Bewildering Account on Freddie Mercury

[i]Queen: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Crown Kings of Rock[/i], by Phil Sutcliffe,[i] [/i]is an impressive book which I would recommend to all Queenies around the world.  For those unfamiliar with it, it really is the ultimate history of Queen, next to Jacky Gunn and Jim Jenkin's [i]Queen: As It Began[/i].  The author does not pretend that all of the information presented is factual, but argues that the information is as accurate as we're going to get.  It acts almost as a compilation of the most successful books on Queen, since it uses many sources and quotes from other books.  At any rate, I wish to present to all of you a reminder, or perhaps a new story, about a terrible display of behavior made by Freddie Mercury circa 1976(which is of course just a story, an interpretation that is being reminisced some 30 years later). 

I am in no way trying to give a beating on the man we all love and adore, but I think it is an bewildering account that is worth mentioning.  I will quote the book (oh no!) since I couldn't have said the story better myself:



Nonetheless, Mercury is reported to have committed one terrible display of incipient stardom's worst, partly provoked by rowdy Aussies.  Talking to Laura Jackson for her book, [i]Brian May: The Definitive Biography[/i], Pete Brown said Mercury could be "very tough, he often made me cry during the years I worked for him."  Then he described what happened before a gig at Sydney Hordern Pavilion on April 17.  Driving the band to the venue, Brown found the route led through a crowded fairground and suggested they'd have to get out and walk.  Mercury said, "My dear, I can't possibly walk anywhere!"  So Brown drove very slowly through the throng.  Irate pedestrians banged on the windows, flipped V-signs, and yelled "Pommy pussies!"  "When we got inside," said Brown, "Freddie was in such a cold rage that he picked up a big mirror and literally smashed it over my head.  Then he ordered me to find a brush and shovel to sweep up the glass at once."  Oddly enough, Brown forgave him: "You see it was the humiliation he had suffered.  He just had to take it out on someone.  I understood." 



Take from it what you will.  The book also mentions several other moments in which Freddie is perhaps a little over the top, though no where near as brutal as this story (but then again, that was his persona, at least on the stage!).

We unfamous are privileged to have our worst and more cringeworthy moments quietly retreat into an indifferent and anonymous history while the notable end up with theirs immortalized for all time.  Ten more volumes could have been filled with stories of Mercury's everyday kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, talent, wit and delicious irreverence, but that's not the way books are published.  There have been more than enough sources over the years to conclude with 100% certainty that Freddie was quite capable of being a top notch asshole with people with whom he thought he could get away with it.  And so what. His life and character development and opportunity for greater wisdom and temperance were cut short. If people don't deify human beings, then they don't have to be shocked or disappointed by them.

I agree.  There is much to be said about when it comes to Freddie's kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and all the other wonderful qualities you remarked.  For example, even during his downfall he made sure to have gifts ready for his friends at Christmas in 1991.  I know for sure that Elton John recieved a gift in the mail.   Granted, we know (at least I know) very little about Mr. Brown -- because who knows, maybe he was the asshole -- but I think it is relatively obvious that in his early years Freddie was somewhat of an ogre.  But, you know, I don't look at this as something against him, rather I think it just makes him more human.  Believe me, if I were in his shoes, I might have taken my anger out on somebody else.  At any rate, he certainly grew wiser over the years.

Come on, folks. Don't make excuses. IF it actually happened, it was a nasty thing to do. And from some of the stories I've heard about Brian May, he can be a jerk, as well, although not to that extent. Queen are/were certainly outstanding musicians, but - given the cheating, doping, and pomposity they've undertaken - they don't seem to be exemplary human beings.

None of the members of Queen were jerks/assholes in the general sense, but they had their occasional "jerk" moments.

Not that I want to spoil the mood but it's nonsense.  Freddie would not be physically able to lift up a bigass mirror, and if it had smashed on her head she would've had loads of injuries.  It's not like the movies where glass/mirrors cause no visible harm.

No, it's completely true, Zebonka.  Freddie then asked Pete to "pick out two".  He then put his fingers in the "V" position and aimed right between Pete's eyes.  At the last second, Pete stuck his hand up and blocked Freddie's advance, splitting his index and middle finger.

This was promptly followed by Freddie making a fist.  He then slapped the top of the fist causing it to go full circle and land on top of Pete's head.



All this, while 'ol Curly was tuning his guitar.

Imagine getting your ass kicked by Freddie... LMFAO!

I just threw my 18 inch Freddie sculpture in the trash .. I don't want anything to do with such a violent fucking cunt.

Oh Freddie does make me laugh. That bitch!

Jeepers. I just had one of those laughing/gagging jags. That must have been a tremendous sacrifice, throwing that eighteen inch sculpture in the trash.

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[b]Zebonka12 wrote: [/b]

I just threw my 18 inch Freddie sculpture in the trash .. I don't want anything to do with such a violent fucking cunt.[/QUOTE]

I am enjoying that book thoroughly(though I confess to reading and finishing [i]Wesley The Owl [/i]in between), but, was quite...startled to read this account. It was written so lightly, really....and, I wondered if it could be true, while hoping that it was not.

Am I the only one who sees the funny side of a young up and coming star coming to terms with new found fame and influence and throwing a major petulant strop in the process?

Boring, well behaved individuals do not become one of the most famous rock stars in the world.

Freddie, wherever you are - you can smash a mirror over my head anytime.

[QUOTE]

[b]Zebonka12 wrote: [/b]

I just threw my 18 inch Freddie sculpture in the trash .. I don't want anything to do with such a violent fucking cunt.

LOL! [/QUOTE]

'Twas already known and widespread long before that book was issued.