Queen fans.

It takes a staging genius to take centre stage in a huge stadium, on a massive stage with thousands of lights, smoke and three brilliant musicians, and still be seen to be singing one-to-one with each and every member of the audience. Rather then being swallowed by the stage production, Freddie was lifted by it. Only someone with an intense knowledge of what he was doing, what was going on, and who he was could be able to carry this off with such aplomb. We see Roger and Brian and John and recognise them as part of the show, but we Feel Freddie's presence and know him as the focus of the show. Queen were not, as he always said, 'his' band, yet they were without a doubt what made him shine.

Even when sitting at the piano and playing, the nuances and timbre of his voice would enwrap the listener and carry them on his journey. His clothing and makeup during the early part of their career were flamboyant and designed to capture and hold the attention of the audience. The human

eye sees movement far easier then it does stillness and the more movement with fluted sleeves and contrasting colours, the more impact is gained. As time passed, the costuming and makeup changed and lessened as he learnt the magic of stage movement and positioning to once more capture the eye. So with this conjoining of movement with music he created, not a foolish popinjay prancing about the stage, but an extremely well orchestrated dramatic performance designed to capture and hold the attention of each and every member of his audience. Freddie never did anything without planning and this is an example of that natural planning genius showing in the way he presented himself on stage. It could only be then, and was, a short step from orchestrated dramatic music to Opera.

To be Continued...