Queen - Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1979 (2021 DEFINITIVE SOURCE MERGE/MATRIX)

Queen - Live at the Hammersmith Odeon (December 26th, 1979)
*NEW UPDATED 2021 SOURCE MERGE/MATRIX*

The goal of this merge was to create the best viewing/listening experience for this legendary show to date. While it's never been released officially, footage has slipped through the cracks via a number of different sources over the last 40 years, as well as a wonderful audience recording and recently leaked "rough mix outtakes". Certain parts of the show do not currently have circulating footage, but this new 2021 merge/matrix compiles the best sources currently to our disposal, making this the most complete version of Queen's epic night at the Hammersmith Odeon on Boxing Day 1979!

While many great merges have been made for this show over the years, the main focus on my end this go around (aside from selecting the best sources for each segment) was transitioning from source to source as seamlessly as possible to maintain the flow. All the video and audio sources used here are listed below (in order of which took most priority). Huge thanks to everyone who made these available:

VIDEO:
Absolute Greatest (Chief Mouse Restorations)
1980 Queen Special (Uploaded by Sikke) [Pauses/lagging removed, color-corrected to exactly match original color grading seen on snippets from 1987 Magic Years documentary]
Other Sikke YouTube Uploads
Live Crazy (Provided by spidzzle on Queen Forums) [Color-corrected at certain points to match surrounding sources]
QTV (Provided by spidzzle on Queen Forums) [QTV logo removed wherever possible, color-corrected at certain points to match surrounding sources]

AUDIO:
CFTPOK Rough Mix Outtakes (Sourced from The Traders' Den)
Absolute Greatest Online Streams
1980 Queen Special (Uploaded by Sikke) [Pauses/lagging removed, EQ applied]
QTV (Provided by spidzzle on Queen Forums) [EQ applied]
Wardour-405 Legendary Master Tapes (Audience Recording) [Speed/pitch corrected, minor compression applied]

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention perhaps the most important aspect of this project - the audio matrix. This process wasn't initially planned, but I found once I'd completed the initial merge, certain sections lacked atmosphere in comparison to others (the sources with mono audio and little crowd noise). While the transitions between sources were already as smooth as possible, the overall listening experience was still somewhat inconsistent.

Believe it or not, it turns out the audience recording runs approximately 1% slower than it should, also making the pitch 1% lower. With these minor issues fixed, we're back on track and after carefully adjusting the further speed fluctuations to perfectly match the "pro" sources, we're done! I should also mention that NIH & CLTCL didn't require the matrix as they come from an already perfect source with the crowd audible. This matrix was targeted at all the parts sourced from the Absolute Greatest streams, 1980 Queen Special & QTV Broadcast.

The atmosphere that was somewhat lacking in the mentioned sources now sounds rejuvenated and a wider sound-scope has been achieved thanks to the addition of stereo sound in the audience tape. While a couple of the sources used don't have 100% clear sound, I believe tracks such as IILWMC could now be mistaken as an official release. The audience tape also offers a few things from the band members that aren't as audible in the "pro" sources such as Brian's backing vocals in STL, Roger's backing vocals in '39, Freddie's harmonizer in SHA and plenty more!
Likewise, the "pro" sources also have things to offer that aren't present in the audience tape. Freddie's vocals are more prominent in parts, the crowd isn't drowning out the band at any points etc. Combining all these factors makes for what I believe to be the best way to listen to this historic show to date. I understand there are people out there who may still prefer to listen to the audience recording, but I hope at the very least, this serves as a great alternative listen.

1. Introduction - 0:00
2. Jailhouse Rock - 1:54
3. We Will Rock You (Fast) - 3:32
4. Let Me Entertain You - 6:29
5. Somebody To Love - 9:35
6. If You Can't Beat Them - 16:55
7. Mustapha - 21:47
8. Death On Two Legs - 24:17
9. Killer Queen - 27:40
10. I'm In Love With My Car - 29:35
11. Get Down, Make Love - 31:40
12. You're My Best Friend - 37:09
13. Save Me - 39:55
14. Now I'm Here - 43:48
15. Don't Stop Me Now - 50:47
16. Spread Your Wings - 55:05
17. Love Of My Life - 1:02:13
18. '39 - 1:06:09
19. Keep Yourself Alive - 1:09:33
20. Drum And Tympani Solo - 1:12:15
21. Guitar Solo - 1:17:00
22. Brighton Rock - 1:23:07
23. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 1:24:18
24. Bohemian Rhapsody - 1:29:24
25. Tie Your Mother Down - 1:34:55
26. Sheer Heart Attack - 1:38:46
27. We Will Rock You - 1:42:28
28. We Are The Champions - 1:44:43
29. God Save The Queen - 1:48:17

By downloading this video, you hereby agree to give the appropriate credit when using for personal projects and/or re-sharing online. Cheers!

Видео Queen - Live at Hammersmith Odeon 1979 (2021 DEFINITIVE SOURCE MERGE/MATRIX) канала Queen Live Rarities