Talk about a rock ‘n roll reunion! For the first time in years, John Deacon has made a subtle return to the Queen spotlight. The famously reclusive bassist, who stepped away from public life in 1997, has joined bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor in signing a copy of Queen’s iconic 1975 album ‘A Night at the Opera.’ The signed record will headline a silent auction at the annual Freddie Mercury Birthday Party in Montreux, Switzerland on September 6th, with proceeds supporting HIV/AIDS awareness in honor of Mercury’s passing in 1991.
John Deacon no longer performs, but he's still quietly helping steer the Queen ship from behind the scenes. A band spokesman confirmed, “He continues to be closely involved in the band’s business decisions.” That’s really surprising to most of us because we just assumed Deacon just cut ties with the band entirely 28 years ago. His songwriting legacy within the band is undeniable, with hits like “You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “I Want to Break Free” still echoing through generations of rock ‘n roll fans.
Brian May commented on John’s decision to leave public life in 1997, saying, “He’s just completely shut himself off in a different world. But, you know, he has six kids and I guess his priorities have just totally changed. That’s his prerogative and that’s fine.”
John Deacon is 73 years old and it’s good for those of us who call ourselves Queen fans to know that he’s still more or less with the band.
[Source: Premiere]