Rock ‘n’ roll history is no stranger to controversies, disagreements, and clashes of personalities. As it appears, even Freddie Mercury had his share of hatred in the scene.
In a 2003 interview with Gary James, Steve Walsh spoke positively about several bands, but his remarks about Mercury were decidedly more critical.
Walsh openly shared his thoughts about touring with Mott The Hoople and Queen during the conversation. While Walsh expressed appreciation for both bands, his comments took a sharp turn when it came to Freddie Mercury:
“Queen and Mott The Hoople were fantastic. They are really nice people, except Freddie, the lead singer of Queen. He was an a**hole. But everybody else was great. All of the guys in Mott The Hoople were fantastic. They were just great to us.”
Walsh went further by calling Mercury a ‘prima donna’ and a ‘diva,’ but not in the complimentary sense that these terms often carry in pop culture:
“He was a prima donna… Diva, if you will. That word was not meant to be a compliment, although a lot of people consider it to be. That’s bullsh*t. That’s having an ego bigger than you are talented, bigger than you deserve. That’s what being a diva is. That’s what a prima donna is, and that’s what Freddie was.”
However, this narrative contrasts with accounts from other Kansas members.
For instance, Kansas drummer Phil Ehart narrated an experience about the same tour when Kansas opened for Queen. Initially, there were technical issues concerning stage space and lighting. But once these concerns were voiced to Queen guitarist Brian May, the issues were promptly addressed, leading to improved relations between the bands. Following this, members of both bands developed friendly ties.
Kansas’ Rich Williams also added depth to this story. In a March 7 interview, Williams reminisced about the time Kansas toured with Queen. He spoke fondly of all the Queen members, describing them as ‘great guys.’ Williams shared how Roger Taylor even provided back vocals for a Kansas song. Even Freddie Mercury, contrary to Walsh’s description, was remembered by Williams as a ‘lovely person.’ He also humorously pointed out Queen’s unique dining habit of consistently ordering ‘cheese and tomato sandwiches.’
So, while Walsh had his grievances, others from Kansas shared more positive memories of their time with Queen and Freddie Mercury.
