Image via Wikipedia
It was unlikely that I would be able to complete this little project without including Freddie Mercury somewhere along the line, so let’s get it over with now.
Although Bohemian Rhapsody would be the obvious choice as a track to take with me to a desert island (where nobody would be able to see me “perform”), Freddie holds more for me than just that one, iconic track.
Queen were just about my all-time favourite group, and the years of enjoying their music and always looking forward to their next offering, and whatever surprises that would entail, passed all too soon.
As Freddie’s story unfolded and he began to fade I remember the feelings of helplessness whenever he would be mentioned on the news, and the sense of foreboding that came across.
“These are the days of our lives” was Freddie’s final message to his adoring public.
As the lyrics move from “These are…” to “Those were…” Freddie is preparing us for what we all know but still cannot really believe.
The greatest showman it has ever been my pleasure to see was also the ultimate realist; someone who lived his life to the full, revelled in sharing his unbounded energy with us all through his performances, and took us with him to those last, tragic moments.
I still don’t believe it, even though one could see it in his eyes long before this track was released.
Thank you Freddie. Thank you for giving.
Sleep tight.
(This YouTube video uses clips from Queen Live at Wembley in 1986 behind the song.)
Previous tracks in the series:
Track 5 – Land of Hope and Glory
Track 4 – Qué Será
Track 3 – You can call me Al
Track 2 – We’ve only just begun
Track 1 – Saltwater Joys.
This picture (which is deliberately grotty so that you won't copy it) is of two bald eagle chicks atop their "nest" in Labrador.
Actually, since meeting Amanda, there is probably more on here about her than Newfoundland, but times change, eh ?
August 23, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Thank you very much for this post. It’s true, and there’s no denying it, Freddy Mercury was a showman. And Queen are one of the greatest bands ever. I remenber reading an article about them, that Brian (May), on the shooting of “The Show Must Go On”, asked if Freddy needed a break, since he was bent out of shape because of AIDS, to what he replied, “I’ll fucking do it, darling”. That, for me, is Freddy at his finest. May he rest in peace.
isthatarantihear.wordpress.com for some music criticism
August 23, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Hi there,
Yes, now you come to mention it I remember that quote.
Thanks for the comment.
August 31, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Queen rules. Period.
August 31, 2010 at 6:47 pm
And so say all of us !
Good to see you, Jab.