Ratty was sweet as well. When his book came out I had emailed him about collecting memorabilia (he sells Queen items he kept over the years) and he was kind enough to send me a signed copy for my brother on his birthday. It's been a while since I've read his book. It may be time to dust it off!
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Hey Lee, sorry for the extremely late response but I finally got around to making a YouTube page for our Live Chats where we discuss Freddie topics and correct misinformation spread about him. I call it a sort of poor man's podcast lol. We just reached 15.5K followers listening on Instagram and YouTube is only a few hours old but at least people can find our old lives somewhere if they don't have an Instagram account. We just completed a Jim Hutton live a few days ago with a nice audience of 13K viewing it in a 24 hour time on Instagram so we're very excited to gather some info on the New York Daughters and give them an episode of their own in the coming weeks. I get swamped with messages about it any time I mention you guys, asking for a live on you two. They've really only heard of you as "Freddie's family in New York" from Peter's book and they're dying to know more. I don't think they know this blog on QueenZone even exists, which is a shame. I'd be more than happy to offer an episode and give the people what they want, and point them toward the book.
Here's the brand new YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSFNYhKP4zyiIljz19HFqbA
And you can always find us on our larger platform at Instagram.com/Queen_memes.kl
Here's the brand new YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSFNYhKP4zyiIljz19HFqbA
And you can always find us on our larger platform at Instagram.com/Queen_memes.kl
Just watched the Garden Lodge tapes someone posted a few pages back (Thor and Lee you two are absolutely gorgeous btw). Who is behind the camera for the Christmas videos? I've heard it was Joe's boyfriend? I'm not sure of his name.
Just watched the Garden Lodge tapes someone posted a few pages back (Thor and Lee you two are absolutely gorgeous btw). Who is behind the camera for the Christmas videos? I've heard it was Joe's boyfriend? I'm not sure of his name.
Yes Joe's boyfriend. Tony, according to Phoebe
I haven't posted before but I've been following this thread for a little bit and thought I'd chime in :) I'm in the process of reading books by people who were close to Freddie to get a glimpse of Freddie 'the person', not just the legend/showman. I have to say, I'm really looking forward to eventually reading yours, Thor and Lee! You seem like you were both true friends of his and would have a lot of great, meaningful memories to share. I actually became a fan after watching the film, but the more documentaries/interviews I watch, the more I realise there is a serious lack of his laughter/jovial/generous side in the film, as well as a lack of the great friendships he had. They made him out to have no real friends apart from the band (kind of?) and Mary.
I also second others' posts about how heartbreaking the end of Jim's book is. I've just finished it and it was lovely reading all the very human, sweet and funny anecdotes, but the chapter dealing with his pain in his last few days has left me feeling so down and a little disturbed. It included details that I would have preferred not to read. But it's quite comforting to see that others are struggling/have struggled after reading it too. It helps to read about the good times he had with friends, which is why I can't wait to read about your memories with him. His energy and love of life really inspires me to live my life more fully and try to love it more.
I also second others' posts about how heartbreaking the end of Jim's book is. I've just finished it and it was lovely reading all the very human, sweet and funny anecdotes, but the chapter dealing with his pain in his last few days has left me feeling so down and a little disturbed. It included details that I would have preferred not to read. But it's quite comforting to see that others are struggling/have struggled after reading it too. It helps to read about the good times he had with friends, which is why I can't wait to read about your memories with him. His energy and love of life really inspires me to live my life more fully and try to love it more.
Welcome Fastidious&Precise! I also just finished Jim's book. Yes the end was tough. For me, so much love came through from Jim
F&P I'm so glad that you have found that by reading the books and watching the clips that there was so much more humor and spark in Freddie, and so many friends than what the movie portrayed
To everyone wanting to read Jim's book, both of Phoebe's books, as well as Peter Hince's and the David Minns/David Evans book, I was able to purchase and download them all through the Kindle app at very cheap prices.
Katydyd5,
I remember reading that post from Ask Phoebe. It goes to show, we all have insecurities we have to over come and just carry on, even world famous beloved beautiful rock stars! For me, I must say, I feel Freddie had the most gorgeous bone structure that made his face so beautiful and unique. He was aging beautifully, more handsome as he got older.
I remember reading that post from Ask Phoebe. It goes to show, we all have insecurities we have to over come and just carry on, even world famous beloved beautiful rock stars! For me, I must say, I feel Freddie had the most gorgeous bone structure that made his face so beautiful and unique. He was aging beautifully, more handsome as he got older.
The Squirrelly One,
I looked for Chris 'Crystal" Taylor on Facebook and could not find his page. Do you mind posting a link to his page or advise how to find his page, I'd like to follow him.
Thank you.
I looked for Chris 'Crystal" Taylor on Facebook and could not find his page. Do you mind posting a link to his page or advise how to find his page, I'd like to follow him.
Thank you.
Just a tiny comment, but I'm glad you had a happy chat with Phoebe, Lee and Thor and that he'll write an intro for your book.
Regarding the film - I loved it and thought it was done in the best spirt which moved me as I found the film's respect poignant, but I agree that it's a shame it didn't convey Freddie's wit, humour and enjoyment of life more.
Obviously we are mere fans, but you need only watch a minute long interview with Freddie to make yourself smile as he'll be guaranteed to make some witty comment with a twinkle in his eye, to laugh and before you know it you'll have *caught the joy* from him and you'll be smiling too. :)
Regarding the film - I loved it and thought it was done in the best spirt which moved me as I found the film's respect poignant, but I agree that it's a shame it didn't convey Freddie's wit, humour and enjoyment of life more.
Obviously we are mere fans, but you need only watch a minute long interview with Freddie to make yourself smile as he'll be guaranteed to make some witty comment with a twinkle in his eye, to laugh and before you know it you'll have *caught the joy* from him and you'll be smiling too. :)
Villiers2
I enjoyed listening to your most recent blog/podcast and have subscribed to your new YouTube page. Is there any way to listen to prior blogs?
I enjoyed listening to your most recent blog/podcast and have subscribed to your new YouTube page. Is there any way to listen to prior blogs?
So, this thread finally convinced me to get social again, after several (happy) months away from Facebook and forums ^_^
Nice to virtually meet you all.
Quick intro: I live in Italy, I'm 43 and I share the odd job with Dr. Brian May. No, I can't play any guitar: I'm an astrophysicist.
I've always been pretty fond of Queen's songs, but - as it has been happening to so many - a new interest sparkled thanks to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie, which ignited an amazing rollercoaster of emotions and questions.
Because yes, I did enjoy the movie (trying to ignore the pure Hollywood-style Freddie&Mary cheesiest parts), carried away by the songs and by the pretty impressive impersonations. But then no, my thirst of knowledge led me to read, watch, listen and thus discover how inaccurate many details were. And again yes, I accepted the fact that historical accuracy might not be so important in a movie, yet disappointment remains in understanding how the script chose to focus on the Freddie&Mary relationship and on a cherry-picked selection of aspects, getting to the point of inventing pretty unnecessary things and dismissing others.
I can totally relate to the dilemma May and Taylor had to face. The film industry could as well have gone ahead without them, and things would have likely gone way worse, considering it is seldom respectful of the source material. Business is business.
And how do you cope with someone writing about your own life, and the life of a person who represented so much for you and for so many people? It would be torture, to me.
So, all in all, even taking into account the many flaws and limitations of the movie, I'm glad it was produced and I can see it has triggered the audience to perform a lot of research. Which is good.
It led me here, in the end, where it is delightful to be able to read information coming from people who really were involved, and who don't feel the screenwriter's need to shape history into a staged story.
I'm not a nosy person, and I have the most sacred respect for other people's private lives. I'll be very glad to read your memories, as I'm hopeful it will not be a kiss-and-tell book.
It's just understandable that real-life friends of Freddie feel the urge to share their memories. It is a tribute, but also a way to shed light on facts they witnessed, and many others might have gotten wrong - or manipulated on purpose.
I've already gone too verbose, sorry.
Thank you, everybody here, for your precious time and contribution. I'll stay tuned, and I might even post a couple of questions.
Nice to virtually meet you all.
Quick intro: I live in Italy, I'm 43 and I share the odd job with Dr. Brian May. No, I can't play any guitar: I'm an astrophysicist.
I've always been pretty fond of Queen's songs, but - as it has been happening to so many - a new interest sparkled thanks to the Bohemian Rhapsody movie, which ignited an amazing rollercoaster of emotions and questions.
Because yes, I did enjoy the movie (trying to ignore the pure Hollywood-style Freddie&Mary cheesiest parts), carried away by the songs and by the pretty impressive impersonations. But then no, my thirst of knowledge led me to read, watch, listen and thus discover how inaccurate many details were. And again yes, I accepted the fact that historical accuracy might not be so important in a movie, yet disappointment remains in understanding how the script chose to focus on the Freddie&Mary relationship and on a cherry-picked selection of aspects, getting to the point of inventing pretty unnecessary things and dismissing others.
I can totally relate to the dilemma May and Taylor had to face. The film industry could as well have gone ahead without them, and things would have likely gone way worse, considering it is seldom respectful of the source material. Business is business.
And how do you cope with someone writing about your own life, and the life of a person who represented so much for you and for so many people? It would be torture, to me.
So, all in all, even taking into account the many flaws and limitations of the movie, I'm glad it was produced and I can see it has triggered the audience to perform a lot of research. Which is good.
It led me here, in the end, where it is delightful to be able to read information coming from people who really were involved, and who don't feel the screenwriter's need to shape history into a staged story.
I'm not a nosy person, and I have the most sacred respect for other people's private lives. I'll be very glad to read your memories, as I'm hopeful it will not be a kiss-and-tell book.
It's just understandable that real-life friends of Freddie feel the urge to share their memories. It is a tribute, but also a way to shed light on facts they witnessed, and many others might have gotten wrong - or manipulated on purpose.
I've already gone too verbose, sorry.
Thank you, everybody here, for your precious time and contribution. I'll stay tuned, and I might even post a couple of questions.
Welcome SimonaFromItaly! Did you work on the New Horizon Ultima Thule project? What an amazing accomplishment that has been!
I for one have such conflicting feelings for the movie. On one hand I am so happy and grateful that it was finally made and has brought Queen, their songs, and Freddie back front and center where they belong! I also love that Brian and Roger were heavily involved (and Peter Freestone) to make sure it was done to honor Freddie and the band. (and Jim Hutton - yay!) I also love and respect the acting of Rami Malek and I love how he absolutely reveres Freddie and Queen.
That being said I have a hard time watching it because of the portrayal of sad, lonely, drug addled Freddie.
I for one have such conflicting feelings for the movie. On one hand I am so happy and grateful that it was finally made and has brought Queen, their songs, and Freddie back front and center where they belong! I also love that Brian and Roger were heavily involved (and Peter Freestone) to make sure it was done to honor Freddie and the band. (and Jim Hutton - yay!) I also love and respect the acting of Rami Malek and I love how he absolutely reveres Freddie and Queen.
That being said I have a hard time watching it because of the portrayal of sad, lonely, drug addled Freddie.