Globally known for its annual Jazz Festival, which was founded in 1967 and celebrates its 49th anniversary this July, Montreux has more than its fair share of musical mystique.
In 1978, legendary British rockers Queen came to the city’s Mountain Studios (owned by the band between 1979 and 1996) to record their seventh album, Jazz. Queen’s iconic frontman Freddie Mercury loved Montreux so much that he settled here, declaring that, “If you want peace of soul, come to Montreux.”
Mercury, who recorded his final album Made in Heaven here, passed away in 1991. With his bronze statue forever looking out across Lake Geneva, he is remembered each September with Freddie Mercury’s Montreux Memorial Day, which provides a great tie-in for groups.
Located in the Casino Barriere de Montreux pleasure palace, the original Mountain Studios is now home to Queen--The Studio Experience (www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com/studioexperience). Here, visitors can see exhibits such as the original control room where Queen recorded seven albums, mix their own versions of the band’s classics on a replica sound desk, and stand where Mercury recorded Made in Heaven.
Planners take note: Mercury’s longtime personal assistant, Peter Freestone, is leading a day-long Mercury-themed tour for up to 30 participants on three days this year: April 25, July 4 and Oct. 3.
Marketed as “pure inspiration” for business and incentive groups, Montreux’s other signature notes include the song Smoke on the Water from ’70s British hard rock group Deep Purple. In 1971, while preparing to record their new album in Montreux, the Casino burned to the ground. Watching from their hotel, the band had instant inspiration in the smoke drifting across Lake Geneva.
Deep Purple recorded the song using the Rolling Stones’ mobile studio; Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards lived in the hills above Montreux during the ’70s, allegedly having his tainted blood swapped, or at least filtered, in nearby Vevey. The Stones also rehearsed at Montreux's Rialto Theater in preparation for their infamous 1972 S.T.P. Tour (Stones Touring Party) of North America.
Montreux and Vevey also share one of Europe’s biggest classical music events, the long-running Septembre Musical (www.septmus.ch), which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year at venues including the Stravinski Auditorium, Vevey Theatre and Chateau Chillon.
