In 1978, Freddie Mercury wrote a song called Mustapha.
It appeared as the first track on their album, Jazz and was launched as a single in 1979.
Here’s the song …
When it was released, no one battered an eyelid.
No one.
Maybe it’s because it was a different time then … or maybe it’s because people knew Freddie’s heritage was not from England … but I was wondering what would happen if Queen released that single today.
Would the right-wing press claim they were supporting terrorism?
Would the Christian community say they were turning their back on their home nations [supposed] religion?
Would Muslim groups accuse them of trying to profit from their belief system?
I honestly don’t know, but judging what happened to the Dixie Chicks when then called out George W Bush, I bet it wouldn’t be something that went un-noticed like it did way back in 1978 … such is the love the media have for hyping-up paranoia regarding anything to do with religion, nationalism and multiculturalism.
And yes, I know what the music critics would say – and yes, I know it would be the same thing they said in 1978 – so you can keep your opinions to yourself, thank you very much.