It's 12:00 noon in London.

7:00 a.m. in Philadelphia.

And around the world, it's time for Live Aid.

Wembley welcomes their Royal Highnesses... the Prince and Princess of Wales.

David, look at me.

Oi! You missed one, Pakkie!

I'm not from Pakistan.

Dinner is ready.

I'm not hungry, Mum.

Hmm, where are you going?

Out with friends. A girl?

Oh, Mum. Look at you.

Give your mother a kiss.

I'm going to be late.

You're always late.

Hi, Papa. How was work?

Out again, Farrokh?

It's Freddie now, Papa.

Freddie or Farrokh... what difference does it make when you're out every night... no thought of the future in your head?

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

That's what you should aspire to.

Yes.

And how's that worked out for you?

Yeah, they're better than last week.

They're a cool band. Yeah, not bad.

Yeah.

What can I get for you?

Pint of lager.

Thank you. Thanks.

See you, mate.

Humpy Bong?

Humpy Bong.

They're going places. They're gonna be big.

Humpy Bong? Are you joking?

Don't do it, Tim.

No, I'm sorry, guys, but... we're not going anywhere with this.

What? College gigs, pubs?

Gotta give it a go.

So I just said to him, "No, you can't do that."

You literally can't hear anything.

It's a bit silly.

But then everyone else was in, like, long dresses?

How bizarre.

You all right?

Sorry. Oh, I was just looking for the band.

They're usually out back.

I like your coat.

It's from Biba.

She works there.

Thank you.

I think he's right.

That show was a load of bollocks.

Well, there was room for improvement, yeah.

I've got better things to do with my Saturday nights.

I could give you their names.

I enjoyed the show.

Thanks, man. Thank you.

I've been following you for a while, actually.

Smile.

Makes sense for a dental student.

And you're astrophysics, aren't you?

Yeah. Makes you the clever one.

Yeah, I suppose it does, yeah.

I study design here.

Oh, yeah? Yeah.

Also, um, I write songs.

Might be of interest to you.

It's just a bit of fun, really.

Well, you're five minutes too late.

Our lead singer just quit.

Well, then you'll need someone new.

Any ideas?

What about me?

Uh, not with those teeth, mate.

♪ I know what I'm doin'

♪ I got a feeling

♪ I should be doin' all right

♪ Doin' all right ♪

I was born with four additional incisors.

More space in my mouth means more range.

I'll consider your offer.

Uh, do you play bass?

Nope.

Excuse me. Thanks.

So, you found me, then.

How can I help you? Oh.

Um, I rather liked these.

Do you think you have them in my size?

This is the ladies' section, so I'm not exactly sure.

There wasn't a sign or anything.

I don't think it should really matter, do you?

I thought you might like this.

Are you even allowed to be in here?

No, not really.

One more thing.

May I?

You have such an exotic look.

I love your style.

I think we should all take more risks.

What do you think?

Oh, cheers. Thank you.

Hello, everybody.

We've got a few fresh faces.

This is <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON>, our bass player.

Yeah, and our new lead singer...

Freddie Bul... Bulsara...

Freddie Bulsara.

That's right.

And Roger, of course. The biggest member of them all.

Hey, Roger!

Hello, all you beautiful people.

Where's Tim?

Who's the Pakkie?

Ready, Freddie?

Let's do it.

♪ Keep yourself alive

♪ I was told a million times Of all the troubles in my way

♪ Mind you grow a little wiser Little better every day

♪ But if I rode a million rivers

♪ And I crossed a million miles No, no.

♪ Still be where I started Wrong lyric!

♪ Bread and butter for a smile Wrong lyric.

♪ Sold a million mirrors In shopping alley ways

♪ But I never saw my face In any window any day

♪ Now they say your folks are telling you

♪ Be a super star

♪ Tell you, just be satisfied

♪ And stay right where you are

♪ Keep yourself alive Keep yourself alive

♪ All you people Keep yourself alive ♪ Learn the song, Freddie.

You're late.

This is bollocks!

It's counterclockwise, I think you'll find, John.

Oh, is it? Thank you, Brian.

Would you like to do it? Please, feel free.

No, no, no. Doing a good job.

We sold out every pub and uni south of Glasgow... and I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere, eating a ham sandwich!

Trouble is, we're just not thinking big enough.

What have you got in mind, Fred?

An album.

We can't afford an album.

Oh, we'll find a way.

How much do you think we can get for this van?

I hope you're joking.

That's three months' wages.

And a perfectly good van.

Don't be so dramatic, darling.

You're recording an album tonight. Let's go!

Don't you think I sound like shit?

No, it's good.

Can we try it again? Sure, yeah.

Sure, it's your money.

Literally.

Sounds a lot better.

We need to get experimental.

Try bouncing us left and right for the ah-ah-ahs.

Now dead center for the last.

And then blast it!

Yes!

That's good, right?

Do we have time to stack a few more?

The studio opens at 8:00, so we got 30 more minutes.

Hmm.

That sounds good, right? Yeah.

Oi, RT, who are these kids in the box?

A student band doing some weird stuff.

How about demos? You got some?

Been up all night, mate.

So the new name is Queen?

As in "Her Royal Highness."

And because it's outrageous... and I can't think of anyone more outrageous than me.

This is the most impractical bed.

That's beautiful.

Think it has potential.

I have to go to work. I simply won't allow it.

You're going to support me if I get fired?

I'll always look after you.

I'm going to...

I'm going to be late.

How beautiful you are.

When I was a little girl...

I used to run around the house and hide and... he couldn't find me.

Clever girl.

Please tell your father it's nice to meet him.

I have.

Then thank him for the lovely birthday cake.

I have.

Then tell him his daughter's an epic shag.

Freddie, he can read lips.

Mary...

I can't tell you how long I have waited for Farrokh... to bring home a nice girl like you.

Farrokh?

Did Farrokh not tell you he was born in Zanzibar?

No, he did not. I used to know a girl who was Zanzibari. One minute.

I thought Freddie was born in London.

Oh, he was. At the age of 18. Shut up.

Our family is Indian Parsee.

Mum. Mum, Mum. Mary...

Mum. Mum, please...

Here. Have a look at these.

Yes. Yeah. Please! Please.

No stopping. We need to see those.

A thousand years ago, the Parsees fled to India from Persia... to escape Muslim persecution.

Really? That's terrible.

So why did you leave Zanzibar?

We didn't leave.

He's so small.

We were chased out with just the clothes on our backs.

He was quite a good boxer, actually.

He had to be.

His opponents went for his teeth always trying to punch them in.

Certainly a target.

So how old is he in this photo?

I think three or four years old.

Really? Boxing already at that age?

So good.

Mercury?

No looking back.

Only forward.

So now the family name's not good enough for you?

It's just a stage name.

No, it's not.

I changed it legally.

Got a new passport and everything.

Kash, how old are you here?

I don't know.

It was before Freddie went off to boarding school.

I sent Farrokh away to make a good Parsee boy of him.

He was too wild and unruly.

But what good did it do?

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

You can't get anywhere pretending to be someone you're not.

Who'd like some cake?

Cake is always good.

Hello?

Just a moment.

Freddie Mercury.

Phone call.

Quite like the sound of that.

Freddie tells me that you're some sort of a scientist.

Astrophysics, actually. Oh.

Yeah, my father would've preferred it if I continued.

When? That's very clever.

He's a dentist. I was never a dentist.

That's a picture I want to see.

He's a dentist.

I see.

That's also quite clever, actually.

Kash... what are you doing later?

Homework.

Just making conversation.

What kind of music was he listening to back in those days?

Uh, he was listening to Little Richard.

Very good. Richard, yeah.

And his first band...

I have an announcement.

One of the A&R men... from EMI saw us recording.

Gave our demo to John Reid.

He looks after Elton John.

Oh, my God.

Mr. Reid wants to meet us... and possibly, even manage us.

Shut up. You're joking!

Oh, my God!

You're sure he said 12 o'clock?

Yes. "Midday at the pub, don't be drunk."

That's what he said.

You look a bit nervous, Brian.

John, I'm fine.

You're usually so particular.

You just gotta be cool.

Wow! w*nk*r.

I didn't know it was fancy dress, Fred.

I've gotta make an impression, darling.

You look like an angry lizard.

It's your best work. Very subtle.

You gonna fly away?

Can I borrow it for Sunday church?

So, this is Queen.

And you must be Freddie Mercury.

You've got a gift.

You all have.

So tell me... what makes Queen any different from all the other wannabe rock stars I meet?

I'll tell you what it is.

We're four misfits who don't belong together, playing to the other misfits.

The outcasts right at the back of the room... who are pretty sure they don't belong either.

We belong to them.

We're a family.

But no two of us are the same.

Paul.

Paul Prenter... meet Queen... our new signing.

Paul will be looking after your day-to-day.

Pleasure.

If I can get you on the radio... maybe I can get you on television.

Top of the Pops? Hopefully.

And then?

And then... it's only the biggest television program in the country.

No one's ever even heard of you.

Look, I admire your enthusiasm.

If it goes well, if it happens...

I've got a promotional tour of Japan in mind.

We'll want more.

Every band wants more.

Every band's not Queen.

Listen, I understand. Hurry up.

I understand that it's the policy of the BBC.

We have procedures. This is shit!

I need you to explain it to the band, please.

Okay, let's make it quick. Freddie, boys.

Look, chaps, it is going to be playback.

Lip synch's all that's required.

We do know how to play our instruments.

You want me to lip synch?

I don't understand why we can't simply perform live.

The audience will never know the difference.

We'll know the bloody difference.

This is the BBC.

That's how things are done around here. All right?

Don't be a nuisance.

Freddie, it'll be great.

You'll just have to make sure no one's looking at your lips.

Well, the way things are done are a load of bollocks, old chap.

This is the BBC.

I'm relieved.

You would be.

Perfect performance.

♪ She's a k*ller Queen

♪ Gunpowder, gelatine

♪ Dynamite with a laser beam

♪ Guaranteed to blow your mind

♪ Anytime

Number two, only above the waist.

Camera up!

Camera two! No one wants to see this while they're eating their meal.

♪ Drop of a hat she's as willing as

♪ Playful as a p*ssy cat

♪ Momentarily out of action

♪ Temporarily out of gas ♪

♪ To absolutely drive you wild, wild ♪

What was it like singing for all those people?

When I know they're listening... when I know I really have them...

I couldn't sing off-key if I tried.

I'm exactly the person I was always meant to be.

I'm not afraid of anything.

The only other time I ever feel that way is when I'm with you.

Don't move.

Don't move.

You're the love of my life.

Freddie.

Which finger do I put this on?

Wedding finger.

Will you marry me?

Yes!

Are you gonna leave it in the box?

Freddie, it's beautiful.

I love it.

Promise me you'll never take it off.

Oh, I promise.

No matter what.

I love you, Freddie.

You're going to do such great things.

We're going to do great things.

Your phone's off the hook.

This is Crystal.

Cheryl!

Oh, that's right. My mistake.

Where's your loo?

Uh, just down the hall.

Oh, come on in. Make yourselves at home.

Don't mind us.

Hello, Mary. How's your dad?

Yeah, pretty well. Thanks.

Good. What's going on, Brian?

Well, if you'd answered your phone, you'd know already.

This really isn't a good time, guys.

John Reid called today.

He has a little tour in mind for us.

It's not little, Brian.

He's booked us a tour of America.

The album's hit the charts in the U.S.!

Oh, yes!

Yes!

Yes!

It's happening!

Now, who wants to take a ride?

We love you, Cleveland!

We love you, Houston!

We love you, Denver! Very happy to be here!

And are the crowds big?

Well, we're selling out every night.

I just wish you were here to see it.

They really love us.

We love you, Portland!

He's got a big ass, too!

We love you, New Orleans!

We love you, Atlanta!

Rog, come down here and say hello.

We love you, Pittsburgh!

Roger! Now, hit it!

I'm good. I just miss you.

What are you doing?

You can't possibly be having any fun without me.

Nothing as exciting as America.

Say hi to the boys for me.

I will. Love you.

Bye, Freddie. I love you.

Hello.

You're late. Am I?

We saved you a seat.

Lovely. Okay.

So, now that we're all here...

Jim, this is <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON>.

Ray, this is the band's lawyer, Jim Beach.

Hello.

You must stop calling him that.

That's his name.

No, we cannot keep calling him "Jim Beach."

No, that's absurd, not to mention, unspeakably boring.

Miami.

From now on, I dub thee "Miami Beach."

The sun always sets behind you, doesn't it?

On Miami Beach.

Hmm, right.

Now that everybody's got an acceptable name... let's get to it. Look... we just really need something special.

More hits... like k*ller Queen... only bigger.

It's not bloody widgets we're making.

We can't just reproduce k*ller Queen.

No.

We can do better.

It's opera.

Opera! Opera!

There seems to be an echo in here.

See, we don't want to repeat ourselves.

The same formula over and over.

Formulas are a complete and utter waste of time.

Formulas work.

Let's stick with the formulas.

I like formulas.

We'll call the album...

A Night at the Opera.

Are you aware that no one actually likes opera?

I like opera.

Do you? I do.

No, don't misunderstand, darling.

It's a rock and roll record... with the scale of opera... the pathos of Greek tragedy... the wit of Shakespeare... the unbridled joy of musical theater.

It's a musical experience. Yeah.

Rather than just another record.

Something for everyone... something...

Hmm.

Something that will make people feel belongs to them.

We'll mix genres, we'll cross boundaries... we'll speak in bloody tongues if we want to.

There's no musical ghetto that can contain us.

That's it. No one knows what Queen means because it doesn't mean one thing.

What do you think, John?

I... agree with the band.

Of course you do.

How about you, uh...

Miami. Hmm.

Fortune favors the bold.

Surely, a man of your... unique taste... isn't afraid of a little risk?

Please don't make me regret this.

You're fun.

Recording studio?

Well, the idea was to get away from all distractions.

Right, I know it's not the Ritz. Not even close.

Roger, you're in here. Right.

Freddie, this is you. Biggest room.

Brian, that's you.

John, you're downstairs.

And... this is all yours, John.

Smaller rooms don't get nearly as cold.

Okay.

Hmm.

Oh, that's really good.

♪ Love of my life, you've hurt me

♪ You've broken my heart

♪ And now you leave me

♪ Love of my life, can't you see?

♪ Bring it back, bring it back

♪ Bring it back, bring it back

♪ Don't take it away from me

♪ Because you don't know

♪ What it means to me ♪

Hmm.

It's beautiful.

What's it called?

Love of My Life. I wrote it for Mary.

If you say so.

Don't misunderstand, Paul.

Mary knows me in a way that no one else ever will.

I know you, Freddie Mercury.

Is that what you think?

Oh, no, you don't know me.

You just see what you want to see.

We work together. That's all.

I put my heart and soul into this song.

No one is disputing that.

And you don't like it because you want your songs on the album!

It's not that, Roger. Then what is it?

I'm in Love with My Car.

Maybe it's not strong enough?

What does that even mean, "not strong enough"?

I know I'm late. What did I miss?

Discussing Roger's car song.

Is it strong enough? That's all I'm asking.

If I'm on my own here, then I apologize.

How does your new song go, then, hmm?

"You call me sweet...

"like I'm some kind of cheese."

It's good. Wow.

"When my hand's on your grease g*n..."

That's very subtle, isn't it?

It's a metaphor, Brian.

It's just a bit weird, Roger.

What exactly are you doing with that car?

Children, please.

We could all m*rder each other... but then who would be left to record this album?

Statistically speaking, most bands don't fail, they break up.

Why the hell would you say something like that?

Roger, there's only room in this band for one hysterical queen.

You know why you're angry, Roger?

Why?

'Cause you know your song isn't strong enough.

Not... Is that strong enough?

What about that?

Not the coffee machine!

♪ Goodbye, everybody

♪ I've got to go

♪ Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth

♪ Mama Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

♪ I don't wanna die

♪ I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all ♪

What next?

That was pretty damn good.

Brilliant. I love that.

Press the button, Freddie.

I know, I know where it is.

I know where... Knock, knock.

Good.

It's good. Um...

You know, play it like you wrote it.

Well, I did. I wrote that part.

Taking the piss.

Okay. Are you happy?

I think it's beautiful.

It's almost perfect.

Almost?

Yes, give it more rock and roll.

I'm always up for that, Fred.

Put your body into it.

Right. Okay.

Put my body into it. I got it.

Not like that.

No, I got it. I got it. Bit more soul, yeah?

All right. Give it more heart.

I'll do that. We good to go?

Roy, you good?

Oh, and then there's the operatic section.

You're gonna love it.

The operatic section?

I know, it sounds crazy. I love it, Fred. I love it.

I don't know. It could be a flop.

It could work. I love it!

What have we got to lose?

Nothing.

If you say so.

Okay, let's go.

Deacy.

How was that?

Freddie? Higher.

Can you go a bit higher?

If I go any higher, only dogs will hear me.

Try.

Freddie's note. Sorry.

Go on, roll the tape.

Overdub 24 of "Fred's Thing."

How was that?

Better? Higher.

Jesus! How many more "Galileos" do you want?

Freddie wants to do a few more overdubs.

Do we even have any tape left?

I do have to say the tape is wearing out.

It can't take much more.

Yeah, we can't afford much more.

We're already three weeks over schedule.

Dub 26 of "Fred's Thing."

One more, one more.

One more.

Again.

Go on, roll the track.

Who even is Galileo?

My nuts feel like they're in my chest right now.

Are we done? That's it.

He loves you.

That's it.

It's beautiful! Love it!

Christ.

Well...

I'm not entirely sure... that's the album you promised us.

No, it's better than the album we promised you.

It's better than any album anyone's ever promised you, darling.

It's a bloody masterpiece.

Christ. It is a good album, Ray.

We prefer "masterpiece."

It's expensive, and as for...

"Bohemian..."

Rhapsody.

Rhapsody. What is that?

It's an epic poem. It goes on forever.

Six bloody minutes.

I pity your wife if you think six minutes is forever.

And do you know what?

We're going to release it as our single.

Not possible. Anything over three minutes... and the radio stations won't program it, period.

And what on earth is it about, anyway?

Scaramouche?

Galileo?

And all that "Ismillah" business!

"Ishmillah"?

Bismillah.

Oh, aye.

Bismillah.

What's it about, anyway? Bloody Bismillah?

True poetry is for the listener.

It ruins the mystery if everything's explained.

Seldom ruins sales.

Three minutes is the standard.

John.

Yeah, we need radio.

Format is three minutes, I have to agree with Ray.

I actually think the single's Love of My Life.

No.

Okay, how about John's song...

You're My Best Friend? You know?

"Ooh, you make me live."

Catchy, stronger.

What about I'm in Love with My Car?

You're joking! Oh, Jesus.

I love it.

Well, that's the kind of song... teenagers can crank up the volume in their car... and bang their heads to.

Bohemian Rhapsody will never be that song.

It's a band decision, Bohemian Rhapsody.

That's it. You're My Best Friend... and it's my money.

Bo-Rap, period.

Or we walk.

MacArthur Park was seven minutes long.

It was a hit.

Look, I'm not arguing Bohemian whatever's... musicianship. ...Rhapsody.

But there's no way in hell the station will play... a 6-minute quasi-operatic dirge... comprised of nonsense words!

Bismillah? Bullshit!

I paid for this record, so I say what goes!

Have we no legal recourse on this?

Ray... you did Dark Side of the Moon, didn't you?

I did.

Yeah, I absolutely love that record.

Legally, no.

No, he's got all your balls in a vice.

It's a different matter in the court of public opinion, of course.

Ray Foster's a giant name in the music industry, but... to the average person...

Say the name Queen, on the other hand...

ears prick up.

We're going with You're My Best Friend.

Done. No.

We know what we have, even if you don't.

It's called Bohemian Rhapsody.

You will forever be known as the man who lost Queen.

Temperamental artists, eh?

They're well aware they're tied to a contract... but who knows what goes on... inside the inscrutable mind of the recording artist?

Mark these words.

If they're not careful... by the end of the year... no one will know the name Queen.

Christ!

You can take that out of our royalties!

Twat! w*nk*r!

You can shove your gold disks!

You made a mistake, Foster!

Arsehole!

You'll never have a gold disk... you medium talent!

And to think I worked with Hendrix.

In the studio today...

...singer Frederick Mercury!

So what have you got today for us?

Have you got a little taste of the new record?

I'm really not supposed to.

Oh, forbidden fruit? Don't tempt me!

"I'm in Love with My Car!" Other side.

"Bohemian Rhapsody."

I didn't know Freddie knew Kenny so well.

The BBC won't play it.

Nor did I.

In fact, no one will play it on the radio... so EMI won't release it.

What's wrong with this song?

Nothing's wrong with it at all.

Except that it's six minutes long.

Six minutes?

You'd have to be mad to play it.

Oh, you'd have to be bonkers.

I positively forbid it. Let's hear it.

Ladies and ladies... a Capital Radio exclusive... for the first time ever...

Bohemian Rhapsody!

♪ Is this the real life?

♪ Is this just fantasy? ♪

♪ So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye?

♪ So you think you can love me and leave me to die?

♪ Oh, baby

♪ Can't do this to me, baby

♪ Just gotta get out

♪ Just gotta get right outta here

♪ Yeah

How much do they love him?

Can't get enough.

♪ Nothing really matters

♪ Anyone can see

♪ Nothing really matters

♪ Nothing really matters to me

♪ Any way the wind blows ♪

Tom, Jerry, can you hear me?

Freddie, when do I get to see you?

I'll be home soon, darling.

Will you put Romeo on the phone so I can tell him I miss him?

Do you miss me?

What a stupid question.

Of course I do.

I love you.

Good night.

Morning, boss.

Clean this mess up and get rid of your friend.

Get dressed.

According to Brian... it was the largest paying audience in history.

The whole night...

I didn't know if they understood a thing I was saying.

And then...

♪ Love of my life, you've hurt me

♪ You've broken my heart

♪ And now you leave me

♪ Love of my life, can't you see?

♪ Bring it back, bring it back

♪ Don't take it away from me ♪ They're all singing.

Thousands of them.

All singing to you.

Because it's true.

Freddie, what's wrong?

♪ Love of my life, don't leave me

♪ You've stolen my love

♪ And now desert me ♪ Something's been wrong for a while now.

Say it.

Say it.

I've been thinking about it a lot.

I think I'm bisexual.

Freddie, you're gay.

I've known for a while now.

I just didn't want to admit it.

It's funny, really. This is what I always settle for.

"I love you, but..."

"I love you, Mary, but I need space."

"I love you, Mary, but I've met someone else."

And now, "I love you, but I'm..."

And this is the hardest, because it's not even your fault.

No, don't take it off.

Don't take it off.

You promised me you'd never take it off.

What do you want from me?

Almost everything.

I want you in my life.

Why?

We believe in each other.

And that's everything.

For us.

Your life is going to be very difficult.

What do you think?

Gay-er?

Not this, darling, the house.

Isn't it amazing?

Mary's already moved in next door, so she can visit the cats and me.

Uh-huh.

Each cat will have his own room.

Delilah's by the kitchen...

Miko's next door.

Tiffany, Oscar, Romeo, all upstairs.

Lilly's room is even larger than this one! Spoilt thing.

Well, I'm not sure the echo is quite pronounced enough.

Eh-oh!

Oh, I knew you'd appreciate it.

Stay for dinner.

Anything you fancy.

I can't. Wife, kids, you know.

Of course.

Well, come on. We'll eat off the floor.

It's clean enough.

Another time, Fred.

Hello? Mary.

Hi. Hello, my love.

Hi.

I need you to do something for me.

But you can't ask any questions.

Freddie, what are you doing this time?

No, I just told you... you can't ask any questions.

Right.

I want you to go to your bedroom window.

Look out of it.

Do you see me? Yes, I do see you.

Now, you do the same.

Oh...

Keep yours on.

Come have a drink.

Now? Right now.

It's late, Freddie.

Come on.

Please.

Do you have something to drink?

I suppose.

Go get it. Pour yourself something.

Pour yourself a drink, darling.

Do you have it?

Yes.

Cheers.

Cheers.

To you, my love.

To you, Freddie.

Good night.

Good night.

Hello? Paul.

Freddie?

Sweetheart, I want to throw a party.

Okay. Who do you want to invite?

People.

I want you to shake the freak tree and invite anyone who plops to the ground.

Dwarfs and giants... magicians, Zulu tribesmen, contortionists... fire eaters... and priests.

We're going to need to confess.

Fill me up, will you, Trixie?

Marvelous, Fred! You've outdone yourself!

Thank you, John. I'm so glad you love it!

Mmm. They say money can't buy happiness, darlings!

But it does allow you to give it away!

I see you and Paul are getting along quite well.

He's Trixie now...

'cause he's always up to something.

So, tell me, Rog... what's the sexiest part of a car?

Ah!

Well, well, well!

Ah, your majesty!

No, I'm not her majesty!

We're her majesty, darlings!

Cheers! Cheers!

Cheers! Cheers!

Thank you, my loves! Rog.

Where's Mary?

It's not exactly her scene, is it, Freddie?

Hmm.

Fabulous, isn't it?

If you say so.

Hmm.

You're starting to look like each other.

What's wrong with that, Brian?

You're supposed to be in a rock band, Freddie.

Not the Village People.

You might want to think about cutting your hair one day.

Never. I was born like this.

Come on!

Let's dance! Yes!

I don't dance, Freddie.

I need a few more of these for that.

It's my party, and I demand you dance!

We should go.

By royal decree!

We're gonna go, actually.

Oh, God! You're dull.

If you were any more dull, you'd be Deacy.

What are you complaining about?

You've got your little pet.

I have... and he's loyal.

Loyalty's so important. Don't you think, Dominique?

Careful, Fred.

Let's go. Where you going?

Home.

Just a joke.

Freddie, sometimes you're a total prick.

Good night. Brian.

Forget them.

Come on! Your guests are waiting.

They all want a little Mercury in their cup.

Come on.

All right!

My darlings... the time has finally come... to get absolutely... shit-faced!

Whoo!

Senor, where's my marching powder?

You've got a set of balls.

Go fetch me a drink and find out.

I may work for you tonight... but put your hands on me again, and I'll thump you.

Got it?

I'm terribly sorry.

I didn't mean to offend you. I'm sorry.

I won't do that again, all right?

Let me get you a beer.

I wouldn't mind a beer.

Can you just tell me where we keep them?

You're very handsome.

I love a man in uniform.

So do I.

So, all your friends have left you alone.

They're not my friends.

Not really.

Just distraction.

From what?

The in-between moments, I suppose.

I find them intolerable.

All of the... darkness you thought you left behind comes creeping back in.

I know what you mean.

Really?

What is it that you do with them?

Spend them with real friends.

You look like you could use a friend.

I like you.

I like you, too, Freddie.

Come and find me when you decide you like yourself.

Can I have your name at least?

It's Jim Hutton.

Good night, Jim. Good night, Freddie.

Or should I say good morning?

I want a new boat.

This one is for me. This one.

Didn't you say we were going to see him?

I've got an hour left. Wait. What about this one?

No, I think we'll still make that.

It's a good size.

Screw him.

Everyone up on the drum risers!

Up on the drum risers. Come on!

Thank you, Chrissie. Showing some enthusiasm.

Wives and everyone, Brian? Me?

Yes! Come on, John. Everyone.

I'm not waiting any longer. Let's go.

Get up.

Bass? No, you don't need it.

Get up.

Come on, Rog, take your time. All right.

What's this about?

You remember our last concert?

The crowd were singing our songs back to us.

I mean, it was deafening, but it was wonderful.

They're becoming a part of our show.

I want to encourage that, so...

I've got an idea to involve them a little bit more.

Let's start with this.

Stamp to this beat.

Genius.

Thank you, John.

Come on.

Good.

Now, I want you to clap on the third beat.

Don't speed up.

Rog, keep that time.

No Prenter?

It's unusual to see you without your clone.

It's unusual seeing you be so bitchy.

It's usually me.

Ah, you kept time, Rog. Good.

What's going on?

You'd know if you were on time.

I'm a performer, darling, not a Swiss train conductor.

Sorry I'm late.

Again.

All right.

Now, will you please tell me why you're not playing any instruments?

I wanna give the audience a song that they can perform.

All right? Let them be part of the band.

So, what can they do?

Imagine... thousands of people... doing this in unison.

Huh?

Well?

What's the lyric?

♪ Buddy, you're a boy Make a big noise

♪ Playing in the street Gonna be a big man some day

♪ You got mud on your face

♪ You big disgrace

♪ Kickin' your can all over the place

♪ Singin'

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ We will, we will rock you

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ We will, we will rock you

♪ Buddy, you're a young man, hard man

♪ Shouting in the street

♪ Gonna take on the world some day

♪ You got blood on your face

♪ You big disgrace

♪ Wavin' your banner all over the place

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ We will, we will rock you

♪ Singin'

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ We will, we will rock you Yeah!

♪ Buddy, you're an old man, poor man

♪ Pleading with your eyes

♪ Gonna get you some peace someday

♪ You got mud on your face Big disgrace

♪ Somebody better put you Back into your place Do it!

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ Rock you

♪ We will, we will rock you ♪ Rock you Yeah!

All right! I feel like taking a bite out of the Big Apple!

Who wants to take a bite out of me?

All right, play with me now.

Eh-oh!

Eh-oh! Eh-oh!

Never seen anyone interact with a crowd like that.

Bigger than any band, don't you think?

I mean, Queen... how long can that last?

Did he say something to you?

Not explicitly.

But we've had some interest from CBS Records... about a solo deal.

Well, that's a big number.

That's a Freddie-size number.

You should be the one to propose it.

Hi, guys. How's it going?

Good. Everything's great.

John, another drink?

Er, no, I'm fine.

Here's the Coke. Coming right up.

Freddie. Oh, there you are.

Oh, God! Freddie! Put me down!

You were brilliant.

Ah, that's only because I knew you were watching.

I've missed you.

We have so much to catch up on.

Oh, thank you.

This is my boyfriend, David.

David, this is Freddie.

Magnificent show.

Thank you.

It's so kind of you, I appreciate it.

Thank you so much.

Where's your ring?

I just didn't want to travel with something so valuable.

Freddie, there are some people here for you to see.

You promised you'd say hello.

Oh, did I? Mmm-hmm.

We should go.

Will I see you soon?

Yes, of course. Of course.

Mwah!

It's a pleasure to meet you, David.

And you.

And well done again.

And you.

Bye.

Thank you for coming such a long way.

Bye.

Then you've got the MTV interview... and the plane to Houston for the special.

Back here on Friday.

Listen to me now.

Do you know who sold

4% of all the records purchased last year?

Worldwide?

Michael Jackson.

Not the Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson.

And I think you could do even better.

In fact, I've had an offer from CBS Records.

It's a lot of money for you, Fred, and I think you should consider it.

Are you asking me to break up the band?

I'm just pointing out what awaits you if you go solo.

An end to your frustrations.

My frustrations?

Paul?

I don't know what you're talking about, John.

Perhaps I misunderstood.

Yes, sir.

Pull over.

Stop the car, pull over.

Get out. Out now! What the hell?

Get out of this car. You're fired.

What're you talking about, fired?

I said get out.

Freddie, you are high! I said get out!

What are you talking about?

Out! Out or I'll k*ll you!

Get out, you treacherous piss flap.

You're not thinking clearly.

Get your ass out of my car now.

Get out!

Out!

Get your ass out of my car! Get out!

You're firing the wrong snake, Freddie.

You'll regret it.

Get your ass out of here!

Drive!

Hey! What the hell? Move!

Hey, watch it! I'll run your ass over!

Move!

Did you know anything about this?

I warned him against it.

Pure greed.

Tried to break up my family.

We can manage the band.

We don't need him.

What do you know about what I need?

I know what it's like... not to belong.

A q*eer Catholic boy from Belfast.

You know...

I think my father would rather see me dead... than let me be who I am.

I'm gonna take care of you now, Freddie.

If you'll let me.

What are you reading?

Just the cricket.

We're a rock and roll band.

We don't do disco.

It's not disco. Then what is it?

It's Queen.

So sorry, my darlings!

Lost all track!

You fired Reid without consulting us!

You don't make decisions for the band.

Hey.

Well, I'm terribly sorry, dear.

It's done.

Besides...

Miami will manage us.

Won't you, darling?

Erm... I'll think about it.

No. Are you high again?

Well done, Columbo.

You need to slow down, Fred.

Oh, don't be such a bore. I'm here, aren't I?

Are you?

I don't care if you're shit-faced.

As long as you can sing.

No, John, I don't wanna play it.

Then I'm all for it.

What's that supposed to mean?

I'm tired of the bloody anthems.

I want the energy in the clubs.

The bodies, I want to make people move. You mean disco?

Why not?

Do you mind pissing off? This is a band discussion.

Drum loops? Synthesizers?

If you say so. It's not us!

Us? It's not Queen!

Queen is whatever I say it is!

Well, you can play your own bloody drums, then.

Fred.

Okay, let's see how good a boxer you really are!

Roger, take it easy! Take it easy!

Take it easy.

All right, Muhammad Ali.

That's...

That's quite a cool riff, actually.

Hmm. You wrote that?

That's really good.

Yes, it will be... if you all can just shut up and play.

He started it. Oh, shut up!

♪ Steve walks warily down the street

♪ With the brim pulled way down low

♪ Ain't no sound But the sound of his feet

♪ Machine g*ns ready to go

♪ Are you ready

♪ Are you ready for this?

♪ Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?

♪ Out of the doorway the b*ll*ts rip Okay, I'll do it.

♪ To the sound of the beat I'll do it.

Oh, just improvise. Just give it whatever you want.

I can do that.

♪ Let's go!

♪ Steve walks warily down the street

♪ With the brim pulled way down low

♪ Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet

♪ Machine g*ns ready to go

♪ Are you ready, hey Are you ready for this?

♪ Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?

♪ Out of the doorway the b*ll*ts rip

♪ Rip

♪ To the sound of the beat, yeah

♪ Another one bites the dust

♪ Another one bites the dust

♪ And another one gone And another one gone

♪ Another one bites the dust, yeah That's a good idea. ♪ Hey

♪ I'm gonna get you, too And then you double it, on top.

♪ How do you think I'm gonna get along

♪ Without you when you're gone?

♪ You took me for everything that I had

♪ And kicked me out on my own

♪ Are you happy, are you satisfied?

♪ How long can you stand the heat?

♪ Out of the doorway the b*ll*ts rip

♪ To the sound of the beat Look out! ♪

Freddie!

Freddie! Freddie, as the leader of Queen... as the leader of Queen... do you feel responsible for the success of the band?

I'm not the leader of Queen, I'm only the lead singer.

Freddie! A question for Freddie.

Do you ever doubt your talent?

No, that's a stupid question.

Take it easy, Fred. What's next?

Freddie, uh, your teeth!

Why don't you get your teeth fixed?

I live in Britain. I don't want to stand out.

Next...

Why don't you have your manners fixed?

That's an as*h*le question to ask anybody.

That's an as*h*le question.

In your song Life Is Real, what do you mean by the line...

"Love is a roulette wheel"?

Are you implying that the more partners you have... the more chances you have of... contracting something?

What?

I don't know, I haven't figured out love yet.

But it implies something else, Freddie.

That might be a better question for Rog.



Watch it.

Freddie, concerning your private life... there's lots of pictures of you in the tabloids... looking drunk or ill.

Which one is it, ill or drunk?

I had a cold last week, if anyone cares.

As much as we'd love to answer questions about colds...

I'd like to speak about the album.

If anyone's got any questions about the music?

Freddie! Freddie! Freddie!

Freddie! Freddie, your parents... they're conservative Zoroastrians.

I wonder, what do they make of your public persona?

Is that music...

My parents died in a fiery wreck.

I happen to know that's not true, is it?

I just wanted to know whether they were proud of you.

Are your parents proud of you?

Is this what they hoped for?

I hope that they are.

I surely don't think so.

Anyone wanna talk about the album?

Freddie! Freddie! Freddie!

Could you answer my questions please?

This better be good.

Shut up!

Freddie, could you tell us about the rumors concerning your sexuality?

What about the rumors concerning your lack of sexuality?

I'm just a musical prost*tute, my dear.

Can you answer the question?

What's your name, dear?

Shelley Stern.

Shelley. Yes.

That thing between your legs, does it bite?

Hah!

Could you answer the question, please?

We're here as a courtesy.

You know, there's four of us up here.

What are you afraid of, Freddie?

What do you want?

What is the truth?

Can you be honest for once?

Why are you lying about your parents, Freddie?

I'm not lying about anything. I just, I'm...

Your fans deserve to know the truth, Freddie.

Can you answer the question, please?

This is my business.

No, you're a public figure.

What are you afraid of, Freddie?

Your parents? Can you tell us about... Your sexuality?

What? Why, why...

Can you just be honest?

Contracting something.

Your fans deserve to know the truth.

Our readers want to know.

What do your readers want to know? They want to know what?

♪ But life still goes on

♪ I can't get used to living without

♪ Living without

♪ Living without you by my side

♪ I don't want to live alone

♪ Hey

♪ God knows

♪ Got to make it on my own

♪ So, baby, can't you see?

♪ I've got to break free ♪ Brilliant! Can I get up now?

What is happening?

No, you can't.

I wanna be in it. Get off me!

Freddie, you in there?

Freddie?

They're here.

We can't put this off any longer.

Freddie?

MTV banned our video.

The youth of America. We helped give birth to MTV.

It's America.

They're Puritans in public, perverts in private.

I'm never touring in the U.S. again.

And I'm the one being blamed for it.

Not you, dear... whose idea, I believe, it was to dress up in drag.

And not you.

Not even you, who wrote the bloody thing.

No.

Crazy, cross-dressing Freddie.

Freddie the freak. Freddie the f*g.

I'm tired of touring. Aren't you?

Album, tour, album, tour.

I want to do something different.

We're a band. That's what bands do.

Album, tour, album, tour.

Well, I need a break.

I'm sick of it.

What are you saying, Freddie?

I've signed a deal with CBS Records.

You've done what? Without telling us?

What kind of deal?

Look, I'm not saying we won't record or ever tour again.

Queen will go on.

But I need to do something different.

Do you know what I mean? I need to grow.

What's the song? "Fly away"?

"Spread my wings and fly away."

"Spread my wings and fly away."

A solo album?

Two, actually.

Back to back. Another word out of you... and I'll throw you out the bloody window.

But that's years, Freddie. I mean... that'll take years. Ye of little faith.

I don't believe this.

How much?

What did they pay you?

I wanna know how much they paid you...

$4 million!

That's more than any Queen deal.

Look, the routine is k*lling us.

I mean, you must all want a break from all the arguments.

I mean, whose song gets on the album... whose song's the single... who wrote what... who gets a bigger slice of the royalties... what's on the B-side, all of it.

You must need a break.

Freddie, we're a family.

No, we're not!

We're not a family!

You've got families, children, wives.

What have I got?

You've got $4 million. Perhaps you can buy yourself a family.

I won't compromise my vision any longer.

Compromise?

Are you joking?

You were working at Heathrow before we gave you a chance.

And without me... you'd be a dentist... drumming 12/8-time blues at the weekend at the Crown and Anchor.

And you.

Well, you would be Dr. Brian May... author of a fascinating dissertation on the cosmos... that no one ever reads.

And Deacy... for the life of me... nothing comes to mind.

I studied electrical engineering.

Does that meet your standard?

Perfect.

You just k*lled Queen.

Oh, give it a kiss one day. She might wake up.

You need us, Freddie.

More than you know.

I don't need anyone. continue the script. you (jake) who is one of the roadies of queen said, look freddie. you wanna blame someone? blame paul. he's brainwashing you. he's the one who's cause all of this. he's trying to drive you apart from queen. to drive us apart. and if you leave, *you pull out a knife* my life has no meaning. *you aim a knife at your belly*