As it began ' or any other books

Trying to phrase this the right way so I don’t sound like I’m being petty BUT, AIB, seems to be one of those things written to exclude Freddie’s sexuality. No reference to his partners, really, except very short references to Jim. Even then, those references are non- specific as to their relationship. When they reference the other band members’ relationships, they are much more specific. I believe it was out of respect of Freddie’s wishes though so I’m not complaining, however, point being that, if they aren’t going to go down that road, how could they include David Minns? And, since AIB was mostly written, and approved by all band members, before Freddie’s death, they would have essentially been outing him. So, I get what they were doing but it makes me appreciate the books out there by Minns, Hutton and Phoebe that don’t hide the truth. Of course, Thor and Lee’s book will help to fill in an important part of his life that is honest and Is missing from other sources!

Great point!!!

And keeping in mind the timeframe when this was written is a perfect perspective too. :) thanks!

We have the information now so it catches our eye but when this book was released it would not have been known. It’s good how protective they were. And I agree it’s so good that David and Jim were able to tell their stories and that we have those too.

Have a nice day!

Amidds and Katy—so much fun listening to this interview again.
You are right, not enough time in the day for reading, listening/watching.

This is the 1977 Detroit interview where he talks about stage sho and tapes, among other things. Great interview, I think. And, the one where he is having tea. :)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BiKERCmW0R0

JB-nice interview. Love how you found this with the BoRhap reference!!! We have an internet company putting new cables in our neighborhood so we've been losing internet for hours at a time.....of course I lost service while listening to this and wanted to go out and yell at them!!! (Geez, third world problem lol!).

Of course, I get to concentrate on the books more now.....I just came across the mention in AIB about the ad FM did for Vogue. I must not have paid much attention to it the first read through, but, found the ad and had no idea that that's where that pic came from!!! I've seen that pic so many times and had no idea!!! Am i the only one?

Amidds! You are so NOT alone!!! I had no idea either. I do need to finish, then re-read AIB. It has so much in it. Yay! Something new to us!!’

Too funny, I imagine you yelling hey, Freddie's Talking ... haha. I like your perspective that gives you time for the books. It’s such a toss-up sometimes. :))

Thank you for the new information!!

Posting here because this is the "book thread". Interesting post by Greg Brooks on QZ explaining why they didn't source quotes in IHOW and confirmation that some quotes were condensed. Nice to see the explanation and decisions for the how/why and totally makes sense. Warning: I would read his initial post then get the heck out of there fast!! Lots of vitriol, etc. which is totally unnecessary when Greg was just giving an explanation.

http://www.queenzone.com/forums/1568183/freddie-mercury-a-life-in-his-own-words.aspx?page=1

Thank you all for this book discussion, I have read most of the books on Freddie and Queen but haven’t launched into AIB yet mainly because of the price (really wish it was on Kindle). You all have convinced me to make the investment and read it! I read the book from David Minns, that wasn’t one of my favorites, mainly because it felt like it didn’t have much info I was interested in, but I will have to go back and read it again now that you have discussed it here. I think I was kind of rushed when reading it so maybe just didn’t absorb as much as usual.

MyHumanZoo, welcome! Not sure if you saw the discussion but most of us found a copy of AIB thru our libraries. If yours doesn't have it on the shelf, ask about their exchange program - mine came from a town 2 hours away. That way you don't have to spend hundreds to buy it!!!!

I think one of the things I really like about the Minns book is it seems as if both David's talk so openly about FM even if its not in a good light. It shows a different side that makes Freddie so much more human and relatable! I've never heard of them being discredited by knowledgable people who knew Freddie either so I tend to trust it. I rushed through most of the books the first time too cause I was so excited and have found myself learning/enjoying a lot more in my second (and sometimes third) read!!

Amidds!! Great find!!! Thank you for the link!!! Have to go back for whole thing but did see point he made. I agree it’s so good to hear it from him!

MyHumanZoo-welcome!! So glad your here and will join in the ‘book club’ I also got it they library sharing, at Amidds’ tip. :))

Thank you Amidds! I have looked at our library and exchange system but they don’t have AIB or actually any other books related to Queen. I am in Indiana in the US, guess there must not be a big call for that here. So whatever I get on them is purchased, unfortunately. The one upside is that I can read them over and over at my leisure!

I think on the David Minns book you are right, it is more personal and shows another view of Freddie. I think my heart wants to believe Freddie had no bad moments, so when I read that I probably am a little bummed. My head knows that of course he was a bit of a diva and that no one is perfect so he surely had bad behavior, especially in relationships. Next time I read it I’ll be prepared so I can be more objective!

MyHumanZoo, that’s too bad that you can’t find it at your library! It is a rather interesting read with some stories I hadn’t heard before but I can’t say I’d recommend it for the possible $400+ it might cost you. Although I guess it depends on what type of Queen info you are really looking for. I actually found IHOW more interesting and got that free from Kindle.

Skipping all the reading today and re-watching BoRhap. I did not like it the first time I watched it (except for the music) because I felt that FM was portrayed as depressive and easily manipulated. trying to keep an open mind and see if I can appreciate it more the 2nd time around.....like you with the Minns book MHZ!

Amidds. I applaud you for trying it again. What did you think? I love all the hidden gems, cameo appearances, and details in it. (John’s Son, Brian’s daughter, Mike Meyers, Adam, Brian and Roger in the rafters, Freddie on the big screen, the phenomenal performances, and of course the music. I love seeing it with an audience for the conversations afterward. And the concert feeling. I know what you mean though every time I watch it I have to go watch actual footage. :).

I felt much the same about the movie the first time through....and actually I was just so amazed at how perfectly Gwillym looked and sounded like Brian that I didn’t pay attention to much else! The 2nd time through was better, and like JB050 I could look for all the details in it I missed before. I was not as in love with Rami’s portrayal of Freddie as most were, I do feel he did well and especially the Live Aid scenes alone could earn an Oscar. But for me, his speaking pattern was so slow compared to how quickly Freddie thought and spoke, so I think that kind of added to the depressed feeling. And Freddie always had that little twinkle in his eye, which was kind of missing. Still a great movie just for all it encompasses and how many little things are represented though!

I should add, I did completely enjoy IHOW, I agree that it is really the best i’ve read so far. It really shows Freddie’s thoughts on so many things, I can recognize a lot of the interviews that the words came from, but they are more complete in the book. Plus they are reinforced with similar thoughts from other interviews, which makes things more clear. And since they are Freddie’s words, we know there is nothing made up, which to me is the biggest plus. I have read some of the other books which claim to be biographies and such, but there is so much in them that is said to not be true so you just can’t believe them.