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

C.jory, this! My cousin went with me to see it and she said "this felt like a Mary Austin movie with cameo appearances from Freddie Mercury." It did feel like Mary was too much of the focus for too long in the movie, imo. Idk maybe they had other (better) scenes that focused more on the positive aspects of his gay life and just....cut them at the last second? The whole thing felt sort of rushed, imo. Chris Taylor (Roger's roadie and Freddie's friend) said he felt it was so poorly done that he got the feeling FOX told them to either put it out now or scrap it. Ten years in the making and it kept dragging on. He said Mike Moran (another friend to Freddie) agreed. Seems like most who knew him didn't feel it did him justice.

Well, it seems as if I am receiving a treasure chest of interesting articles about "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Try this one out, and thank you QZ friends.

https://movieweb.com/bohemian-rhapsody-rami-malek-disappointed-freddie-mercury-personal-life/

I agree with this article. I would like to have seen more of Freddie's personal life. But then again, I'm obsessed. I wonder if so much was left out because the movie needed to appeal to many who knew little more than Queen's music. This way they got an overview, even though it was flawed. The teacher in me has enjoyed going with friends who knew little and being able to share what I know. I'm impressed that Rami is still researching and learning more. All of my friends who have gone have come home and started with Google and YouTube and are still learning. The movie sticks with you, whether you liked it or not. The first time I saw it I was so jazzed I could hardly sleep that night.

Hi Everyone! New to this forum and new-ish to learning all I can about Freddie Mercury (thank you internet!). That being said, I took my 13 year old daughter to see Bohemian Rhapsody and while we both enjoyed the movie, after spending a lot of my time researching Freddie and Queen, I’ve realized that there are few trusted sources of information out there. So I’d like to say to Thor, thank you for being one of those. (Phoebe being the other go to). I still have the majority of this thread and the previous one to peruse of course. ??
It’s nice learning about Freddie from you guys, he really was genuine and wonderful and someone who I would have loved to call a friend. I remember when I was younger, watching SNL reruns and Queen’s performance of Crazy Little Thing Called Love came on, being mesmerized by him then; but of course being in America my tastes ran more along the lines of Guns ‘n’ Roses at that time. So now I get to share Queen with my daughters and hopefully share truer stories than most about Freddie with them. Hopefully they’ll do the same with their kids, I don’t see his music going away anytime soon!

Welcome Anniebee!!!
Warning: Be Prepared.......I have been on a three year intensive journey to learn ALL THINGS FREDDIE.....(my initial thanks goes to: Amazon!....) and no matter how much I consume, how much i learn......i still want MORE!!!! I have 'introduced' my grandaughter (she's 5) to the Magic of Freddie and Queen!! She knows much of Freddie's catalogue!!! Like you, I believe Freddie will be relevant for decades, if not centuries!!!
Thor, Lee, Phoebe....are awesome sources and thank goodness they willingly share with us fans!! But I would LOVE to know Mary's perspective, Jim Beach, David Wigg. Even after all I've read, and now the movie.......i get the feeling that even Brian, Roger, and John Didn't REALLY KNOW Freddie. Sure, they knew Freddie the musician, the ultimate showman....but I don't think they really knew him outside of that???????? ...........i might be wrong.....

Thank you Blenkolove for the kind welcome! (And warning, HA!)

I wonder also how much the band really knew Freddie, but I would assume that as much time as they spent together throughout the years maybe they knew him more than you think?

Also, thank you Lee for sharing your stories as well, I'm glad you all have found a place where you feel comfortable doing so.

Question for everyone, mustache or no? I have heard a lot of people didn't like Freddie in a mustache, but I think it was one of my favorite looks. :)

Thor, are you still in the medical field? I do vascular ultrasound, it's nice to meet others with medical backgrounds.

I think that's all for now, lol

Hi Thor,

What are you doing for Thanksgiving...making a big turkey dinner for friends? :)

I don't recall reading anything specifically about Freddie celebrating Thanksgiving in the US. In one of Peter Freestone's "Ask Phoebe" columns, he did say there were a few times when Freddie had a big traditional Thanksgiving dinner prepared for friends. I don't know if he meant while Freddie was in the US or if that was something he did for American friends who might have been in London at the time.

Queen played at the Montreal Forum on November 24 and 25 in 1981. That was the concert that was filmed. The next day would have been Thanksgiving, so Freddie could have easily flown back to NYC for the holiday Can you shed any light on that? Did you ever celebrate Thanksgiving with Freddie?

Very happy to see all the new people on this site. Welcome one and all!

Hello Anniebee, I would also like to welcome you to our (and now, your) site!
Now, MY warning to you - we are mostly filled with wonderfully kind and friendly
people. They/We are the sort of people that have bonded over our mutual respect
and devoted love of Freddie Mercury and Queen. Friendships are naturally formed
here. If you don't want more great people on your friend's list, then turn away from
this site. So far, I'm thinking you can handle it!
Welcome friend.
Thor and on behalf of Lee.

I'd like to add my welcome to the newbies. I read this thread for a long time before I couldn't resist and created a name and jumped in. Lots of fun and knowledgeable people here, so I think you will enjoy! I've made several good friends as a result of this group, and that was an added bonus. Sharing with Thor and Lee is incredible. Glad to have you on board.

Hey Rainbow,
On Wednesday morning I am driving to Palm Springs to enjoy the Holiday with Lee and a few other friends.
I will be taking a short break from replies. I should be back at my computer by Monday evening.


Actually, we never celebrated Thanksgiving with Freddie. All of our parents were still alive, so Thanksgiving
was left as a (related to) family day. Now, if you want to talk about Christmas, our second family spent it
together twice and a great time was had by all!

Katydyd...you stole the words right out of my mouth!...LOL

LOL, Thor, actually I did but wanted to repeat the sentiment.

Have a great Thanksgiving. We celebrate it on Wednesday and I love that. I can just relax Thursday, watch the Macy's parade and then the dog show. I lead a simple life.

That sound like a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

sound should read sounds...dah!

Thank you everyone! I look forward to bonding over Freddie and Queen with new friends!

Thor, have a great Thanksgiving with Lee and friends in Palm Springs!

Katydyd5, have a great Thanksgiving on Wednesday! :) Unfortunately for me I have to be on call at the hospital so Thanksgiving will have to wait until the weekend.