Latest news from Montreux

To make space for the big stage that will be set up on the lake, but above all to be able to leave the statue accessible at all times to the many people who have come to Montreux to admire it, the statue has been moved temporarily to the Gardens of La Rouvenaz, just a few metres from its original location. This is a unique opportunity to photograph it from a new angle. The statue will be returned to its original location at the bottom of the Market Square as soon as the works dismantling the Montreux Jazz Festival are completed at the end of July. Many thanks to the Borlaz et Fils company in Montreux, as well as to the Commune de Montreux and the Montreux Jazz Festival, for taking such good care of this statue!

This temporary relocation is necessary to allow the installation of the Montreux Jazz Festival's main stage, which also has to be relocated due to the renovation work at the 2m2c. Don't worry, the statue will be put back in its original position as soon as the Montreux Jazz Festival has been completed. Please note that the quays in the area of the statue will be temporarily closed to the public from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., from 5 to 20 July, during the festival period.

This achievement will now enable visitors and music fans to discover the story of David Richards, highlighting his importance to Montreux's musical and cultural heritage.

Indeed, thanks to his remarkable work not only with the British band Queen, for whom he worked on their six studio albums in Montreux, but also with renowned artists such as David Bowie and Nile Rodgers, as well as his significant contribution to the Montreux Jazz Festival, David Richards has left an indelible mark on the history of music. For 38 years, he recorded the Montreux Jazz Festival concerts, enriching the collection of audio archives that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

Through his talent and dedication, Richards left his mark on the history of music on the international stage.

This project was realised by the Montreux Celebration association, with the generous support of the "Fondation Casino Barrière de Montreux" and the "Fondation pour l'équipement touristique de la ville de Montreux" (FET).

The main stage will be set up on the lake at the Market Square in Montreux. This modification will require the temporary relocation of the Freddie Mercury statue during the few weeks of this 58th edition. This unique situation will be an opportunity to admire this emblematic statue from a new perspective. We will keep you informed of its new location as soon as possible.

Many people come to write a short message or dedication in tribute to their late singer. So much so that the place is beginning to look like the Queen Tribute Wall at the former Mountain Studios, which is now covered in signatures.

The permanent exhibition is located inside the Montreux Casino and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm.

Admission is free, thanks to the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

While the name David Richards will always be associated with the British band Queen and David Bowie, his many artistic collaborations make him a key figure in the history of music. In addition to his work at Mountain Studios, which he became the owner of in 1993, David Richards recorded Montreux Jazz Festival concerts for 38 years, contributing to the collection of audio archives that have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage since 2013.

The creation of the bust, based on an idea by Christophe Farin, was entrusted by the Montreux Celebration association to Montreux artist BERNARD BAVAUD, whose magnificent bronze portraits, striking in their resemblance and sensitivity, such as those of Igor Stravinsky, Nabokov and Miles Davis, will defy time in the heart of the unique city of Montreux.

The bust will be on display for three months in the Queen Studio Experience  (free museum in the Montreux casino) before being permanently installed in the casino gardens.

From his humble beginnings in South London to working with one of the biggest rock stars of all time, this book tells the tale of how he made the right choices at the right time to create a life that was beyond his wildest dreams.

Peter offers a limited edition, signed and numbered by hand.

Information

Participants can now enjoy a bigger, brighter and higher resolution screen to discover the many exclusive photos presented throughout the visit.

New audio content has also been added to further enhance the experience during Freddie Tours in Montreux. 

Did you know?

Freddie Tours features more than 460 photos & images, many of them exclusive, as well as 60 audio tracks of explanations, stories, anecdotes and authenticity available in 6 languages.

Info & reservations

These wooden barriers have rapidly become a new medium for dedications and messages for the many fans and admirers of Freddie Mercury who come to Montreux. 

The Queen Tribute Wall, the wall of the Mountain Studio which now houses the permanent exhibition Queen: The Studio Experience inside Montreux Casino, has also been covered in them for many years.

Photo © www.andybjphotography.ch

Many thanks to Carlos Moreno Crespo who lent his voice to make the various recordings that are now available on the Freddie Tours multimedia audio guides.

Info & booking

Several tours are already fully booked, so if you are planning a stay in Montreux, don't wait to book your tour in advance. Special cancellation policy applies. If you have a reservation and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation prevents you from participating, please contact us before your Freddie Tour. We will provide a free cancellation and a full refund of your booking.

Freddie Tour - Booking

The permanent exhibition is located inside the Montreux Casino and is open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm.

Admission is free, thanks to the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

The rest of the money will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Founded by the remaining members of Queen after his death, this foundation is dedicated to the fight against AIDS.

So a heartfelt thank you to the 20 people who took part in this Freddie Tour today, 24 November 2021, which marked 30 years since the legendary singer's death.

Thanks also to Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury's personal assistant for 12 years, who gave us a nice surprise today. A video conference was organised and participants were able to chat with him for a few minutes during this Freddie Tour.

The Show Must Go on !

Discover our guided tours

Freddie Tours organised a tailor-made programme for their stay in the city. A private boat trip, a visit to the Queen: The Studio Experience as well as the many places of interest in Montreux allowed them to discover the strong connection Freddie Mercury had with the town.

Discover our tailor-made offers

Visitors will be able to enjoy it from 2 July at the following times :

• Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm

We remind you that the entrance is free.

www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com

One week after a cleaning of the base, the various explanatory plates on the base of the statue were restored and thoroughly cleaned. A beeswax treatment was also applied. A big thank you to the company Clément Borlat & fils, who were commissioned by the Commune of Montreux to carry out this restoration.

The Montreux Riviera Card is given to you free of charge on arrival at your hotel, holiday flat, private clinic or campsite and entitles you to numerous advantages.

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A big thank you to the municipality of Montreux and the company Clément Borlat & fils, who, under the impulse of Montreux Celebration, proceeded today, March 23, 2021, to this cleaning.

A high pressure spray of chalk powder mixed with water was used to clean the base of the statue and remove dirt and various traces of wear.

Within a few days, the various information plates on the front and back will be polished and a water-repellent product will be applied. Finally a complete cleaning of the bronze of the statue will be carried out.

We will keep you informed of the progress of the work.

The first day was spent at the Fairmont Montreux Palace, where we were given access to their beautiful hotel. On the second day, after a visit to the Chalets of Claude Nobs, the whole team went to the lake and to the statue to admire a beautiful sunset. 

You will of course be informed once the documentary will be released.