queenshow will be giving an exclusive acoustic concert on the Market Square stage. This will be a warm-up for their evening performance on the main stage.

Acoustic Show - Queenshow (SK)
4.30pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
5pm
Covered Market

Devinne (CZ)

More info

Special concert in honor of the legendary Freddie Mercury, presented by musician and long-time collaborator of Peter Freestone, Milan Devinne.

The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of Freddie Mercury's and Queen music, featuring a playlist of Devinne's own original songs with lyrics written by Peter Freestone that explore Freddie's personal journey and emotions but also of the Queen's greatest hits. This concert will also mark the world premiere and album launch of Another Step In Time whis is also part of Peter Freestone's autobiography called " Right Place, Right Time " .

Devinne's signature vocals, combined with a great stage show supported by members of the band Devinne, will make for a truly unique and memorable concert experience. 

www.devinne.eu

Devinne (CZ)
6.30pm
Market Square

A Voce Rivolta (CH)

More info

The choir A Voce Rivolta radiates over the Lake Geneva area through an eclectic range of styles, from musicals to contemporary songs, from classical to gospel music. He is called upon to participate in numerous musical projects both in Switzerland and in France.

A Voce Rivolta (CH)
7.30pm
Covered Market

Queenshow (SK)

More info

Hailing from Slovakia, Queenshow will bring you a faithful live concert sound and visual effects while playing and singing the greatest Queen’s hits live.

The band has been performing for ten years and their desire is to pay respect to the amazing work and the creation of the legendary band Queen. They want to bring their live sound to all enthusiasts – even the young generation.

That's why they use the original and period correct instruments and gear that could be seen and heard at Queen's live performances in the 80s, and that is what makes their sound almost authentically.

A concert not to be missed.

https://queenshow.sk
www.facebook.com/queenshow.sk

Queenshow (SK)

Saturday 2 September 2023

11am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

11:30am
Market Square

Zumba (CH)

More info

Everyone on the dancefloor!

We'll be dancing in a festive spirit, looking for a boost of energy after those crazy evenings!

Let yourself be carried away by the rhythms and songs of Queen to celebrate Freddie's life and legacy!

Zumba (CH)
12am
Market Square

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)

More info

Here are 6 young students from Vevey who have been given carte blanche to perform Queen songs around the chalet and the statue!

Friends in life as well as on stage, they have only one thing to look forward to: taking part in this unique event, surrounded by unique people for a unique singer: Freddie Mercury!

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)
12.30pm
Market Square

Acoustic Show - King (FR)

More info

The French band King will be giving an exclusive acoustic concert on the Market Square stage. This will be a warm-up for their evening performance on the main stage.

Acoustic Show - King (FR)
1pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
2pm
Covered Market

Dominik and the Rockmachines (AT)

More info

Dominik Thurner is 9 years old and the youngest Austrian rock drummer with his own band. At the age of 4 he started playing the drums. Since he only listened to rock music from an early age, he couldn't avoid the band Queen.

Meanwhile he is a huge fan of Freddie Mercury and Queen. So it's not surprising  that Dominik wanted to rehearse a Queen Special concert with his band especially for Montreux !

www.dominik-rockmachines.at
www.dominik-thurner.at

Dominik and the Rockmachines (AT)
3pm
Market Square

Karaoké on the screen

More info

How about forming the biggest Queen's singing choir ever?

Several songs will be broadcast with the lyrics on the giant screen so that everyone can join in the fun! And of course, microphones will be close by for the bravest!

4pm
Covered Market

King (FR) - Queen HR Tribute

More info

Imagine a meeting between Freddie Mercury and Metallica…

Imagine Another one bites the dust or Fat Bottom Girls played at the speed of fury… Imagine John Deacon playing with the bass sound of Iron Maiden… Imagine more distortion effect on Brian May’s guitar and his brown curls headbanging … Imagine Roger Taylor playing on a double bass drum…

What you get is KING !

KING is a band of professional musicians who are all huge fans of the most iconic rock n’ roll band of the 70s and 80s, namely QUEEN. But they have chosen to not just play their songs, but to adapt them into what they might have sounded like 15 years later.

www.kingcoverqueen.com

King (FR) - Queen HR Tribute
5:30pm
Market Square

Sheer Piano Attack by Gabriele Baldocci (IT)

More info

Italian pianist Gabriele Baldocci will give an evening concert to round off the day.

Sheer Piano Attack by Gabriele Baldocci (IT)
6.30pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
7pm
Montreux Casino

Freddie Mercury's 77th Anniversary Party hosted by the Mercury Phoenix Trust - SOLD OUT!

More info

This event, which is organized by the Mercury Phoenix Trust will take place at the Montreux Casino.

Our association Montreux Celebration, is a partner and supports this event but is not responsible for its organization.

Any further questions, please email the Mercury Phoenix Trust at nick@moonlightmile.co.uk

Information

Freddie Mercury's 77th Anniversary Party hosted by the Mercury Phoenix Trust - SOLD OUT!
From 7pm
Covered Market

Queen Silent Disco

More info

In Montreux, right next to the Freddie Mercury statue, in a friendly space, surrounded by Queen fans from all over the world, several DJ's will play in front of you on several independent channels, each one in a different style.

Of course, one channel will be entirely dedicated to Queen's greatest hits.

Each participant will be equipped with wireless headphones. An integrated button on the headphones will allow you to switch between the different sound atmospheres proposed by the DJs as well as to adapt the volume at your convenience.

Advance booking is highly recommended and guarantees that headphones will be available to you regardless of your arrival time. 

The bar closes at 01:30 and the evening ends at 02:00.

Information & Booking

Queen Silent Disco

Sunday 3 September 2023

9am, 10:45am, 1pm & 2:45pm
Pontoon Av. Nestlé

Boat tour with Peter Freestone

More info

A boat tour led by Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years.

An original way to discover some places of interest related to Freddie Mercury and admire the town of Montreux from the lake.

Reservation required

Please note that this activity is dependent on sailing conditions. In case of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled and each participant will receive a full refund.

Boat tour with Peter Freestone
11am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

11.30am
Market Square

Zumba (CH)

More info

Everyone on the dancefloor!

We'll be dancing in a festive spirit, looking for a boost of energy after those crazy evenings!

Let yourself be carried away by the rhythms and songs of Queen to celebrate Freddie's life and legacy!

Zumba (CH)
12.30pm
Market Square

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)

More info

Here are 6 young students from Vevey who have been given carte blanche to perform Queen songs around the chalet and the statue!

Friends in life as well as on stage, they have only one thing to look forward to: taking part in this unique event, surrounded by unique people for a unique singer: Freddie Mercury!

Don’t Stop Us Now (CH)
1.30pm
Market Square

Let’s dance ! (FR)

More info

Maëlle, Elisa, Louise, Emma and Alicia. 

Five dancers from the north-east of France with modern jazz, contemporary and jazz training.

These 5 dancers have travelled the length and breadth of France to take part in a number of training courses and competitions.

Triple bronze medallists and gold medallists at the Rencontres Chorégraphiques Nationales, they'll be on stage to put on a crazy show!

Let’s dance ! (FR)
2pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live

More info

David Ozguler delighted the crowd at the 2021 event, performing songs from the Queen repertoire on guitar and vocals and accompanying all those who wanted to sing along!

He's back this year with the same energy and the same aim, BUT what's more, he'll be choosing from among those who came to sing with him during the day, the lucky winner who will go on the main stage in the evening for the opening of the Cover Band !!!!

Do you love to sing? Do you dream of performing on the main stage in front of a wild audience? Then meet David during the day!

He's easy to find and will always be there with his guitar.

David Oz (FR) - Karaoke Live
3pm
Covered Market

David Soames (UK)

More info

David Soames, Lyricist of ‘In My Defence’

The first song on Freddie Mercury’s solo album ‘Lover of Life - Singer Of Songs’ is ‘In My Defence’. It was released in 1992 one year after Freddie’s passing. It is considered by many Freddie Mercury fans as his best solo recording, perhaps due to his dynamic interpretation of the lyrics, which seem to reflect that they are very personal to him and his life.  

Freddie only ever recorded 3 songs that he was not involved in writing, ‘The Great Pretender’, ’Time’ and ‘In My Defence’. The last two songs came from the musical ‘Time’ written by David Soames, who also wrote the lyrics for ‘In My Defence’. 

David will appear on Sunday 3rd September 2023 at a Conference talk in Montreux and explain how Freddie came to record his song and Freddie’s connection to the musical ‘Time’.  David will also share with his meeting with Freddie and his thoughts on why he recorded ‘In My Defence’ and why this song was so very special to him.

David Soames (UK)
4pm
Covered Market

Lazing on a sunday afternoon, an unique concert between songs and memories

More info

After 3 days and 3 nights of festivities, there's nothing like a lazy Sunday to come and listen to and chat with our friends on stage!

Jim Jenkins, in a role that suits him to perfection: host, will be sharing the stage with Jacky Smith - President of Queen's Fan Club International;

Peter Straker - The singer and star of the West End. Peter Straker was Freddie Mercury's closest friend and confidant for over fifteen years;

David Soames - author of the magnificent 'In My Defence'; and of course the man who needs no introduction here, Montreux being his second home: Peter Freestone.

The singer Mané, whose voice lit up the previous edition with her covers of "Teo Torriate" and "La Japonaise", will also be present, accompanied by musicians such as David Ozguler, Christophe Farin and Gabriele Baldocci. The songs were chosen following a challenge from Jim Jenkins!

A Sunday to share with friends, memories and music... Happiness

5.30pm
Market Square

Karaoké on the screen

More info

How about forming the biggest Queen's singing choir ever?

Several songs will be broadcast with the lyrics on the giant screen so that everyone can join in the fun! And of course, microphones will be close by for the bravest!

7pm
Covered Market

Queen Forever (NL)

More info

Holland’s premier Queen Tribute Band

Queen Forever’ will shock everyone with their fantastic interpretation of the legendary British rock-formation ‘Queen’. The band performs 100% live and plays all your favourite ‘Queen’ songs during their two-hour set. Epic Queen-anthems such as: ‘Innuendo’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and the mesmerizing rockopera ‘Barcelona’ are performed with passion and stellar ease.

Not only does the band mimic the sound of ‘Queen’, they dress like them too, giving the audience the full audiovisual experience and ‘Queen’ nostalgia.

www.queenforever.nl
www.facebook.com/QueenForeverMusic
www.instagram.com/queenforevernl

Queen Forever (NL)

Tuesday 5 September (Freddie Mercury's birthday)

10:45am & 1pm
Pontoon Av. Nestlé

Boat tour with Peter Freestone

More info

A boat tour led by Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years.

An original way to discover some places of interest related to Freddie Mercury and admire the town of Montreux from the lake.

Reservation required

Please note that this activity is dependent on sailing conditions. In case of bad weather, the tour may be cancelled and each participant will receive a full refund.

Boat tour with Peter Freestone

Freddie Tours www.freddie-tours.com

Guided tours and exclusive events are organised in Montreux, follow in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury!

mercury-phoenix-trust www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com

The Mercury Phoenix Trust is fighting HIV/AIDS around the world, support their action!