Candlelight: Tribute to Queen Review (2025) Geelong West Town Hall
Summary: Candlelight: Tribute to Queen successfully merged classical instruments with a legendary band!
5
Beautiful music
Walking into Geelong West Town Hall for the Candlelight tribute to Queen felt like stepping into a world made of two substances, light and music… well, legendary music. The moment the entrance curtains were closed, the glow of hundreds of candles wrapped the room in a soft golden haze as shadows flickered across the walls, and the anticipation in the air was almost tangible.
Eclective Strings were, of course, the stars of this tribute, and the moment they started playing, the hall came alive. This quartet is a rotating ensemble and tonight, it was made up of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist who didn’t just play Queen’s music, they re-imagined it. The cello rumbled with the kind of depth that made you think of Freddie Mercury’s voice, violins soared with flamboyant brightness, and the viola stitched everything together with warmth. It was astonishing to hear these instruments push beyond what you expect from strings, roaring and whispering with the same passion as rock itself.
Each member introduced four or so songs, adding little stories about Freddie Mercury, the band’s journey, and even a classic nod to an urban myth about one track supposedly revealing hidden messages when played backwards. Those moments of storytelling gave the night a personal touch, reminding us that Queen wasn’t just a band but a cultural force full of drama, humour, and mystery.
With that said, the programme was a ride through Queen’s greatest hits that included the following:
- Killer Queen
- Love of My Life
- Somebody to Love
- We Are the Champions
- We Will Rock You
- Don’t Stop Me Now
- Bicycle Race
- Another One Bites the Dust
- I Want to Break Free
- Radio Gaga
- Under Pressure
- The Show Must Go On
- Bohemian Rhapsody
All were played with passion and gusto, and Eclective Strings could not be faulted. The quartet also encouraged audience participation at times, from clicking fingers to clapping and even stomping feet for one of the sets. Needless to say, it’s hard to pick a favourite of the night; however, the classics such as We Will Rock You or I Want to Break Free really resonated with the audience.
Additionally, Love of My Life hushed the room into swaying reverence, while Radio Gaga reignited the energy in the Geelong West Town Hall. Then came Bohemian Rhapsody, the grand finale, as the quartet moved through its operatic shifts with breathtaking precision while the audience was also swept up in the musical drama. And just when we thought it was over, Eclective Strings surprised us with an encore number that ended the night on a high.
Final Thoughts
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen is an experience that was both faultless and seamless, with each song melting into the next. The candlelights seemed to dance with the music, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and monumental. By the end, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert, it was indeed an experience as Eclective Strings honoured Queen’s legacy while making it their own and the Geelong West Town Hall became the perfect stage for a night that will stay with everyone who was lucky enough to be there.
To check out more Candlelight Concerts, please visit https://feverup.com
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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