I thought I'd offer an update on this book, as it's getting close to completion. Brian has been working hard on it, and we've been helping him to get all the details together and in the correct sequence.
Jim Jenkins posted a little notice in various places this morning, and his enthusiasm and encouraging reaction to what he's seen has prompted me to offer something too.
I really don't want to get into a questionnaire type situation with this book here, yet, because the surprise element is crucial. But once it emerges, and after BM has offered what he thinks appropriate, I'll be happy to get in to some further aspects of it, if anyone is interested. Brian is of course the person to cover this best and I cannot wait to hear what else he comes up with during the promotional period - as no doubt he will. It's been such a fascinating project to be involved in. Anyway, here's what I offered in response to JJ's posting on Facebook earlier today, plus some extra detail too. Regards GB...
There are many Queen stories and anecdotes that have never been told before, not even in part, in this book. I was astonished at how many things Brian was suddenly recalling after all this time. Sometimes I offered him just the smallest prompt about an album or single or tour, and he went off on amazing ten minute tangents of fascinating recall - as if they happened only yesterday - with Denis and I hanging on every word! It has been an emotional road I think it's true to say; one of nostalgia, fond memories, poignant moments and excited recollection in equal measure.
We somehow tapped into things that Brian thought he'd mostly forgotten, but it was ALL there in enthralling detail - and then some! It just required a little prompting. Even the most expert Queen fans will learn much from this book. It has turned into something very much bigger and more detailed than any of us expected at the start, and that includes Brian. The pictures are stunning... the band relaxing, at leisure, on stage, off stage, waiting at airports, pre-show prep, the aftermath of concerts, even shopping for toys in Zagreb in '79 !!! There are many images of the band members in various unlikely situations that you'll love. And it is rather shocking after all these years to suddenly be confronted by the faces of the band in three vivid dimensions, rather than the flat 2-D images your brain is accustomed to seeing. It is very startling, in ways you don’t expect, to have, for example, Freddie peering back at you (into camera) with his nose closer to you than his cheeks and lips, his eyes demanding your attention in ways that flat photos never could, and with every nuance of his skin and curl of his jet black hair so vivid. You really feel like you could reach out and touch the contours of his face, or the bristles of his unshaven chin.
I have found this multi-faceted book an emotional and moving project to work on, so you can imagine what it's been like for Brian. We'll keep you posted. Jim J, Denis, Robin and I are making final checks with Brian this week to make certain it's all in the correct sequence. Watch this space… with BOTH eyes!!! GB
GB: Queen Archivist