Paul Gambaccini

Been watching a couple of documentaries lately, and Paul Gambaccini always seems to pop up talking about conversations with Freddie 'Fuck it I'm doing everything with everyone' when talking about Aids, or sitting in the opera when Freddie first saw Caballe. Is he a little full of it or are these stories true do you think? I've never heard either Freddie in interviews or since he passed, Peter Freestone ever mention this guy, but he seems to put himself across as a very important friend and confidante.

My guess is he is way over playing his relationship with Freddie, but hey, I hope I'm wrong, hate to think he is making a living off interviews that can't be questioned.

I've seen him in more documentaries as a pop-expert and DJ.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gambaccini

Interesting question. I think quite a lot of people who were not really very close to Freddie have appeared in interviews and given the impression, knowingly or unwittilingly, that they had some sort of special relationship with him.

Being heavily involved with British radio, Gambaccini would have almost certainly known Freddie quite well professionally, and we are also made to believe that they had a friendship outside of work. I never got the impression that they were especially close though - just reasonably good friends.

The remark on HIV could have just been something Freddie said in passing, but it left a mark on Gambaccini. In truth, however, anyone who knew Freddie or frequented largely the same circles, would realise that Freddie didn't change his ways in 1981, when stories about a mysterious illness started appearing in news reports. In 1983, he was still going full-swing too. So it was somewhat obvious that Freddie had a "fuck it" attitude - you could deduce that by just observing his behaviour from a distance.

Regarding the Caballé episode, Phoebe might remember if Gambaccini really was there on the night Freddie first saw the opera singer - although, after all these years, I wouldn't be surprised if both Gambaccini and Phoebe's memories start playing tricks.

When you have a person like Freddie, who is so famous and idolised, it's to be expected that those who knew him try to paint a picture of the degree to which they knew him which is not always factual.

When it comes to the truth about Freddie, the sources I tend to respect most are Brian, Roger, and to a lesser extent Phoebe and Mary Austin (Mary would have been a phenomenal source since she knew him so well, but she does have a somewhat skewed idea of what happened in regards to the situation with Jim, Phoebe, etc). I also lost some respect for Phoebe when he appeared on that awful documentary 'Freddie's Loves'.

He irritates me, annoying voice and the same stories on every fucking documentary

[QUOTE] [b]Kuijpy wrote:[/b]

He irritates me, annoying voice and the same stories on every fucking documentary [/QUOTE]

+1

[QUOTE] [b]antiden wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE] [b]Kuijpy wrote:[/b]

He irritates me, annoying voice and the same stories on every fucking documentary [/QUOTE]

+1[/QUOTE]

Really? I think Harvey Kubernik was the most annoying guy in any Queen documentary ever.

That was a quote remember reading "Paul Gambaccini- Dead stars best friend!"
My guess is it was part of his job to come as close as possible to music celebrities.
Apparently he gained their trust and perhaps respect. It was a win -win situation.
Nothing bad about that.

While I respect gambaccini as a dj, I was disappointed with his 'fuck it' anecdote, it was disloyal ( especially if he was a friend of Fred's), knowing that freddie's dear mum and sister would definitely see this interview. Imagine Jer, at her age and her cultural background , hearing that, it must have been like a knife to her heart. Bless her.

[QUOTE] [b]master marathon runner wrote:[/b]

While I respect gambaccini as a dj, I was disappointed with his 'fuck it' anecdote, it was disloyal ( especially if he was a friend of Fred's), knowing that freddie's dear mum and sister would definitely see this interview. Imagine Jer, at her age and her cultural background , hearing that, it must have been like a knife to her heart. Bless her.[/QUOTE]

It may have been disloyal, but it was clearly probably true.

As an aside, I sat opposite Gambacchini and his partner on the London Underground for about 15 minutes last year (ironically on the way to Kentish Town to see Extreme!)

[QUOTE] [b]master marathon runner wrote:[/b]

While I respect gambaccini as a dj, I was disappointed with his 'fuck it' anecdote, it was disloyal ( especially if he was a friend of Fred's), knowing that freddie's dear mum and sister would definitely see this interview. Imagine Jer, at her age and her cultural background , hearing that, it must have been like a knife to her heart. Bless her.[/QUOTE]

I think Jer had to learn early on in Freddie's career that she shouldn't pay too much attention to what the press said about her son, who was very much a public person. What the tabloids wrote about him in the days and weeks preceding and following his death was much worse.

Jim Hutton disclosed lurid crap in documentaries, such as Freddie asking him "how big is your cock" when they first met in a bar. I mean, why would Jim recount that? Why disclose that, when it involves a person you supposedly respect?

Can't stand the bloke, pops up on every ones tribute programme when someone dies pretending they were great friends. The guy is a wanker.

[QUOTE]

[b]Costa86 wrote:[/b] Jim Hutton disclosed lurid crap in documentaries, such as Freddie asking him "how big is your cock" when they first met in a bar. I mean, why would Jim recount that? Why disclose that, when it involves a person you supposedly respect?[/QUOTE]

Perhaps because Freddie was like that. Or that he knew Freddie wouldn't give a shit.
Who knows.

[QUOTE] [b]mooghead wrote:[/b]

The guy is a wanker.[/QUOTE]

Like you.

[QUOTE] [b]Nitroboy wrote:[/b]

[QUOTE]

[b]Costa86 wrote:[/b] Jim Hutton disclosed lurid crap in documentaries, such as Freddie asking him "how big is your cock" when they first met in a bar. I mean, why would Jim recount that? Why disclose that, when it involves a person you supposedly respect?[/QUOTE]

Perhaps because Freddie was like that. Or that he knew Freddie wouldn't give a shit.
Who knows.[/QUOTE]

But Freddie tended to keep his public presentation of himself pretty dignified, even when hinting at his lifestyle in 80's interviews.

[QUOTE] [b]mooghead wrote:[/b]

Can't stand the bloke, pops up on every ones tribute programme when someone dies pretending they were great friends. The guy is a wanker.[/QUOTE]

For once dude, I agree with you.