After more than 33 years since his passing, Freddie Mercury’s influence on the music industry is still as strong as ever. From the anthems of ‘We Will Rock You’ to ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, Queen’s songs still get played every day throughout the world.
To celebrate the legend’s life and his music, Mercury’s bandmates compiled a list of his favourite songs, which they fondly remember him humming in the studio, or playing on repeat while on tour. Ranging from Elton John to Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard, the vast range of singers on his list represents the diverse talent that was Queen. Mercury once famously said, “I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend,” and his list of favourites features its fair few legends too.
Elton John’s ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’ made the cut, as well as the anthem by the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, ‘Respect’, which has since become a quintessential tune of empowerment.
‘Africa’ by American rock band Toto also made the list, with its soft rock style written in 1981 by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaco.
As Mercury once explained: “Back in the old days, we were often compared to Led Zeppelin. If we did something with harmony, it was the Beach Boys.”
Both icons made the cut, with Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’, and the Beach Boys ‘I Get Around’.