Freddie Mercury On Michael Jackson & Their Unreleased Music! In His Own Word.

In the vibrant world of music, few collaborations have sparked as much intrigue and speculation as the potential partnership between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. Both icons, each a titan in their own right, had a brief yet impactful connection that left fans yearning for what could have been. This story delves into their relationship, the music they created together, and the circumstances that led to the unfinished symphony of their collaboration.

It was the early 1980s, a time when both Freddie Mercury, the flamboyant frontman of Queen, and Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, were at the pinnacle of their careers. Mercury, known for his powerful vocals and theatrical performances, had already established Queen as one of the most successful rock bands in history. Jackson, on the other hand, was on the verge of releasing “Thriller,” an album that would redefine pop music and catapult him into superstardom.

Their paths crossed at the Forum in Los Angeles, where Queen was performing. Jackson, a fan of the band, attended their shows, captivated by Mercury’s stage presence and the band’s unique sound. It was during one of these concerts that the two legends first met. Mercury recalled, “I mean, like three, four years ago. I mean, he used to just come and see our shows at the Forum in LA. And I guess he likes us. So I got to meet him and he kept coming to see us.”

Despite their age difference—Mercury was 37 and Jackson was just 25—there was an undeniable connection between them. Mercury was struck by Jackson’s talent and experience, noting, “My God, he’s 25, I’m 37, yet he’s been in the business almost longer than I have because he started so young.” This mutual respect laid the foundation for a friendship that would soon blossom into a creative partnership.

As their friendship grew, the idea of collaborating on music began to take shape. Mercury recounted, “He said, ‘Why don’t we do something together?’ This was during just before the ‘Thriller’ days, actually.” The prospect of merging their distinct styles excited both artists, and they decided to experiment with a few demos.

Freddie visited Michael’s home, where they began working on three or four tracks. “I went over to his house and did about three or four demos to see how they work out,” Mercury explained. However, as the demands of their respective careers intensified, the collaboration faced challenges. “Since then, Michael Jackson’s gone and he’s worked very hard and I’ve had things to do. So we haven’t seen each other for about three or four months.”

Despite their busy schedules, the two musicians maintained their friendship, often calling each other to discuss their unfinished projects. One of the songs they worked on was titled “State of Shock.” Mercury had initially recorded vocals for the track, but due to time constraints, he couldn’t complete it. “At the time when he wanted me to finish it, I just said, I can’t because I was working with Queen,” he recalled. Ultimately, Mick Jagger stepped in to finish the song, which left Mercury with mixed feelings.

Among the tracks they worked on, one stood out: “Victory.” This song, which they co-wrote, became a symbol of their collaboration. Mercury described it as “the only track that we actually wrote together.” However, Jackson later used the title for a Jacksons album, which added a layer of complexity to their creative endeavor. “In a funny way, I guess that track is frozen because that’s the only track that we actually wrote together, as it were,” Mercury said.

The demo of “Victory” was a testament to their combined talents, and Mercury expressed hope that one day they would finish it. “The song is still there and it’s probably just waiting until the two of us get together and finish it,” he mused. However, the realities of their careers made it difficult to find time to collaborate. “He’s on tour, I’m going on tour, and you got to sort of… it’s very difficult when two different musicians trying to get together,” he explained.

As the years went by, the unfinished tracks became a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. Mercury reflected on the nature of their collaboration, stating, “Songs are songs. I mean, as long as our friendship carries on, we can write all kinds of songs.” This sentiment underscored the importance of their relationship beyond the music itself.

In the midst of their creative endeavors, Mercury was also working on his solo projects. He mentioned a song titled “Must Be More To Life Than This,” which he had written long before. Initially intended for a Queen album, it had been set aside for various reasons. However, he felt that Jackson’s interpretation of the song was so beautiful that it deserved a different approach. “The way he sang it is just so beautiful. I just said I have to put a different approach to it,” Mercury explained.

Freddie Mercury’s desire to collaborate with Michael Jackson extended to his solo work as well. He expressed a longing for Jackson to be part of his new solo album, saying, “It could be, actually, I’d like it to be. I’d like one of the songs to be there.” The thought of their combined talents gracing a single album was tantalizing, yet the reality of their busy lives made it increasingly unlikely.

Reflecting on their artistic differences, Mercury acknowledged the unique qualities that each artist brought to the table. “What attracts both totally separate people… into working together because you seem almost poles apart as individuals?” he pondered. Despite their contrasting personalities, there was a magnetic pull that drew them together, a shared passion for music that transcended their differences.

As their friendship developed, Mercury observed changes in Jackson’s lifestyle. He noted that Jackson had become more reclusive, preferring to stay at home rather than go out. “I remember going to dinner with him and I think now he just stays at home. He doesn’t like coming out at all,” Mercury remarked. This isolation was a stark contrast to Mercury’s own vibrant lifestyle, which revolved around socializing and performing.

Mercury’s perspective on this isolation was clear: “That’s not me. I mean, I’ll be bored to death. I’m going to have to go out every night.” This difference in approach to fame and personal life highlighted the complexities of their friendship. While they shared a deep bond through music, their individual experiences shaped their perspectives in unique ways.

Despite the challenges and missed opportunities, the friendship between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson endured. They remained supportive of each other’s careers, often expressing admiration for one another’s work. Mercury’s reflections on their collaboration reveal a deep respect for Jackson’s artistry and a longing for the music they could have created together.

As time passed, the unfinished tracks became a part of music history, a testament to the creative potential that existed between two of the greatest artists of their time. Fans continued to speculate about the lost collaboration, wondering what masterpieces might have emerged from their partnership.

In the end, the story of Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson’s collaboration is one of possibility and unfulfilled potential. Their friendship, rooted in mutual respect and admiration, served as a reminder of the power of music to connect individuals from different backgrounds. While the world may never hear the completed versions of “Victory” or “State of Shock” featuring both artists, their legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the annals of music history.

As we reflect on their journey, we are left with a sense of wonder about the music that could have been—a symphony of creativity that, though unfinished, continues to inspire generations. The collaboration between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson remains a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful stories are those that are left untold.