Montreux, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, is renowned for its vibrant music scene. A walk along the lakeside promenade reveals a rich tapestry of history and culture with an array of statues and monuments dedicated to various musicians who had significant ties to this charming Swiss town. Among these tributes stands one particularly striking monument – Mur d’hommage à Queen (Queen Tribute Wall).
About Mur d’hommage à Queen
The ‘Mur d’hommage à Queen’ or ‘Queen Tribute Wall’ is a captivating spectacle that pays homage to one of the most iconic rock bands in the world – Queen. This monumental mural spans across 300 square meters on the façade of Montreux’s Casino Barrière building, which houses Freddie Mercury’s recording studio.
A Colorful Homage
This massive tribute features colorful images from different stages of their career, including album covers and concert photos. The centerpiece showcases an impressive portrait of Freddie Mercury performing at Wembley Stadium during Live Aid in 1985. It also includes portraits of Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon as well as several references to their songs such as “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” among others.
Unveiling Ceremony
The mural was unveiled on September 1st, 2018 during Montreux’s annual celebration called “Freddie For A Day.” This event commemorates Freddie Mercury’s birthday by encouraging fans worldwide to dress up like him and raise funds for AIDS research through The Mercury Phoenix Trust founded after his death.
Artist Behind The Mural: Giovanni Bianco
Giovanni Bianco is no stranger when it comes to creating iconic images. As the art director for Madonna’s last four albums and Versace campaigns, his work is known for its vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. His passion project – the Queen Tribute Wall – was a labor of love that took over a year to complete.
The Connection Between Queen And Montreux
Queen has had an enduring relationship with Montreux which began in 1978 when they first came here to record their album “Jazz” at Mountain Studios. Captivated by the tranquility and privacy offered by this lakeside town, they ended up buying the studio in 1979 where many of their subsequent albums were recorded including parts of “Made In Heaven,” Freddie Mercury’s final album.
A Must-Visit For Any Music Lover
Today, fans can visit Freddie Mercury’s recording studio located inside Casino Barrière building which now hosts ‘Queen: The Studio Experience,’ an exhibition showcasing original band memorabilia. A few steps away from this tribute wall stands another homage – a life-sized bronze statue of Freddie Mercury overlooking Lake Geneva unveiled back in 1996.
Mur d’hommage à Queen is more than just a mural; it’s an embodiment of music history painted on the walls of one Swiss town that continues to sing stories about some legendary musicians who once graced its studios with their presence. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or someone simply intrigued by music history, Mur d’hommage à Queen offers an immersive experience into one band’s journey through fame and timelessness.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mur d’hommage à Queen in Montreux?
The Mur d’hommage à Queen in Montreux, also known as the Freddie Mercury Memorial Wall, is a tribute to the iconic rock band Queen and its lead vocalist Freddie Mercury. Located near Lake Geneva’s shores at Place du Marché, it features numerous inscriptions by fans from around the world expressing their love and admiration for the band and Mercury. The wall has become a place of pilgrimage for many music lovers.
Why was this memorial created in Montreux?
The memorial wall was established in Montreux due to its significant connection with Queen. This Swiss town holds a special place in Queen’s history as they recorded several of their albums at Mountain Studios located within Casino Barrière de Montreux. Freddie Mercury loved this town so much that he decided to make it his home during his last years. After his death, this memorial wall was created where fans could express their feelings towards him and celebrate his life.
How can I visit Mur d’hommage à Queen?
The mural is situated outdoors at Place du Marché which makes it accessible 24/7 throughout the year without any entry fee. It’s just steps away from other notable attractions like Statue de Freddie Mercury and Casino Barrière de Montreux making it convenient for tourists exploring these sites.
What are some tips for visiting Mur d’hommage à Queen?
If you’re planning on visiting Mur d’hommage à Queen, remember that it’s an outdoor site open all day long so dress according to weather conditions. Since there isn’t any official guide or information board present at the location itself, consider doing some research about its history beforehand if you wish to understand better what you see on your visit. Also, don’t forget to check out the nearby Freddie Mercury statue and Casino Barrière de Montreux for a complete Queen experience in Montreux.
What other attractions are near Mur d’hommage à Queen?
Besides the Mur d’hommage à Queen, there are several other attractions within walking distance that you can explore during your visit. The most notable is the Statue of Freddie Mercury which is just around the corner on the lakeside promenade. You can also visit Casino Barrière de Montreux where Mountain Studios was originally located and where Queen recorded their albums. Other nearby sights include Lake Geneva itself with its beautiful views and Chillon Castle – a historic castle located on an island in Lake Geneva.
