Thoughts on Thor Arnold and Lee Nolan's eleven year friendship with Freddie

SM, I can picture Freddie recording with a Gospel choir. I don't think we can even begin to imagine what he might have done musically had he not been gone so young. One more question. I recently saw some pictures of Garden Lodge that must have been taken after Freddie was gone. There are children's toys in the yard, although I do think Thor said there was a swingset there the last time they visited Freddie, so who knows when they were taken. Anyway, I noticed what appear to be security cameras on the outside walls of the home. I don't recall seeing them before, but maybe I never saw pictures from the correct angle. If the cameras on the home came after Freddie's time, were you there when they were installed? There must have been a command center inside the home to view the images from the cameras. Did you ever see that?

They did have cameras there but I was not involved or oversee the installation.

Were the camers temporary or permanent from that point on SM?

I've been reading here for a while and think it's time to join in.

SM: Thank you for sharing your memories of Jim, Joe and Phoebe. I think Freddie would have done wonderful if he ever got to record with a gospel choir. Queen has some songs that gently touch the 'black' music genre and he also did some songs with a choir for the Barcelona album. A pity he didn't get to carry out that plan, if he was really serious about it.

I can't imagine the few cameras they had some 20+ years ago being permanent fixtures. The equipment we had for home security back then was rather large and bulky. Mr Beach was concerned after rumors of some extremist fans wanting to force entry started circulating so he did have something put up as an extra set of eyes. Back then the camera quality was very low and made it hard to distinguish faces. I know the original set of equipment they used did not last long.

Did you see the cats pretty often? Animals tend to know when their owners are missing. I wonder if you noticed anything like that with Freddie's pets.

I did see the cats around the house and in the garden. One would often wander off beyond the gate but seemed to know his way back. A big yellow or orange cat if memory serves. Some had no interest in walking about outside and others did. I'm afraid I couldn't tell you if they sensed a difference in the home but they all greeted the lads warmly when I saw them.

Happy hump day to everyone - although it is still morning here - I have quite a ways to go before getting over the hump!!

Sm - as many have stated - much gratitude for sharing your stories - they truly are sincere and heartwarming.

About the security and cameras - although not mentioned -with the cameras in place, the house was under 24-hour surveillance - a list was given provided of who was to permit to enter the premises - am I wrong in thinking this was a pretty short list?

I agree with you katydyd freddy was taken so young he was my age.I was 18 when he passed.He had so much music left in him didnt he? I would love to hear him sing some gospel music.Elvis did why not Freddie.He was a Legend and Queens music will live on forever.

CHEVYMAN, I didn't fully understand your reply, hope you understood that it's not MY opinion that those photos are photoshop or photomontage.
I was just trying to provide some context as to where some of the crazy ideas that can be found on the internet probably stem from.

Hope I didn't bore everyone with my lengthy description of the things happening in Russia.

Anyway, I do have one unanswered question, it was about a guy called Tony King.
@Thor, just wondering if he is the guy you mentioned?

Yes we were made aware of who was allowed into the property day by day. Most people who were given access were only allowed that access on certain days for certain times.

Shaun hi hope you are well

May I ask a question? There is a YouTube of what is said to be Freddie playing 'send in the clowns ' on piano. It is said that Freddie did this for jim after a particularly bad argument. This is apparently Jim's fav so Freddie learnt it and recorded it as a peace offering .

Did Jim ever mention this as it would be nice to know that it is genuine.

If it is it's a real eye opener and very sweet and loving of Freddie ?

Hi SM,

I apologize if this has been asked before....During the time you were at Garden Lodge, were there many fans stopping by, standing outside of the gate to take in the atmosphere of just being there or maybe leaving a note on the fence wall etc. Did you ever have a chance to chat with any of the fans...if so, what was your impression of them?

Russia, I understood what You said Its just crazy to me how someone could lower themselves to do or say such things when they arent true.I know I'm guilty of the same with my comments on Mary Austin but most of my comments are backed by facts.I sure would never say their relationship never existed in some form even if it weren't a romantic connection on Freddie's part.The relationship still existed.

Hi Emdee,
You had a question back on pg.225

At first, when Freddie passed away, I made a conscious effort to suppress memories because they were too painful.. Because of this, over the next few years, I put these memories away in a not so easily accessible area of my brain. More time passed and the detailed memories of Freddie seemed to be lost. Twenty five years later, I discovered QueenZone and the memories became clearer, sharper and more pleasant thanks to all of you wonderful QZ people. Most of you super fans know so much more about Freddie and his history than I did.
This place has been a learning site for me, and a place where Freddie is alive once more!