Rock band Queen went ahead with a concert in Rome on Monday, despite pressure from local authorities to cancel out of respect for the Pope. The band are currently on tour with former Free star Paul Rodgers, who is replacing the late Freddy Mercury as vocalist.
A statement by the band said that they had consulted with local authorities on the issue but their promoter, Barley Arts, had decided to continue as planned, opening the gig with a minute's silence.
However, speaking prior to the gig, the government appointed commissioner who is overseeing Rome's arrangements for the Pontiff's funeral said that the concert would be "in very bad taste right now". The official, Guido Bertolaso, added that a request to cancel had been denied by the group. Bertolaso continued "I think that in this moment of pain and prayer, a concert should not be held in our capital - with all due respect to what others believe."
Despite this opposition, the gig at the Palalottomatica arena was well attended, following a weekend in which sporting events and cinema showings had been cancelled in deference to the Pope's death.