As this year marks 20 years since Freddie left us, me and my friend wanted to do something special to remember it with, like we did for his 65th in Montreux. When I received a phone call to ask if I would like to go to the SAS band’s Freddie tribute gig at Clapham Grand in London I jumped at the chance, especially because it was for the Mercury Phoenix Trust. I dusted off the Living On My Own outfit I had made and a friend, Martin airbrushed a skin coloured leotard for me so it looked like I had chest hair with a tattoo of the Mercury Phoenix Trust across it so people knew what the costume was in aid of (it also made it a bit warmer in the British weather!). Another great friend and Queen fan I had met in Montreux, Jim Stevenson made me my own Freddie style microphone stand and said he would bring it to the gig.

On Friday 25th November 2011 I dressed in full costume and four of us set off from Luton to London by taxi, train and underground receiving several funny looks and smiles at my outfit but very few people asking why. We made our pilgrimage to Freddie’s house, Garden Lodge for a few photos near the door and to read the messages left for him, whilst we were there I met Freddie fans from Brazil, France and the U.K. and posed for some photos with them and talked about what I was doing and the gig that evening. We found a nearby pub for some food and met even more fans to chat with and have photos taken, the support they give for what I do is incredible and kind.

We arrived early to the concert so we stood in the queue; whilst I was there I met an awesome group of fans from Japan who I had a lot of fun with throughout the evening, I also met friends I had made in Montreux! The gig itself was amazing, the band and special guests performed so well and it was such a lovely way to remember Freddie by; we were even treated to Brian May appearing for a few songs at the beginning. I found Jim and he presented me with the microphone stand to complete my costume and we had an absolute blast. The moves I had practiced in front of the mirror in my early teens reappeared when the disco started and it was overwhelming how many people came to ask for photos with me and video my attempts at prancing. We were sad we had to leave early to get the train and even walking out of the venue I was getting stopped for photos and hugs. It proves again just what an amazingly supportive bunch of friends Queen fans are and it makes taking part in Freddie For A Day very worthwhile.

Bec Sharpe - www.justgiving.com/dressasfreddie

Text size