Hear from the Man Who Performed with Queen at Live Aid

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Spike Edney brings his five-decade retrospective to The Musical Museum

Picture: Spike Edney

January 22, 2026

As a significant figure in rock history, Spike Edney is bringing his 50-year career retrospective, "What’s It Like To Be Spike?", to Brentford.

He is appearing at The Musical Museum on Thursday, 29 January at 8pm.

While often moving in the shadows of the world’s biggest stages, Spike’s relationship with Queen is so fundamental that he is frequently referred to as the band's "fifth member".

Spike Edney’s association with Queen began in 1984 when he was hired for The Works tour to provide additional keyboards, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals. He quickly became an indispensable part of their live sound, famously performing alongside the band during their iconic 20-minute set at Live Aid in 1985.

His tenure with the original lineup continued through the 1986 Magic Tour, which ultimately served as Freddie Mercury’s final tour with the band. Fans from this era may recognize him from concert films like Live at Wembley Stadium, where he can be seen playing the distinctive rhythm guitar parts on "Hammer to Fall" and piano on "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

Beyond the main band, Spike has been a vital collaborator for the individual members. He was a founding member of Roger Taylor’s side project, The Cross, co-producing three albums and touring extensively from 1987 to 1993. He also served as the keyboardist for The Brian May Band during his solo world tours in the 1990s. He has acted as the Musical Director for the official tribute band, Queen Extravaganza, and organized the monumental Nelson Mandela 46664 concerts.

Spike has remained the bridge between Queen’s past and present. He held the keyboard chair for the Queen + Paul Rodgers tours (2005–2008) and continues in that role today for Queen + Adam Lambert. Notably, it was Edney who reportedly first alerted Brian May and Roger Taylor to Adam Lambert’s talent after seeing him perform on American Idol.

The upcoming event at The Musical Museum offers a rare "behind the curtain" look at these experiences. Joined by longtime collaborator and "guitarist to the stars" Jamie Moses—who himself toured with Queen + Paul Rodgers—Spike will share "laugh-out-loud" stories and rare insights from his life on the road.

Tickets can be purchased at www.SpikeEdney.com/live

The Musical Museum is at 399 High Street, Brentford.

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