Freddie Mercury Bootlegs

There is only one dedicated Freddie bootleg in general circulation, though obviously a few things have cropped up on compilations. Most notable of these is "Everybody Happy" on "The Ultimate Collection". The dedicated disc is a single CD called "Mr. Bad Guy - Special Limited Edition", and is basically a pirate copy of the standard UK "Mr. Bad Guy" CD, with three bonus tracks. It uses official artwork and photos on the sleeve, but don't be told it's an official release. It has all the album tracks from "Mr. Bad Guy", and extended mixes of "I Was Born To Love You", "Living On My Own", "Let's Turn It On", "Made In Heaven", "She Blows Hot And Cold", and "Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow". Sound quality is pretty good on the tracks copied from the UK CD, and the last three tracks aren't bad either. Probably the only way to get it now! But note that the extended mix of "Made In Heaven" is incomplete, missing nearly two minutes. There is a second Freddie bootleg CD called "The Great Extender", featuring a collection of 12" mixes, but this had only a very limited release and I have yet to see one at a record fair.

Also of note are a few things so far only found in private collections, such as Freddie's last live performance (three songs) at a gala performance of "Time" (ironically in aid of AIDS). Fans may also want to track down some of the more interesting covers played by Queen, including "Imagine" (on "The Ultimate Collection") and "New York, New York" (from "Highlander"). Rumours of a live version of "My Way" (Paris 1979) are perhaps too much to hope for!