It's been 30 years since Freddie Mercury's last official public appearance. On February 18th, 1990 Queen was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award at the BRIT Awards.
The clip, made available by the awards show in 2012, shows a tribute to the band that features their contemporaries talking about each member of the band. The tribute includes words from Phil Collins, Elton John, and a wonderfully strange moment where David Bowie slaps his face to the beat of "Another One Bites The Dust."
When the band comes out onstage to accept the award from Terry Ellis -- legendary record producer known for co-founding Chrysalis Records and launching the recording careers of Jethro Tull, Blondie, Pat Benatar, and Billy Idol -- Brian May speaks on behalf of the group.
As they leave the stage, Freddie Mercury leans toward the mic and gives the audience a simple "Thank you. Goodnight." The last words he would ever say on camera. It's fitting that his last public appearance was a celebration of his career and his life.
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