05-11-2006 – The Daily Mirror – Freddie Aids gig

AIDS charity the Nelson Mandela Foundation is to benefit from a sell-out musical on the life of Freddie Mercury.

The opening concert in the eight-night run of Queen At The Ballet at Dublin’s Point Depot sold out within hours.

Promoters are awaiting a response from former South African president Mr Mandela to an invitation to attend the opening night in Dublin.

The July 6 gig is the European premiere of a show that has played to packed houses in South Africa for four years.

It is based on the life of Mercury and his band Queen.

The first night of the show, being brought to Ireland by businessman Chris Goodey, coincides with the 20th anniversary of Mercury’s appearance at Slane in 1986.

Mercury died from AIDS in 1991.