Whatever happened to Queen’s John Deacon?: ‘He doesn’t feel able to cope’

A forthcoming second album of completed leftover Queen tracks will give fans the rare chance to hear retired bassist John Deacon performing with the band again. He hasn’t worked with Queen since 1997, six years after the passing of original frontman Freddie Mercury.

In the interim, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor have gone on to work with Paul Rodgers and then Adam Lambert, criss crossing the globe on huge tours. Studio and touring musicians fill Deacon’s old role. Still, many wonder what ever became of him.

“He’s exercised his right to opt out,” May tells BBC Radio 6. “He’s in approval of what we do, and we have that from him the whole time. He just doesn’t want to be out there.”

Deacon was more than the bass player for Queen, of course, having also written the hits “You’re My Best Friend,” “I Want to Break Free” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” as well as a number of deep cuts like 1974’s “Misfire” (from Sheer Heart Attack), 1977’s “Who Needs You” (News of the World) and “My Life Has Been Saved” — from 1995’s Made in Heaven, the first of their albums completed by the remaining members of Queen in Mercury’s absence.

Deacon performed as part of the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, a year after the singer succumbed to AIDS-related illness, but only appeared with Queen twice more on stage. His last appearance on a new studio release was “No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young),” for the 1997 compilation Queen Rocks. Queen recorded 2008’s similarly named The Cosmos Rocks without Deacon.

“He doesn’t feel able to cope with the pressure,” May adds. “I think it’s right, and proper, that he can make that choice. It’s a shame. I mean, we do miss him a lot. But that’s the way he wants it.”

Queen Forever finds the group returning to the vaults again to complete leftovers from the Mercury and Deacon era, most notably an unreleased duet featuring Mercury and Michael Jackson. Of particular interest to Deacon fans is “Let Me In Your Heart Again,” a song culled from the sessions for 1984’s The Works.

“We put a lot of work into this, rescuing and restoring,” May says. “I feel very proud of the tracks. I’m very excited. They sound so fresh. You’re actually hearing the four of us playing together — particularly on ‘Let Me in Your Heart Again.'”

http://somethingelsereviews.com/2014/10/02/queen-john-deacon/

Yes its so sad that John gave Queen up, but to be honest it was only for his loyalty to Freddie.
He has suffered depression for many years after freddies passing and vowed never to play with a replacement singer.
Still he is a wise guy because he knows the real essence of Queen has long gone, and what is left of Queen is a skeleton
of a rock group.
Deacon is a brilliant bass player and very under rated.

[QUOTE] [b]gerry wrote:[/b]
He has suffered depression for many years after freddies passing and vowed never to play with a replacement singer.
[/QUOTE]

Maybe it's just a language difference that led you to write this - I must say either way, there's no reason for us to believe Deacon has depression. Grieving over a friend for a period of time is one thing, depression is another.

I can't fault him for opting out. He stayed around for the tribute concert and the one off performance with Elton, which probably both appeared pretty tasteful to him, much more so than the many appearances that Brian and Roger have gone on to do. I for one can't imagine Deacy guest starring on American Idol :P

Tom christie: Queenzone has had this discussion about John Deacon before and depression was mentioned many many times.
i also read in the press that he had just gave up after freddie died.

Deacon was already depressed in the 80s. It's clear in a couple of the interviews.

Mercury's death just put him over the edge.

^^^^^ Yes!

Also why can't people except what BM and RT say about JD. They have no wish to get into a discussion about it, and by now it's obvious neither does JD

My mistake then - I didn't know of this.

I've written back and forth to Brian's former roadie Jobby and he told me John was never happy about being a rock star. Some people are cut out for it and others are probably relieved when their wave finally comes to an end.

Jazz 78, funny that you say that, funny in a sense, the old pix of John during the 70s, made him look like real rock star. I always had a fascination for John, the quiet one. But on stage a complete different kind of beast. I for one have an immense respect for John and the John I know has given me gems as You and I, You're My Best Friend, Need Your loving tonight....to name a few.

Tom

i agree john for me is a better song writer than roger and so underated within Queen.

An one on one interview with the man about the deacy amp, his composing and his playing will do... at his choise and conditions.

For a real interview with Freddie it is to late. For John it is not.

And if not... Let him write a book.

[QUOTE] [b]kosimodo wrote:[/b]

An one on one interview with the man about the deacy amp, his composing and his playing will do... at his choise and conditions.

For a real interview with Freddie it is to late. For John it is not.

And if not... Let him write a book.[/QUOTE]

Or a pamphlet

I'd settle for the back of a napkin.

Jazz 78 got it right, John was never comfortable being in the spotlight, he would have left Queen even had Freddie lived, its just a shame he doesn't write and record with Brian & Roger, but let them go out and perform, do the TV , radio etc.

Andyb 1968 : Is jeff 79 a clairvoyant then about (Deacon would have left Queen even if freddie had lived?)
i think that is all wrong because he stayed with Queen until 1997.
Deacon left the band knowing it would not be the same without freddie.
As i have said before i think Brian & Roger do right by been still "out there" but i can not forgive them
for taking a kid on board like Lambert.
sooooo bad.