News Freddie Mercury’s favourite song by Elton John
While Freddie Mercury was renowned as a frontman, his admiration extended to showmen from diverse corners of the entertainment industry. Though they might not have fit the conventional mould of rock vocalists akin to himself, the Queen singer could discern their most appealing attributes and infuse them with his own artistic flair.
Mercury’s prowess was rooted in his ability to flourish in the spotlight, savouring the attention of every watchful eye. In stark contrast to his more reserved personal demeanour, the Queen frontman underwent a metamorphosis into a larger-than-life character when adorned in his favourite theatrical attire. Onstage, Mercury’s persona transcended limits, showcasing his talent for capturing attention and embodying the very essence of showmanship.
After he tragically passed away at the age of 45, the remaining members of Queen sought to commemorate his legacy and celebrate his memory in various ways. One of which was curating a playlist filled with his favourite songs so that fans could enjoy a little slice of Mercury’s life and interests. One track on the list includes Elton John’s ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’.
As one of the highest-selling musicians in history and a close friend of Mercury, the ‘Rocket Man’ singer wielded a significant influence on the Queen frontman’s career. Among John’s notable hits, ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ was first unveiled on the timeless 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
In his memoir, John reflected on his friendship with Mercury, emphasising Mercury’s deep care and concern for his friends, stating: “By all rights, Freddie should have spent those final days concerned only with his own comfort. But that wasn’t who he was. He truly lived for others. Freddie had passed on November 24, 1991. Weeks after the funeral, I was still grieving. But on Christmas Day, I learnt that Freddie had left me one final testament to his selflessness.”
When you peel back the layers, it’s entirely understandable why Mercury was drawn to such a glam-infused rock ‘n’ roll hit. ‘Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting’ draws inspiration from Bernie Taupin’s tumultuous teenage years, characterised by bar fights and unapologetic arguments.
As someone who famously challenged the status quo, Mercury channelled his own defiant nature into songs like ‘I Want To Break Free’ and ‘I Want It All’. Social upheaval was a topic that greatly fascinated the star, particularly in his final days when he became acutely aware of the fickleness of time.
