Telling the riveting story of Queen, a celebrated British band from the ’70s, Bohemian Rhapsody will release in India on November 16. The film focuses on the life of the lead singer Freddie Mercury, a flamboyant persona on stage with a highly impressive vocal range. Let’s take a look at some trivia from the legendary singer's life.
Cat love
Friddie was a cat lover and owned 10 cats. He dedicated his debut solo album Mr Bad Guy to his cat. He said and I quote, ‘ This album is dedicated to my cat Jerry. Also Tom, Oscar and Tiffany and all the cat lovers across the universe. Scr*w everybody else!
The Sex Pistols
A dentist appointment helped pave the way for Sex Pistols. Freddie cancelled an appearance on the TV show, Tonight With Bill Grundy, to plug their new album, A Day At The Races. The band cancelled as Freddie had his first dental appointment in 15 years. Their replacement was the Sex Pistols. And we all know what happened next.
John Deacon's eyes
He nicknamed all but one of his friends and bandmates after women. He called Elton John ‘Sharon’, Rod Stewart ‘Phyllis’ and Queen guitarist Brian May ‘Maggie’. He even had one for himself — ‘Melina’. But he didn’t give one to his base guitarist John Deacon who was considered too masculine in his eyes.
Trademark 'accident'
He created his trademark mic stand by accident. One time while performing a show early in Queen's career, his mic stand snapped mid-performance. Instead of replacing it, he carried on performing and continued to use it, even though it didn't have a bottom!
More teeth, better singing
He had more teeth than usual! Freddie was born with four supernumerary incisors, he had four extra teeth in the back of his mouth which pushed those at the front forward. He always refused to have his teeth fixed fearing it would negatively affect his singing.
Bowie’s roadie
He was David Bowie’s roadie. In April 1969, unknown singer-songwriter David Bowie played a lunchtime gig in the canteen at Ealing art school. Freddie helped carry Bowie’s amp and helped build a makeshift stage for him out of canteen tables. Freddie never mentioned their first encounter when he worked with Bowie years later.
Michael Jackson's pet
A llama interrupted his recording with Michael Jackson. In 1983, Freddie was invited to Michael Jackson’s home studio in California so they could work on a few tracks together. The King of Pop insisted on bringing his pet, a llama, to the studio. This was apparently not cool with Freddie who gave up the collaboration calling his manager complaining, “Michael is bringing his pet llama into the studio! I’ve had enough, I want to get out.”
So secretive
Freddie was very shy. He used to say that when he’s performing, he’s an extrovert but from inside he’s a completely different man. Queen drummer Roger Taylor once said, “Nobody knows Freddie”.
Only one person knows his final resting place. His remains were given to his former lover Mary Austin who kept it a secret. Freddie said, “I know exactly where I want to be buried but don’t want anyone to know. I don’t want anyone to dig me up. I want to rest in peace.” To this day, it still remains a mystery.
