大象传媒

24 November

Good morning.

Freddie Mercury, the lead singer with the rock band Queen, died on this day in 1991 just one day after he announced he was HIV positive.

I remember Paul, my neighbor, and just a year older than me who introduced me to Queen and Freddie鈥檚 wonderful voice. Paul had the full collection of all the vinyl abums and talked endlessly of the band to all who would listen.

And I think of the Live Aid concert in 1985. Mercury鈥檚 career had stalled a bit by that stage but was reenergised by his performance that day. I remember him beginning their set on the piano playing the opening chords of Bohemian Rhapsody. I remember him prancing across the stage leading the 72000 strong crowd in the chorus of Radio Gaga.

It is said that Queen鈥檚 sound engineer switched off the limiters that had been installed on Wembley Stadiums sound system to ensure that Queen鈥檚 performance was the loudest. Their 20 minute set has been voted the most stunning live performance ever.

Freddy Mercury once said, "Success has brought me world idolisation and millions of pounds. But it has prevented me from having the one thing we all need, a loving, on-going relationship. Love is Russian roulette for me." But I love the fact that when faced with a second chance on that stage at Wembley, a chance to reignite his career, he grabbed it with both hands and blew us all away.

God of the second chances. Give us the chance today to do and say the things we should have done and said yesterday. Give us the courage to start anew, to forgive those who have hurt us. Amen