Yesterday, King Mercury would have turned 75.
Jesus Christ.
While Brian and Roger are still flying the Queen flag, I’m not sure Freddie would be.
Maybe he wouldn’t have gone to such an extreme as John … but I am sure it wouldn’t be in the way the others are doing it.
Part of this is because he once said if he looked stupid prancing around in a leotard, he wouldn’t want to do it any more.
What I particularly love about this statement is that he is saying he never thought he looked stupid prancing around in a leotard.
But then he didn’t.
At least when he was on stage.
There, he looked every inch of what he was – a Rock Star.
Sure, in the mid-80’s he – and Queen – evolved into entertainers, but even then, they were still a special live act.
Given their last concert as a full group was 1986 and Freddie died in 1991, the fact he – and to a certain degree, the band – remain in contemporary culture is incredible.
For that alone they’ve been more successful than most brands – with their tens of millions in research – and that’s before we talk about their ability to command such insane loyalty while also evolving into movies, plays, books and games.
I am sure Freddie would find that amusing, which is probably the best birthday present he could have.
So to dear Freddie … Happy [late] Birthday darling, I hope you’re having fun with your cats.
I’ll be listening to one of my favourite moments of your exquisite voice in celebration.
