Part Three: New thread while Thor and Lee's book is in Publication

Amidds, What a Beautiful answer!!
Thanks so much!

Chevyman. I agree about interpretation. Which makes the writing even that more brilliant.

JB, Beauty is also in the eye of the beholder.I think we can say the same about songs too.One person may like one song were another person might like another.

Terri, I don't recall specifically where B. Dalton was located. In my memory, it was at the end of the building, but I'm not sure which floor...that was over 30 years ago! My music progression was the same...45's, LP's, Cassettes, and then CD's. I still have all of my 45's and albums. I loved my Queen Live Killers double album because it had such a large variety of photos of each of the guys on the inside cover. CD's are convenient...but there was nothing like lying on your bedroom floor as a kid, listening to music while holding an album in your hands, looking at the pictures or admiring the cover art. Even the mechanics of lowering the record player needle and the unique, scratchy sound it makes is a fun memory!

JB050...Bo-Rhap is the first Queen song I ever heard when I was in my mid teens. Like everyone else, I puzzled over the meaning...why the guy "just killed a man" and why was he telling his mama! It was all very dramatic and the ending seemed particularly emotional and sad...."Nothing really matters, to me".

doughnut...Barnes and Noble is a large bookstore chain in the US. (It might be in Canada too, not sure)

Chevy...By all accounts, Mary has led a fairly private life for many years. I'm hoping those years were good ones, raising her boys, spending time with friends, or maybe even finding another partner to share her life with. I'm guessing that's exactly what Freddie would have wanted for her...just to be happy. She could be a grandmother now for all we know, listening to Queen music with her grand kids. I have never read anything that would lead me to believe she rode Freddie's fame once he made it big or even that she is a "prisoner" now. I agree about the meaning of songs...we know Freddie did not like to define what his songs meant...he wanted the listener to do that.

Amidds...I find the guitar work on Bijou particularly haunting...almost heartbreaking. I know it came out on the Innuendo album, but I wonder what year it was actually written. Freddie certainly could have been thinking of Jim when he penned those lyrics.

Doughnut, I believe there is a Barnes book store in Tulsa Oklahoma in one of the malls in that city .Possibly in okc too.

Rainbow61, In all the things I read and watched, I never got that impression either about Mary riding on Freddie’s fame, her being a “prisoner,” or her having an issue working for Freddie. Mary was there before Freddie became famous and supported him financially in the early years when Queen was barely making anything.

SM so good to see you back here - even if so brief. I always admired your fierce loyalty to "Mr. Mercury" and to lovely Jim.

HelloDelilah...I agree. It wasn't until the release of Bohemian Rhapsody in 1975 that the band had a really big hit. Mary and Freddie ended their dating relationship a year later after being together for about 6 years. She and Freddie were a couple during the lean time when the band was not making any money and she was the main bread winner, but not a couple during the more financially successful period from Bo-Rhap on.

Morning all , thanks for the Barnes and noble information. I must have seen many people on here fb.

I understand what Chevy is trying to say and may I refer you to chapter 8 of ' what he left behind ' by Peter freestone. This chapter explains Mary's role in Freddie's life and the life that she found herself in after Freddie's death. The life she has found herself tethered to the past and as Peter said ' did Freddie know what he was condemning her to '

This was in 2003 and after a,visit to GL. I truly hope she has been able to let go of the past and move on for her own sake and that of her children . Peter said Nick whom she married tried to drag her away from the past but Freddie was far to strong for nick..

It's reported Mary did support them in the early days and it's said a lot of Freddie's guilt was born out of the years with Mary being one of deception as he may have explored the practicalities of being gay and while she was at work he had time in his hands . As I said before he knew he was gay when he entered a relationship with her and due to the hurt he caused her , felt bound to always look after her .


There is so much more in this chapter which explains what Chevy is trying to say .
I'll finish on agreeing with what peter said and I agree with in that most women would have backed away from the situation but instead she stayed with determination committing her feelings of betrayal into those of hurt, but brave best friend and an ever present reminder of the alternative life which he could still choose when that other business had played itself out.

Bijou lyrics are beautiful and I like to believe it's Freddie and Jim . As he said his lyrics were open to interpretation. The song is a Freddie creations but isn't one of my favs .

Jb050 Radio ga ga is now a firm fav for me and one I play when I need cheering up , I especially love the live version .

Hello Del,Mary is a tough subject to tackle what I dont get those 3 other band members all actually married to their wives and those wives didn't get the face time or discussion of this short relationship of Mary Austin.I do think people feel sorry for her to me she did it to herself.This is the way I see it she basically had a roommate she paid most of everything for a while.You dont have a boyfriend for 2 years and not have sex with them.They are either cheating on you or in his case he was gay.She knew he was gay before he told her I'm dont buy the fact she didn't know.She plays a sympathy card and I think she might of played it with Freddie.To me she was a manipulative woman and he was a really nice guy and loved his friend.Doughnut,You said she was waiting for him to return to her after he was finished .She doesnt realize the man she claimed to love was gay. If it were even possible she wouldn't have the man she fell in love with.She wanted to change him the whole person to suit her needs how unfair.

Hello Del, I meant to say hi before I dived into that conversation.I also do appreciate your input on the subject we were discussing .We dont always agree but as long as there is respect we are good.If you ever want to message anyone about something hit that PM button at the bottom and you can send them a private conversation or message.

Rainbow, I think Freddie had been working on that masterpiece of a song since his college days.I think it was first titled the cowboy song.Can you imagine leaving it with that title?I love it.But I guess it wouldn't be the same.

I think we can all concede that "Mary" is a topic for which there will NEVER be a consensus. As I've mentioned before, we really know very little about her in the years after Freddie passed. What we do know is that Freddie was a very smart, generous, and caring man. I don't need to second guess Freddie's relationship choices. He loved Mary and wanted her to be a part of his life. She loved him and wanted to be a part of his life. Beyond that, I don't need to define what their relationship was or criticize the nature of it. They deeply cared about one another...and that is pretty special. I also respect Mary's decision to remain quiet despite the relentless criticism over the years. She has taken a page from the "Freddie Play-Book" on that one. But Mary is not the only person Freddie cared deeply about. Freddie got to spend the last years of his life with a partner he loved and who brought him much needed solace from the craziness of being a global rock star. Someone who stood by him through the darkest of times. That is truly special as well.

For the sake of harmony at this fun gathering place of Freddie fans far and wide, I agree to disagree with those who see things in a different light.

Oh Jesus, let's stop this topic I think it is worn out.We have passed this around so many times it doesnt remember where it's been right.Rainbow,I agree with you I think Jim was a wonderful man for anyone to have spent their final years with.He reminds you of one of those old country boys.It says alot for him to stand by his dying boyfriend when alot of people given the opportunity would of just left.

Rainbow, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your post. I have found myself unable to come here for over a week because it's been so discouraging to me. I went to my Queen concert yesterday, got home at 1:30 in the morning and came here eager to share with you all again. But when I saw the same old things that have been said over and over and over, it took the air out of my balloon and I just left. As Rainbow said, for the sake of harmony and the people who both post and lurk here I agree to disagree.

I'm going to try to regain the joy here and share a bit...…………..

So, it was the BEST concert I've ever seen and I've seen a lot over the years. We drove up to Columbus to see the guys, got there early and went to the Mongolian Grill for dinner. The last thing I wanted to do was eat because I was so excited, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was great .About half the people had on Freddie tee shirts and when their sound system began to play Queen music, the patrons erupted in cheers. We got to the arena early and while we weren't down on the floor I was pleased with our seats. We were on the club level which is smaller and more intimate that any of the upper levels. We could see perfectly, had aisle seats, and could easily move around. I had time to load the flashlight app on my phone because I wanted to be ready for LOML. When the arena lights went out, the crowd roared and Brian and Roger appeared out of the smoke, followed quickly by Adam. Freddie was acknowledged throughout the concert and in just the right amount. Adam is incredible. He's fun to watch and his voice is wonderful. I found my eyes on Brian most of the time though. To think that at his age, he's still so vital. The man is a guitar god. Roger was fabulous too! There was so much to watch and take in. I understand people who want to go to a second concert immediately after seeing this one. By the end of the evening my voice was shot between singing, whooooing and best of all, participating in Freddie's call and response. I knew that was going to happen and I thought I might cry because I am kind of an emotional sap at times, but I was so overjoyed to see him that I just lept in and participated. I'm so glad I went because I would be very surprised to see them tour the US again, and to have them appear within two hours of my home was a dream and bucket list experience.

Katydyd5.......sooooo glad your back!! Was thinking about you!

Loved reading your concert description. I can feel the excitement and energy. I agree that was extraordinary! After it was over I said what just happened. Haha. I truly felt transported. So glad you had an amazing time!!

And the restaurant. Sounds so fun. It’s so fun being surrounded by our like-minded and sharing the energy. I was daydreaming of finding away to see another one :-))