Returning to the Legend's Roots: Queenie to Conquer Sacred Montreux Again for Freddie Days 2026
When you say Montreux, every fan of rock history immediately pictures the silhouette of Freddie Mercury with his fist raised to the sky, quietly overlooking the calm waters of Lake Geneva. For us, for the band Queenie, this Swiss town means much more than just a tourist destination or a point on the map of musical history. It is a place with an indescribable genius loci, a place where the final chapters of one of the world's greatest musical legends were written, and a place to which we return with immense humility and pride. With joy that is hard to describe in words, we therefore announce that Queenie will perform again on September 4, 2026** at the prestigious annual fan gathering – at Freddie Days in Montreux, Switzerland, on the occasion of the celebrations of Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday.
It is not "just another concert" for us. It is a return to our roots and, at the same time, a confirmation of the journey we have taken over these twenty years. Memories of 2008 come back to us, when we had the honour of performing at the then Mercury Montreux Memorial as the historically first tribute band from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Back then, we were at the beginning, full of determination and dreams. Today, we return as experienced professionals with seven sold-out O2 arenas, tours across Europe, and more than 1,400 concerts under our belts. Yet, as we approach the shores of the lake and see those familiar Alpine peaks, we feel the same flutter in our stomachs as we did back then. It is respect. Respect for the music that connects us all, and for the place where Freddie found his second home.
The Magic of a Place Where Time Stands Still
Imagine this: You are standing on the waterfront, the majestic peaks of the Alps towering above you, and before you stretches the calm surface of the lake that once provided peace to the soul of Freddie Mercury himself. It was here, in this picturesque corner of the world, that the Queen frontman found his sanctuary in the final years of his life. This is where the albums Jazz or Made in Heaven were created in the famous Mountain Studios. And this is where his iconic bronze statue stands with its fist raised to the sky, silently watching over this magical place.
Performing at Freddie Days is specific in its atmosphere. The audience here does not consist of random passers-by, but the most loyal "die-hard" fans from all over the world – from Japan to Brazil to the UK. When we performed here in the past, for example at the Montreux Jazz Festival or during previous editions of the Mercury Montreux Memorial, we felt that indescribable energy. Playing for such an audience is the hardest, yet most beautiful test. These spectators know every note, every beat of Roger Taylor's cymbal, every guitar solo by Brian May. And that is exactly why we are going there. Our philosophy of "concert theatre," our insistence on original keys and authentic arrangements, finds its most appreciative audience in Montreux. When Michael Kluch, whose vocal abilities and performance were even honoured with a Thalia Award nomination, hits the first notes of Bohemian Rhapsody or The Show Must Go On in an environment where these songs resonate more strongly than anywhere else in the world, a magical connection is born. It is not playing at being Queen; it is a tribute to Queen in its purest possible form.
Queenie's Concert Theatre on the World Stage
Why do we speak of it so poetically? Because performing in Montreux is not just "another tour stop." It is like visiting someone's home. The invitation to Freddie Days is, for us, a confirmation that the path we set out on back in 2006 makes sense. We are often asked what the difference is between a concert in the O2 arena and a performance in Montreux. In the O2 arena, we create a monumental show with pyrotechnics and giant screens – it is a celebration of Queen's magnitude. In Montreux, however, it is about intimacy and a spiritual connection. It is a dialogue between us, the audience, and the legacy of Freddie Mercury.
To be chosen as the main musical program for such a significant event is a huge success for a Czech band. It is no secret that the organisers in Montreux are extremely demanding when it comes to quality. Because in Montreux, you don't just play for the ears; you play for the heart. And for us, it truly is a matter of the heart, because it is a place where we feel part of something bigger.
September 4, 2026
If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, do not miss this event. It is not just a concert. It is a family gathering. A family united by a love for music that changed the world. And if you can't make it to Montreux, follow our social media. We will bring you photos and videos so you can soak up the atmosphere, at least from afar.
We look forward to seeing you, whether beneath the Alps or at any of our other concerts.
Yours, Queenie
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