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Freddie Celebration Days 2021

Freddie Celebration Days 2021 took place from 2 to 5 September 2021 in Montreux, Switzerland.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust, who were forced to cancel their official event at the Montreux Casino, will be back with a bang in 2022.

This new edition - with the theme THE SHOW MUST GO ON - took place in a festive and emotional atmosphere after the difficult moments we have all experienced.

It was also the occasion to celebrate several anniversaries with concerts, conferences and unique surprises:

  • 25th anniversary of the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux - a symbol of strength and eternity.
  • 30th anniversary of the album INNUENDO - the last album released during Freddie Mercury's lifetime.
  • 75th birthday of Freddie Mercury - immortal in our hearts.

Our event is completely free of charge and does not require advance booking or tickets.


Photos


Videos

Freddie Celebration Days 2021

Montreux Celebration would like to sincerely thank all the fans, artists and partners who made this event possible! THANK YOU ALL and we look forward to seeing you next year in Montreux to celebrate Freddie Mercury's 76th birthday!


Freddie Celebration Days 2021

Here is a short video retrospective of the event which took place from 2 to 5 September 2021.

Updated on:

Thursday 5 September 2024 (Freddie Mercury's birthday)

4pm
Market Square

Freddie Celebration Days 2021 Opening

5.30 pm
Market Square

Peter Andreev (RU)

More info

We are pleased to announce Peter Andreev from St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)
6:45pm
Market Square

Opening speech - Peter Freestone (CZ)

More info

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

It is with great pleasure that Peter Freestone will be present to give the start of Freddie Celebration Days 2021!

This edition, more intimate due to the sanitary conditions, will be the occasion to meet all around acoustic musicians, unpublished conferences and surprises...

The Show Must Go On

Opening speech - Peter Freestone (CZ)
7:15pm
Market Square

Concert Amandine (CH) - The Voice

More info

Amandine’s love for singing started when she was a child. While studying in London, she started composing and recording songs. After she came back in Switzerland, she managed to reach the semi-finals on The Voice France season 5 in 2016.

In 2020, she released her second EP, Seasons, co-produced with the Weeks Brothers in their London’s Studio. This year, she returns with new songs entirely auto-produced and inspired by all her past experiences.

For the anecdote: The first time she ever sung in public was in Montreux and she sang « Another one Bites the Dust ».

8:30pm
Market Square

Conference Rudi Dolezal (AUT) - 25 years of the statue

More info

It has been 25 years since this statue has witnessed the immortality of Freddie Mercury!

The world-famous Austrian producer-director and GRAMMY and EMMY award winner Rudi Dolezal was present at the statue's inauguration!

He will look back on this special day with emotion, with a video. A great moment not to be missed! 

Conference Rudi Dolezal (AUT) - 25 years of the statueConference Rudi Dolezal (AUT) - 25 years of the statue
9:15pm
Market Square

We Will Rock You ! (Charlotte Hervieux and Doryan Ben)

More info

The day will end with the visit of two Parisian artists who played the main roles in the musical WE WILL ROCK YOU!

Rudi Dolezal will take advantage of their presence to talk about this show. He was present with Robert De Niro, Jim Beach, Brian May, Roger Taylor at the world premiere in London!

Charlotte Hervieux - actress and singer - has notably defended the role of Wednesday in The Addams Family in Paris and recently became the new French voice of Elsa for The Snow Queen 2. 
A fan of Queen's music since she was a child, she had the great honour of playing the role of Scaramouche in the musical We Will Rock You at the Casino de Paris for two years. 

Doryan Ben, a performing artist, singer, actor and dancer, has made a name for himself in many Parisian musicals. At the age of 10, he joined the Sotto Voce choir at the Théâtre du Châtelet, which taught him the rigours of show business. At 18, he went on stage for the first time as a solo artist. Among his most memorable performances were Ivo Livi, Grease, nominated for Male Revelation of the Year at the Moagdor Theatre, The Lion King, and of course We Will Rock You at the Casino de Paris, for which he was awarded the trophy for Best Male Performer of the Year in 2019.

Recently he participated in the TV show Good Singers on TF1 performing Who wants to live forever? 

We Will Rock You ! (Charlotte Hervieux and Doryan Ben)We Will Rock You ! (Charlotte Hervieux and Doryan Ben)We Will Rock You ! (Charlotte Hervieux and Doryan Ben)We Will Rock You ! (Charlotte Hervieux and Doryan Ben)

Friday 6 September 2024

11:00 am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

from 11:00 am
Market Square

David Oz (FR)

More info

French singer and guitarist David Ozguler - known as a living jukebox - will come and share his love of Queen's music and perform their greatest hits acoustically throughout the weekend.

Don't hesitate to come and sing along!

David Oz (FR)
from 11:00 am
Market Square

Peter Andreev (RU)

More info

We are pleased to announce Peter Andreev from St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)
12:30am and 2.30pm
Market Square

Live Karaoke

More info

David Oz is waiting for you with his guitar and a book of lyrics! Alone, in pairs or in a group, don't hesitate to come and sing one of Queen's wonderful songs! 

David will adapt to your voice in real time! Singing in Montreux, for Freddie's birthday... What could be better?

 Live Karaoke
1pm to 7pm
Covered Market

Exhibition of paintings and drawings

More info

Several artists (Melina Art, Barbara Boffa and the Statzu family) will present their work related to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

This exhibition will be held all day under the covered market.

From 2:00 pm
Covered Market

Live painting Chromatix (CH)

More info

The artists of the Montreux association Chromatix will come and create several frescos and graffiti in front of you.

This artistic performance will be presented throughout the day.

3:30 pm
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody

More info

Come and challenge yourself around Peter Andreev's piano! Will you be the first to recognise the song titles?

A great moment awaits you!

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody
4:00 pm
Market Square

Killer Queenies (IT)

More info

Lucia, Asia, Letizia and Sara, young Italian girls will perform on the Freddie Celebration Days stage.

Killer Queenies (IT)
5.30 pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - Best of Queen

More info

Come and applaud the songs of Queen reinterpreted acoustically by David Oz! 

A great moment of sharing, emotions and music on the essential melodies of Freddie, Bryan, Roger and John!

David Oz (FR) - Best of Queen
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.

Jacky Locks, internationally renowned choirmaster, has specially arranged a medley from the album MADE IN HEAVEN for the Freddie Celebration Days 2021, which he will conduct himself, accompanied by Christophe Farin on piano.

This will be an opportunity for the choir to present some songs from their repertoire - other than Queen's - which will be very emotional. 

A Voce Rivolta (CH)A Voce Rivolta (CH)A Voce Rivolta (CH)A Voce Rivolta (CH)
07h00 pm
Market Place

Edinho Santa Cruz (BR) - Acoustic Concert

More info

With a consolidated career in Brazil and abroad as a musician, singer and songwriter, Edinho Santa Cruz is known for being the author of several soap opera soundtracks by Rede Globo, as well as the first tribute to Freddie Mercury "Song For Freddie". He has performed in several TV shows and events of major companies, and worked for four years at "Domingão do Faustão" as a musical director, ahead of his band. Currently, Edinho Santa Cruz is working on the promotion of his latest DVD "Jogo do Silêncio", recorded live with special guests and a big orchestra.

"The first time I came here in Montreux, I was invited by Jim Beach in 1995.
So, at that point he introduced me to David Richards at Mountain Studios in order to play my tribute to Freddie.
Since then, I started dreaming to be back in Montreux in order to honour Freddie.
Today, I am confident my dream is coming thrue. I am so happy.
And this is a great energy being here with all of you"

Edinho Santa Cruz (BR) - Acoustic ConcertEdinho Santa Cruz (BR) - Acoustic Concert
7.30pm
Market Square

Rudi Dolezal conference (AUT)

More info

The world famous Austrian producer-director, GRAMMY and EMMY winner Rudi Dolezal will give an exclusive reading of his new book "My Friend Freddie". It will be a world premiere.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the album INNUENDO, Rudi Dolezal - who directed no less than 32 video clips for QUEEN - will talk about one of the most important moments of his career: the making of Freddie Mercury's two last video clips: I'M GOING SLIGHTLY MAD and THESE ARE THE  DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

His presence in Montreux will also be an opportunity to look back at the statue's 25th anniversary through the official video he made on the day of the inauguration in the presence of Freddie Mercury's family (his parents and his sister) and musicians Brian May and Roger Taylor.

For those who wish, Rudi Dolezal will offer a premiere of his book with a signing session.

Rudi Dolezal conference (AUT)Rudi Dolezal conference (AUT)
9.00 pm
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU) - Nocturne Concert

More info

We are pleased to announce Peter Andreev from St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU) - Nocturne Concert Peter Andreev (RU) - Nocturne Concert Peter Andreev (RU) - Nocturne Concert

Saturday 7 September 2024

11:00 am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

from 11:00 am
Market Square

David Oz (FR)

More info

French singer and guitarist David Ozguler - known as a living jukebox - will come and share his love of Queen's music and perform their greatest hits acoustically throughout the weekend.

Don't hesitate to come and sing along!

David Oz (FR)
from 11:00 am
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU)

More info

We are pleased to announce Peter Andreev from St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)
12:30am and 2.30pm
Market Square

Live Karaoke

More info

David Oz is waiting for you with his guitar and a book of lyrics! Alone, in pairs or in a group, don't hesitate to come and sing one of Queen's wonderful songs! 

David will adapt to your voice in real time! Singing in Montreux, for Freddie's birthday... What could be better?

 Live Karaoke
1pm to 7pm
Covered Market

Exhibition of paintings and drawings

More info

Several artists (Melina Art, Barbara Boffa and the Statzu family) will present their work related to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

This exhibition will be held all day under the covered market.

From 2:00 pm
Covered Market

Live painting Chromatix (CH)

More info

The artists of the Montreux association Chromatix will come and create several frescos and graffiti in front of you.

This artistic performance will be presented throughout the day.

3:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Market Square

Killer Queenies (IT)

More info

Lucia, Asia, Letizia and Sara, young Italian girls will perform on the Freddie Celebration Days stage.

Killer Queenies (IT)
4:00 pm
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody

More info

Come and challenge yourself around Petr Andreev's piano! Will you be the first to recognize the title of the songs?

A great moment awaits us!

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody
5:30pm
Market Square

David Oz (FR) - "Birthday" concert

More info

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Statue and the 30th anniversary of the album Innuendo, David Oz will offer you an acoustic concert mixing several songs from this album with the one forever linked to the Statue and to Montreux: Made in Heaven

David Oz (FR) -
6.30 pm
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU) - Made in Heaven Concert

More info

It is only today that the special visa request has been granted to Peter Andreev, from St-Petersburg in Russia. This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU) - Made in Heaven ConcertPeter Andreev (RU) - Made in Heaven ConcertPeter Andreev (RU) - Made in Heaven Concert
8:00 pm
Market Square

Peter Freestone & Milan Devinne

More info

Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years will be in Montreux for a conference.

He will be accompanied by Milan.

www.peterfreestone.com

 

Peter Freestone & Milan Devinne Peter Freestone & Milan Devinne

Sunday 8 September 2024

10:00 am
Market Square

Opening of the stalls and playing of music

from 10:00 am
Market Square

David Oz (FR)

More info

French singer and guitarist David Ozguler - known as a living jukebox - will come and share his love of Queen's music and perform their greatest hits acoustically throughout the weekend.

Don't hesitate to come and sing along!

David Oz (FR)
from 10:00 am
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU)

More info

We are pleased to announce Peter Andreev from St. Petersburg, Russia. 

This incredible musician, laureate of several international competitions, will exceptionally come to Montreux to offer you throughout the weekend various performances at the Piano.

Peter has visited no less than 85 countries and played a large number of concerts for ministers and presidents such as the former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, then at the Kremlin for Boris Yeltsin or more recently Vladimir Putin.

In 2016 he is the record holder of the Russian continuous play. Peter played 350 songs in a row in 24 hours on his piano. An incredible performance!

He will be exceptionally present during the whole weekend of Freddie Celebration Days to set Montreux on fire!

Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)Peter Andreev (RU)
10:30 am - 4:00 pm
Market Square

Exhibition of paintings and drawings

More info

Several artists (Melina Art, Barbara Boffa and the Statzu family) will present their work related to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

This exhibition will be held all day under the covered market.

10:30am
Market Square

Conference by Peter Freestone (CZ) - Freddie's Birthdays

More info

During this conference Peter Freestone will talk about the different birthdays he shared with Freddie and more particularly the last one for which a cake representing his Montreux flat was made.

Happy Birthday Freddie !

Conference by Peter Freestone (CZ) - Freddie's Birthdays
12:00 pm
Market Place

Live Karaoke

More info

David Oz is waiting for you with his guitar and a book of lyrics! Alone, in pairs or in a group, don't hesitate to come and sing one of Queen's wonderful songs! 

David will adapt to your voice in real time! Singing in Montreux, for Freddie's birthday... What could be better?

 Live Karaoke
12:30 pm
Market Place

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody

More info

Come and challenge yourself around Petr Andreev's piano! Will you be the first to recognize the title of the songs?

A great moment awaits us!

Peter Andreev (RU) - Guess the melody
1:00 pm
Market Square

Killer Queenies (IT)

More info

Lucia, Asia, Letizia and Sara, young Italian girls will perform on the Freddie Celebration Days stage.

Killer Queenies (IT)
2:00 pm
Market Square

Cor accord - Alpine horns

More info

Created in 2014 under the impulse of Florian Bovet, Cor accord is a very flexible group of musicians. Indeed, all the musicians of the group play the alphorn, but also a brass instrument, which allows them to vary the sounds and styles of music. 

Come and discover this extraordinary instrument which will plunge you into the heart of the Helvetic tradition through traditional pieces but not only...  

Surprises await you... to celebrate Freddie Mercury's 75th birthday in style!

 

Cor accord - Alpine horns
2pm
Market Square

Freddie Mercury's birthday

More info

To celebrate Freddie Mercury's 75th birthday, Confiserie Zurcher invites you to a celebration in Montreux.

A birthday cake will be specially made for the occasion and will be offered to the population and to the fans of Freddie Mercury who came to celebrate the birthday of their idol.

A glass of wine, offered by the city of Montreux, will also be distributed to the participants.

A big thank you to them!

Freddie Mercury's birthday

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!