Mercury and Me

by Jim Hutton

Roger had run a stall at Kensington Market with Freddie years earlier and they were clearly soulmates; they’d often sit together, giggling. Brian was very intellectual and meticulous about his music. But it was John Deacon I took to most. He was the silent member of the group – remarkably modest, quiet and unassuming. He and Freddie were the most closely involved in the business side of Queen when they started out, and John had doubled as the band’s accountant. Later, their success wildly escalated the demands of the job. His running gag was: ‘I’m only the bass player.’

During the interval at the show Freddie decided he wanted to sell ice creams. But things soon got out of hand and he started lobbing the ices randomly at members of the audience.

The only member of the Royal Family he got to meet was Prince Andrew – and Freddie had promptly invited him to Heaven.