Phil Collins on Queen and Freddie Mercury: A “One-Off” Talent
In the 1980s, Phil Collins was one of the biggest names in music. He sold millions of records both as a solo artist and as the drummer and singer of Genesis. At the same time, Queen was also ruling the charts, led by the unforgettable Freddie Mercury.
Over the years, Collins has shared his thoughts on Queen and especially on Freddie. His words show nothing but respect and admiration for the band and its legendary frontman.
A Backstage Memory in Australia
Collins once told a story about seeing Queen live while he was touring in Australia. He happened to run into Freddie Mercury backstage right before the show.
He remembered seeing Freddie with his team — hairdresser, makeup people, and even a vodka in hand before walking on stage. But that night, almost everything went wrong for Queen.
The lights didn’t work. Their computers failed. The microphones had problems. For many bands, this would have been a disaster. But Collins was amazed at how Freddie handled it.
Even though the equipment failed, the show still worked. The audience didn’t seem to notice the technical problems. To Collins, this was proof of Freddie’s power as a performer.
Freddie Mercury: A “One-Off”
Phil Collins often described Freddie Mercury as a “one-off” — meaning someone completely unique.
He said:
“Freddie is a one-off. You don’t get too many people like him.”
To Collins, Freddie was more than just a great singer. He was someone who could turn any situation around with his energy, charisma, and voice. That kind of talent doesn’t come around often, and Collins knew it.
What Collins Admired
From his stories and interviews, it’s clear what Collins admired most about Queen and Freddie Mercury:
Professionalism – Even when things went wrong, Freddie kept the show alive.
Charisma – His presence on stage was so strong that technical problems didn’t matter.
Uniqueness – Few artists could do what Freddie did.
Collins himself was no stranger to big shows and tough crowds, so he understood how rare and impressive Freddie’s abilities were.
After Freddie’s Death
When Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, Collins, like many other musicians, felt the loss. He called Mercury’s death “a great tragedy” and said he had “the greatest admiration and a lot of affection” for him.
This shows that his respect for Freddie wasn’t just about music — it was also about the person behind the voice.
Conclusion
Phil Collins’ opinion of Queen and Freddie Mercury can be summed up in one word: admiration. He saw Freddie as one of a kind, a performer who could rise above any challenge on stage.
For Collins, Queen wasn’t just another rock band — they were special. And Freddie Mercury, in his eyes, was truly a “one-off”.
Brian May is a Phil Collins and Genesis fan