A Night of Legacy: Honoring Freddie Mercury with Brian May at the Arena di Verona
In June 2015, I had the privilege of witnessing an unforgettable celebration of music and legacy at the Arena di Verona, a night devoted to the artistry of Freddie Mercury and Queen. The event, titled Lo Spettacolo Sta Per Iniziare (“The Show Is About to Begin”), brought together the worlds of rock and opera in a setting that was as grand as the music it celebrated. Sharing this space with Brian May, the iconic Queen guitarist, felt surreal—an opportunity to be in the presence of someone whose music had influenced generations.
One of the most intimate and moving parts of this experience came during a quiet rehearsal between Brian and the opera tenor Vittorio Grigòlo. In a small room with only a piano, it was as if we were witnessing the soul of the performance before it took shape on the grand stage. Brian, setting his guitar aside, moved over to the piano, gently coaxing out the melody, while Vittorio leaned in, allowing his voice to rise and fall in harmony with the music. There was an unspoken understanding between them—a deep respect for the legacy of Freddie Mercury and a shared commitment to do justice to his timeless songs. Each glance, each nod of approval, and each note seemed to carry a weight and sincerity that brought the music to life in that intimate setting.
When the night of the concert arrived, this sense of closeness translated onto the grand stage, filling the Arena di Verona with an indescribable magic. Brian and Kerry Ellis performed alongside Vittorio, who brought an operatic depth to Queen’s classics. The arena’s choir and orchestra joined them in a haunting rendition of “Who Wants to Live Forever,” with Brian’s guitar piercing through the Verona night and Kerry’s harmonies blending effortlessly. Vittorio’s voice soared, adding a dramatic richness to the music—a unique fusion of rock and opera that felt at once timeless and breathtakingly new.
There was a particularly poignant moment that night when Brian May presented Vittorio with Freddie Mercury’s iconic yellow jacket. This jacket, famously worn by Freddie during Queen’s 1986 Magic Tour, carries a significance that goes far beyond its bold color and military-style design. It embodies the confidence, charisma, and showmanship that Freddie brought to every stage—a symbol of his audacious spirit and the joy he gave to his audiences. By handing over the jacket, Brian wasn’t just giving Vittorio a piece of memorabilia; he was passing down a piece of Freddie’s essence. It was as though he was inviting Vittorio to embrace the boldness, theatricality, and enduring presence Freddie represented.
As Vittorio wore the jacket on stage, it felt like he was stepping into Freddie’s legacy, channeling a spirit that was larger than life. The weight of that yellow jacket symbolized more than stage presence; it was a connection to the past, a reminder of Freddie’s brilliance, and a tribute to the transformative power of music that transcends time. Watching Vittorio perform in it was like witnessing a tribute not only to Freddie’s memory but to the lasting impact of Queen’s music—a powerful nod to both the man who once wore it and to the legacy he left for others to carry forward.
As they moved through a setlist that included “Somebody to Love” and “We Will Rock You,” the energy became almost tangible, bridging generations and genres. The highlight was undoubtedly their performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” where Brian, Kerry, and Vittorio, supported by the choir and orchestra, took the audience through an emotional journey. Vittorio’s operatic flourishes elevated the song, and each note seemed to pay homage to Freddie, infusing the music with both reverence and an exhilarating edge.
That night at the Arena di Verona was more than just a concert. It was a heartfelt tribute to Freddie Mercury, an electrifying fusion of rock and opera, and a profound reminder of the power of music to transcend time and space. Witnessing this tribute unfold, from the intimate rehearsal room to the grandeur of the stage, was a deeply moving experience—a celebration of artistry, legacy, and the unbreakable bond of music.
