He called the Beatles singer Carol Dakota, inspired by his New York City apartment building The Dakota, and referred to Rob Stewart as Phyllis, while Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of The Queen, was named Melina.
Freddie Mercury became 'Melina' after Melina Mercouri, the Greek actress and singer. He was a real Melina, I can assure you. John Lennon became 'Carol Dakota' after his New York building, the Dakota.” John even offered some advice on how to come up with your very own drag name.
The legendary singers enjoyed a close friendship and they did not hold back with the banter between them, as Freddie revealed his wicked sense of humour. The late Queen frontman used to refer to Elton as 'Sharon', while Elton would call Freddie 'Melinda' in return.
“Everybody realized that Queen was stealing the show,” said Gambaccini. These were the very words Elton John uttered when he rushed into Mercury's trailer after the set. “You bastards, you stole the show,” joked the charismatic star.
Before launching into the song, John called the late Queen “an inspiring presence to be around” and praised her leadership (even if it was largely symbolic): “She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace and decency and genuine caring, and warmth,” he said.
The Rocketman singer, who lives in Old Windsor, paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at one of his concerts following her death at Balmoral Castle on 8 September.
He knew death, agonising death, was coming." The pair were incredibly close pals and Elton credits Freddie with saving his life at the height of his drug problems - with the Queen singer begging him to go into rehab as his cocaine addiction spiralled out of control.
John's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, faxed the lyrics to him in Paris, shortly after Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury had died the previous year. He said: "I was crying all the time as I wrote the music", John told The Advocate, "and it was very hard for me to sing it".
Freddie wouldn't give an interview on the day because he had vocal trouble. His doctor told him not to do the show, but of course, he was determined to do it anyway.”
4. Freddie Mercury – US$50 million. A cultural icon and the most famous face of all the members of Queen past and present, Mercury amassed a considerable fortune, thought to be worth US$50 million by the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Elton opened his front door to find a friend carrying a gift from Freddie wrapped in a pillowcase. It was a painting by Henry Scott Tuke, one of the Candle In The Wind singer's favourite artists, and was accompanied with a heartbreaking note.
They both wore a wedding ring to show how committed they were to each another, and Freddie referred to Jim as his husband, according to The Vintage News.
The Queen honoured me with a CBE, a knighthood and the Companion of Honour,” John wrote on Monday alongside a 1970s photo in which he is meeting the queen, as well a as a more recent shot of them shaking hands.
Freddie Mercury and Peter Straker. With a study friendship spanning 15 years, fellow singer Peter Straker was Mercury's best buddy. The West End star had bonded over the 1970s and survived it all. As Mercury's star soared, their friendship never faltered.
Mercury was a huge fan of The Beatles' singer and songwriter. “John Lennon was larger than life, and an absolute genius. Even at a very early stage when they were The Beatles, I always preferred John Lennon's things.
In terms of countries, it depends. Elton John kind of had a larger following throughout the 80's and early 90's in America, while Freddie Mercury (and Queen) had a larger following in the UK, most of Europe, and Japan at the time.
The Bohemian Rhapsody cast have revealed that they filmed a full run-through of Queen's Live Aid performance, which might be released as a standalone film.
At Live Aid, Mercury had a sore throat, a chronic symptom among people living with HIV.
In layman's terms, Queen weren't actually any louder, but they sounded louder. The band did sound better than most of the other bands at Wembley for two very impressive reasons.
Based on longevity, Elton was bigger, but neither was truly better, just different and yet the same…
For starters, according to Rotten Tomatoes, Bohemian Rhapsody earned a score of 60%, while Rocketman was given a score of 89%. However, Bohemian Rhapsody won four out of five Academy Awards, while Rocketman was only nominated, and won, one.
It was on this day in 1985 when Queen cemented their legacy with a career-defining (and show-stealing) performance at Live Aid.
Bernard John Taupin CBE (born 22 May 1950) is an English-American songwriter, lyricist and visual artist. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with musician Elton John, a songwriting partnership that is one of the most successful in history.
Freddie Mercury may have been one of the more extroverted singers of his generation but his closest friend in Queen was the quietest member. Peter Freestone was a PA to the band and witnessed the friendship from close up and has revealed what bonded Freddie with bassist John Deacon.
Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where he's mistakenly announced as “Sir John Elton” as he approached Her Majesty. He was honored for his for services to music and his charitable services.