I have wondered for a while why they took a year off 83. I know that freddie felt bad of touring in the late 82 but that the others didn't. does anyone know more about this....
I seem to remember that at the time they were not getting on as well together and were basically sick of the sight of each other having lived in each others pockets on the road for so long. They needed a break and it probably stopped them spiltting up.
they were pissed off with each other. also freddie was due to release his solo album in that year (but never did) brian got round to it tho with the superb "starfleet" ep (which i still have on lp!) i think the break represents the appearance of "queen mk 2 " or even 3 which gelled them together even more