QueenZone discussion #1443940
Queen Unseen by Peter Hince
| Holly2003 17.11.2015 13:52 |
link You knew Freddie Mercury well. What was he really like as a person? Peter Hince: "People talk about Freddie and his ego, but his ego was not as big as people think. It was all a persona. He could make fun of himself, whereas some of the other guys in the band couldn’t do it in the same way. You could have a laugh with Freddie, but you knew were the line was. He wasn’t necessarily the prima donna that everybody thought he was." Was Freddie the greatest rock star of his generation? "As a frontman he was unbeatable. It wasn’t just about his voice but the way he commanded the stage. I loved Zeppelin and The Who – Plant and Daltrey were great frontmen – but I think Fred had more in terms of showmanship and presence. For him it was all about interacting with the audience, knowing how to play an audience and get them on his side. And he gave everything in every show." Did he have a certain presence off stage as well as on? "Oh yeah. Fred was unique. I used to work for Bowie, but no one had the aura that Fred had. Maybe Mick Jagger did, to a degree. But with Fred there was always something about him, from the very early days. He had that kind of aura. Not aloofness. But you felt that he was someone special." For all the charisma that Freddie had, did you sense that beneath it all he was insecure? "Oh, totally. Always. He did have a lot of insecurities – not professionally, but personally." When did you first meet Freddie and the other guys in Queen? "1973. I was working for Mott The Hoople and Queen were supporting them on a British tour. Queen’s first album had just come out." And you worked for Bowie before then? "Yeah. I was Mick Ronson’s roadie on the Ziggy Stardust tour. After the Hammersmith show and David ‘retired’, I worked for Mott. And by the time Mott had finished in ’75, I needed work and luckily I got the job with Queen." And you witnessed first-hand their rise to global superstardom… "Queen wanted to be the biggest band in the world. They made no secret of that. And yes, I saw it all happen. In the 70s they were a fantastic rock band, and in the 80s they became a fantastic pop band." You were also witness to the recording of many classic Queen albums. "I was there when Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded. I just remember not knowing what the bloody hell it was all about! And I was with Freddie when he wrote Crazy Little Thing Called Love. That was a really special moment." There is one major disappointment in your book. You refer to an infamous story about the party staged in New Orleans in 1978 for the release of Queen’s album Jazz – at which, it was alleged, guests were served cocaine from bowls carried by dwarves on their heads. You call the story “complete bollocks”… “It is – complete nonsense. There were dwarves there, but they were hidden under plates of liver and other cold meats.” John Deacon was always the quiet man of Queen. In a sense, he is the great enigma of the band… “John is virtually a recluse now. He wants to remain private and I think people should respect that. John was always a very down to earth, regular guy. He had six kids and was really into his family, but he also just happened to be in one of the biggest bands in the world.” How would you describe Brian May? “Brian is one of the most complex people you could ever come across. He’s got a huge heart and wants to be nice and kind to everybody. He was the most sensitive of the band in some ways. But like most people he’s got another side. He can be quite ruthless.” And Roger Taylor? “Roger loved the rock star lifestyle – all the cars and the country houses. He certainly enjoyed his money, as Fred did, whereas Brian and John, being more traditional family men, they held back a little bit. But Rog loved it. At times he could be a little bit rock-starry, but I think he’s mellowed in the last few years. He’s more reflective.” Freddie was always a gay man hidden in plain sight. Was that difficult for him during the less enlightened times of the 70s and 80s? “Very much so. Obviously after The Game in 1980, with him becoming more overtly gay with the moustache, I think things became a little difficult for him then.” Live Aid, in 1985, was a defining moment in Queen’s career. What do you remember most of that day? “Well, at first they weren’t keen to do it. There were serious problems within the band at that time. I think it’s quite likely they would have broken up because (1984 album) The Works hadn’t done anything in America, they didn’t tour it there. And Fred was doing his solo stuff. So Live Aid galvanised them. It was a watershed for the band. They got the audience at the right time with the right songs. Maybe they felt they had something to prove. When they came off, you really felt – and they felt – that they’d stolen the show. Elton said that to them afterwards: “You fuckers!” In all the years that you worked for Queen, what were the best and worst parts of the job? “The best part was the travel, the experiences, and that kind of reflected glory from working for a huge band. The worst parts were when you’re not appreciated, you’re feeling used and abused, when it’s a horrible, dirty, mucky existence – loading trucks, not sleeping for two days. But that was all part of the job. And the bottom line was it was a job.” When you finally quit, in 1986, did you have sleepless nights about that decision? “Not really. One day something just clicks. It got to the point where I was working my bollocks off, I didn’t feel I was being appreciated, and there was no way to further yourself within the organization. I didn’t want to work for another band. I thought I’d go out at the top of my game. I also felt I probably couldn’t have gone on much longer. It does get to you. I don’t regret it.” Roger says he likes your book. Did that surprise you? “It did. Roger was never the most complimentary of people. He could be a bit aloof. So that was quite nice. I think he’s a lot more relaxed about things these days.” How do you feel about Roger and Brian carrying on as Queen without Freddie and John? “Well, when Fred died, John was like: ‘That’s it, there’s no more Queen.’ Brian and Roger wanted to carry on in the various guises of Queen, and I understand why they want to do that. I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do. They can still be musicians without using the Queen name. But the fame game – people like to keep it up as long as they can.” Many Queen fans would agree with you: no Freddie, no Queen. “That’s most poignant thing. After Fred died, you can never recreate that, no matter what guise it is. I saw the Queen + Paul Rodgers thing, and he’s one of my favourite singers, but it was completely the wrong fit. And as for Adam Lambert, I’m sure he can sing, but it’s a bit like some Vegas cabaret in a way. You know, if you never saw the band, well, here’s half the band. But it’s not for me.” |
| rocknrolllover 17.11.2015 14:43 |
Very interesting. Thank you. |
| master marathon runner 17.11.2015 14:55 |
Well said and incidentally, a great book, for those that haven't read it. |
| scottmax 17.11.2015 19:58 |
And Brian has had a hissy fit about it on Twitter!! |
| MercurialFreddie 17.11.2015 19:59 |
This book is great and some of the stories told by Peter in it are not so known.... It's interesting what Ratty has to say about Queen nowadays, I thought he was like "I'm okay with that, I don't mint actually" but it turns out that he is not. Also not many people pointed it out, but this book has one of the best covers when it comes to books about Freddie. Hmm, when I first saw it I thought "there are still sides of Freddie that we don't know of, didn't realize that he had those and Peter may have uncovered something more for us, Queen fans". Also I wanted to know what is that particular beer, held by Freddie, and if it still can be bought... but so far no luck with that ! The book also very well presents how a roadie life looks like. |
| mr mason 18.11.2015 01:12 |
Great book! |
| master marathon runner 18.11.2015 02:28 |
What did Brian say on Twitter?.......any one? |
| Bad Seed 18.11.2015 02:47 |
'A warped view by a disgruntled ex roadie' |
| Costa86 18.11.2015 04:05 |
So he quit in 1986, yet he apparently still knows first hand how John felt about the band's future when Freddie died? Either he remained friends with John, or he's just making that bit up and paraphrasing John based on what he heard and what we all know. Brian is probably right about Hince's being a rather warped view. It seems like the book does offer some previously unknown info and anecdotes on the band though, which is a good thing. Wasn't this first published in 2011? So why all the fuss now just because it was republished, possibly with some additional info? One more thing - for how much longer will we keep hearing the bloody obvious clichéd inanity that "Queen without Freddie are not Queen". We all know that, it's not news, it's not relevant, it's just a worn out platitude. While this jagoff is making a few quid out of the sale of his book - which he was only able to write because he was privileged enough to work for Queen - Brian, Roger and Adam Lambert are laughing all the way to the bank to invest the money they're earning from their shows. |
| Supersonic_Man89 18.11.2015 04:18 |
Weird how Brian has acted exactly how Peter described him (ruthless). Also by linking the interview, he's given Hince a lot more publicity? |
| Costa86 18.11.2015 04:22 |
Supersonic_Man89 wrote: Weird how Brian has acted exactly how Peter described him (ruthless). Also by linking the interview, he's given Hince a lot more publicity?Look - you don't get anywhere in life by being weak. If you think mega-successful people got to where they are today by always being kind and gentle, then you're wrong. Steve Jobs, John Lennon, Brian May, Brad Pitt, Richard Branson, David Cameron, Madonna, Hilary Clinton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Murdoch - whoever - they all got to where they did because they were ruthless in the pursuit of success. That's why Ratty is just an ex-roadie, and Brian May is a famous rockstar. Yes Brian had musical talent and bla bla, so talent and intelligence obviously help, as do a strong family backing. But if you find the talents which you have - and we almost all have a few - and then you apply yourself to the max, and trample over anybody who tries to outdo you, then you're on the path towards becoming something. |
| Biggus Dickus 18.11.2015 04:43 |
I've read the book and I don't think Hince had a disgruntled attitude at all. Brian's probably just pissed off because Hince has revealed stuff that might not be so flattering to the people involved. |
| master marathon runner 18.11.2015 05:03 |
"Just an ex roadie", ? - a successful photographer apparently. - "play the game " single cover was by him, And he did jack it in before '86, Freddie coaxed him back for the magic tour, which he didn't enjoy, it affirmed his original decision to quit was correct. Definitely didn't come across as disgruntled to me. And was quite entitled to write his book after the years of loyalty he showed. At least he's not some scurrilous hack looking to write wtf he likes without concern or qualification. |
| Bad Seed 18.11.2015 05:20 |
There is only one thing which will be pissing Brian off, which is Ratty having the nerve to very lightly criticise Q+AL. Why is he literally unable to take any sort of negative criticism? He must be a bloody nightmare to work for. If I was Ratty I think I'd be pretty pissed off and upset by that tweet. |
| Sebastian 18.11.2015 05:42 |
Bad Seed wrote: There is only one thing which will be pissing Brian off, which is Ratty having the nerve to very lightly criticise Q+AL.Exactly. Interestingly enough, I remember Brian being very complimentary of Ratty on his (Brian's) website about 10 years ago or so. Interesting how perspectives change. |
| RS_Protos 18.11.2015 09:31 |
I have to agree with Peter Hince, AL sounds and acts like a Vegas show singer. As good of a person as BM is, is all about making money, and for me they are really over doing it lately using the name etc when in fact it's not since it's not will all the members anymore. One or two good releases over the last 15 years, i see very minimal effort for the old fans. |
| master marathon runner 18.11.2015 11:20 |
/Quite right |
| cmsdrums 18.11.2015 12:30 |
master marathon runner wrote: "Just an ex roadie", ? - a successful photographer apparently. - "play the game " single cover was by him, And he did jack it in before '86, Freddie coaxed him back for the magic tour, which he didn't enjoy, it affirmed his original decision to quit was correct. Definitely didn't come across as disgruntled to me. And was quite entitled to write his book after the years of loyalty he showed. At least he's not some scurrilous hack looking to write wtf he likes without concern or qualification.Totally agree - Brian has bitten big time there, and really against nothing. I read the book when it was released, and it's really 'a roadie's tale' and not just exclusively about Queen, but other bands he's worked with/for too. It is actually quite witty and affectionate tale of his working life, in which Queen played a part - is he supposed to not mention them, or not have the right to write his own life story Brian?!? He is very fair handed and honest about the band and his thoughts and recollections about them are mostly from a professional, not personal standpoint too - other writers have been far more personal and bitter. My guess is Brian hasn't even read the book. |
| e-man 19.11.2015 05:07 |
I find it surprising that Brian would react to this. Of course, no one likes to be called ruthless, but that's not the end of the world is it... I bought the book when it came out, and there is a lot of great stuff in it. Not just the photos, but some great stories too. From everything I've read, Hince seems like a geniune guy, and I always found his input in documentaries interesting. Most of all, he seems sober in his views, and he comes across as balanced. He is not kissing a***, but he's not slagging them off either. I don't see why brian or anyone else in the band should have a problem with that. Perhaps it's cause of the lambert comment. It seems Brian has issues with any negativity towards lambert. |
| dysan 19.11.2015 11:40 |
Just to back up the other comments - it's a great book. Not exactly brilliantly written but I think Ratty deserves his moment. Why, he must be the most famous ex roadie in the land? (Noel Gallagher doesn't count as he's still a roadie) |
| LucasDiego 19.11.2015 13:17 |
It's a nice book, it's a good to read a queen book without see the same shit things. |
| Supersonic_Man89 20.11.2015 13:12 |
[quote]Look - you don't get anywhere in life by being weak. If you think mega-successful people got to where they are today by always being kind and gentle, then you're wrong. Steve Jobs, John Lennon, Brian May, Brad Pitt, Richard Branson, David Cameron, Madonna, Hilary Clinton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Murdoch - whoever - they all got to where they did because they were ruthless in the pursuit of success. That's why Ratty is just an ex-roadie, and Brian May is a famous rockstar. Yes Brian had musical talent and bla bla, so talent and intelligence obviously help, as do a strong family backing. But if you find the talents which you have - and we almost all have a few - and then you apply yourself to the max, and trample over anybody who tries to outdo you, then you're on the path towards becoming something. [/quote] What the hell are you talking about? You don't have to be a dick to be successful...in fact, i'd rather be a nice, considerate, decent person who isn't famous than some twat who strangers recognise. However, incidentally i think you can have all the success and glory you want in life without treating people like crap - and i would be able to sleep at night too. |
| chaim 21.11.2015 12:50 |
I have it on my bookshelf. I've sort of browsed through it once or twice. And once I started reading it from the beginning but stopped after a few pages. I've yet to return to it. It doesn't seem exactly BAD to me, but it doesn't really grab me either. I WILL get through it at some point. |
| people on streets 21.11.2015 18:30 |
Bought the book when it first came out. I can't believe Brian's attitude towards Peter Hince. |
| master marathon runner 22.11.2015 02:55 |
chaim wrote: I have it on my bookshelf. I've sort of browsed through it once or twice. And once I started reading it from the beginning but stopped after a few pages. I've yet to return to it. It doesn't seem exactly BAD to me, but it doesn't really grab me either. I WILL get through it at some point.. Ermmmm, I think perhaps you should read it fully and then come back and comment. You made me laugh though. |
| Holly2003 29.03.2018 13:36 |
In light of discussions on various current threads about Queen+ and Brian May, it's useful to look again at this thread and note Brian's heavy handed reaction to some mild criticism from an ex roadie. His comment "it's a bit like some Vegas cabaret" must have hurt especially, mainly because it's accurate :) :p |
| Apocalipsis_Darko 29.03.2018 17:48 |
I did an interview with Peter Hince. He send me his book free for that. We had a discussion about football. He is a Chelsea supporter, and he liked Mourinho. I said to him Mourinho was the worst, better Vicente del Bosque won a world cup with Spain and champions league with Real Madrid and being a guy very humble. It was very intensive the discussion, and after that, we said, return to Queen because if not, we would hang off. He told me a lot of things that didnt appear in the book. He called Roger Taylor hypocrite because Roger's social and political posittion. It was funny, because later I did a interview with Roger in London, and he told me the best book about Queen was the book by Peter Hince ¿¿? We live in a strange world. Sorry for my written english, I dont have time to write better today. |
| Golden Salmon 29.03.2018 20:53 |
Well, if he had left the part where he calls Roger hypocrite in the book, I don't think Roger would hold the same opinion :-P It's a great book by the way, possibly the one I liked the most. Written by someone who isn't really a fan of the band, and was on the inside for so long. |
| Dr Magus 30.03.2018 09:14 |
Our Bri doesn't take criticism well. Credit to Peter for telling it like it is. |