When you finally quit, in 1986, did you have sleepless nights about that decision? The worst parts were when you’re not appreciated, you’re feeling used and abused, when it’s a horrible, dirty, mucky existence – loading trucks, not sleeping for two days. “The best part was the travel, the experiences, and that kind of reflected glory from working for a huge band. In all the years that you worked for Queen, what were the best and worst parts of the job? Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury: 'As a frontman he was unbeatable' Elton said that to them afterwards: “You fuckers!” When they came off, you really felt – and they felt – that they’d stolen the show. Maybe they felt they had something to prove. They got the audience at the right time with the right songs. I think it’s quite likely they would have broken up because (1984 album) The Works hadn’t done anything in America, they didn’t tour it there. There were serious problems within the band at that time. “Well, at first they weren’t keen to do it.

Live Aid, in 1985, was a defining moment in Queen’s career. Obviously after The Game in 1980, with him becoming more overtly gay with the moustache, I think things became a little difficult for him then.” Was that difficult for him during the less enlightened times of the 70s and 80s? He’s more reflective.”įreddie was always a gay man hidden in plain sight. At times he could be a little bit rock-starry, but I think he’s mellowed in the last few years. He certainly enjoyed his money, as Fred did, whereas Brian and John, being more traditional family men, they held back a little bit. “Roger loved the rock star lifestyle – all the cars and the country houses. But like most people he’s got another side. He was the most sensitive of the band in some ways. He’s got a huge heart and wants to be nice and kind to everybody. “Brian is one of the most complex people you could ever come across. He had six kids and was really into his family, but he also just happened to be in one of the biggest bands in the world.” John was always a very down to earth, regular guy. He wants to remain private and I think people should respect that. In a sense, he is the great enigma of the band… John Deacon was always the quiet man of Queen. There were dwarves there, but they were hidden under plates of liver and other cold meats.” You refer to an infamous story about the party staged in New Orleans in 1978 for the release of Queen’s album Jazz – at which, it was alleged, guests were served cocaine from bowls carried by dwarves on their heads. There is one major disappointment in your book. Queen in 1980 (Image credit: John Rodgers/Redferns) I was working for Mott The Hoople and Queen were supporting them on a British tour. When did you first meet Freddie and the other guys in Queen? He did have a lot of insecurities – not professionally, but personally.” But you felt that he was someone special.”įor all the charisma that Freddie had, did you sense that beneath it all he was insecure? But with Fred there was always something about him, from the very early days. I used to work for Bowie, but no one had the aura that Fred had. And he gave everything in every show.”ĭid he have a certain presence off stage as well as on?

For him it was all about interacting with the audience, knowing how to play an audience and get them on his side. I loved Zeppelin and The Who – Plant and Daltrey were great frontmen – but I think Fred had more in terms of showmanship and presence. It wasn’t just about his voice but the way he commanded the stage. Was Freddie the greatest rock star of his generation?

Roger queen