The Soundcheck Where Freddie Improvised The “Ay-Oh!” Call And Response — And It Stuck For Life

April 1, 2025

The dim lights cast a warm glow on the stage of the Rainbow Theatre in London, the air thick with anticipation. It was a chilly evening in 1974, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans lined up outside, eagerly waiting to witness a performance that would be etched in rock history. Inside, the band Queen was preparing for what would become one of their most iconic moments. Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant frontman, was a bundle of energy, his mind racing with ideas and melodies, ready to captivate the audience.

During the soundcheck, the band members gathered on stage to fine-tune their equipment. As they played through their setlist, Freddie’s boisterous spirit couldn’t be contained. He began to experiment with a playful call-and-response, a technique he had seen in various musical acts but had never fully embraced. He turned to the band and, with a mischievous grin, shouted “Ay-oh!” leaning into the microphone, and the response echoed back from his bandmates—Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. It was spontaneous, raw, and exhilarating. The sound reverberated around the empty theater, filling it with a sense of joy and connection that only music could create.

Freddie felt an electric thrill surging through him as he saw the impact of his call. He extended it to the imaginary crowd, inviting them to join the fun. “Ay-oh! Ay-oh!” he exclaimed, this time louder and with more flair, moving around the stage as if he were already performing. The band joined in, laughter filling the air amid their playful banter. It was a moment of sheer creativity, where the line between rehearsal and performance blurred. Little did they know, this simple chant would soon become a signature element of Queen’s electrifying concerts.

As the actual performance began that night, the audience was already buzzing with excitement, but when Freddie led them in the chant, “Ay-oh!” they erupted in cheer, mirroring the energy he had created during the soundcheck. It was a magical moment that ignited the crowd, giving them a unique way to participate in the show. This connection between Freddie, the band, and their fans cemented a bond that would last a lifetime, infusing Queen’s concerts with an unforgettable spirit of unity and joy. From that night on, the “Ay-oh!” call-and-response became a staple of their performances, a tradition that would resonate through the years.

Freddie’s improvisation that night not only showcased his remarkable talent and spontaneity but also highlighted his deep understanding of what made music meaningful. It was about bringing people together, sparking joy, and creating lasting memories. As the years rolled on and Queen became legends of rock, that simple call turned into an anthem of celebration at every concert, reminding fans of the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite souls. For Freddie, the stage became a home, and his passion for music transformed the world, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams and embrace their individuality.

Looking back, that night in the Rainbow Theatre was more than just a moment in time; it was the birth of a timeless tradition. Freddie Mercury taught us all that music is not just about the notes played but about the connections made, the laughter shared, and the joy found in the simplest of calls. As long as the “Ay-oh!” echoed in the hearts of fans, Freddie’s spirit and love for music would continue to shine brightly, inspiring generations to come.