Miscellaneous

Original 12" Mix
Recorded with Billy Squier in 1986, though Billy credits Freddie as providing much of the song's inspiration. This is a great song that has one of the most audible contributions from Freddie you wil find - far better than most collaboration efforts. Freddie provides a great solo introduction, just Freddie and a piano, and then sings backing vocals throughout. This intro is sadly missing from every other version, and the full original mix is getting very rare. Another distinctive feature is the drum rolls at the end of the song. Available on the standard issue UK 12" (in a ps). Note this mix is not promo-only, as some dealers will tell you. Sadly, the original mastertapes of this mix have long been lost (even Billy Squier himself has been known to ask for copies). However, in 1996 this version was "re-made" especially from the original studio recordings for inclusion on "Reach For The Sky - The Anthology", a 2CD (and cassette, presumably) "greatest hits"-type compilation of Billy's work. Needless to say, the re-make is not quite the same… Time approx 5:18

"Reach For The Sky" Re-make
On the "Reach For The Sky" set only. Though this is a well-crafted re-make, there are still some noticeable differences from the original. The drum rolls at the end are missing, and the segue from Freddie's intro to the main song is slightly different. But unless you know the original extremely well, you probably won't notice. And "Reach" is far cheaper than the original 12". Time 5:15

There are a few other reasons to buy "Reach" though. Billy has been a friend of Queen for some time, and although "Love Is The Hero" is the most interesting collaboration, it is not the only one. The song "Emotions In Motion" has both Freddie and Roger on backing vocals, and "Lady With A Tenor Sax" was co-written by Freddie. Both are on "Reach", which also has extensive sleeve notes (including some very nice bits about Freddie, and a picture of them working together). Finally, as if more incentive is needed, "Reach" also includes "(Another) 1984", which features a guest guitar solo from Brian.

Duet With Jo Dare
From the German film soundtrack "Zabou". Released on LP and CD, though the CD is now very hard to get hold of. A strong vocal from Freddie makes this easily one of the most interesting of Freddie's collaborations. In addition, the song itself was written by Mack, a long-time Queen associate. A German promo 7" is available, in a bootleg sleeve (although the actual vinyl seems genuine), and the song can also be found numerous bootlegs, including "The Ultimate Rarities Collection" CD. Time 3:30

Special Fan Club Song
A short but sweet solo recording, in the style of a "musical greeting card" more than anything else. On several bootlegs, including "The Ultimate Collection". Sound quality is a bit lacking, but that's probably as much to do with the informal nature of the song as anything (it was provided for a Fan Club Convention). Although this was obviously intended as a "message from Queen", it is essentially a solo recording, being just Freddie and a piano. Time 0:50

Unreleased (Possibly)
Originally written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Freddie was rumoured to be working on several projects, including some musical numbers, at the same time as "Barcelona". Indeed Freddie did work with Tim Rice on "The Golden Boy". A rumoured demo of this song exists, which is apparently quite complete and Montserrat Caballe was even rumoured to have added her own vocals to this song with the intention of releasing it. Unfortunately that plan seems to have been permanently shelved, but there are enough rumours about unreleased "Barcelona" session tracks to be sure that something must exist.

Unreleased (Possibly)
Another musical song from Tim Rice / Andrew Llyod-Webber that Freddie was supposed to be working on (see "The Music Of The Night" above). Again, rumour says it is fairly complete and that a reasonable quality demo exists, but no-one really knows.