Back Chat #5

Sep 10

3 min read

For someone who has made a name for himself writing words, I am ironically devoid of them today.

Ok, maybe I do have things to say - I'm sitting down to write this post after all, and it may not be a short one. But to find the superlatives to do my trip to Freddie Days 2026 in Montreux, Switzerland justice seems a near-impossible task.

I have just returned from an experience that may be unrivalled, were I to every try and reproduce it. Everything from the vibe, to the people, the connections and even the weather were of such a quality that it is much more likely a revisit would prove inferior on any or all fronts. There was also the awe and novelty that comes from reaching a momentous place for the first time, which cannot be replicated.

Let me try to break it down.

The event this year celebrated Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday, and the 30th anniversary of his statue on the shore of Lac Leman. Those two big milestones, I am sure, drew a larger than usual crowd, and an all-time high atmosphere.

Amidst that atmosphere, considering all things, I most looked forward to the people - reconnecting with friends I hardly ever get to see; making new friends of the people who have been following my author's journey; and hoping to meet some well-known faces who were friends with Freddie and Queen, and come to share their stories with the fans (in fairness, this last group are not young people in 2026, and I worry that in coming years, Freddie Days will see a dwindling number of them in attendance).

So, first and foremost, my pilgrimage to Montreux was to celebrate Freddie, but also to celebrate people and connection. Here are some photos.

In these images, there are some individuals who are very special to me. It pains me that there aren't more photos; so many greetings, so little time. Thank you Paul, Tony, Michele, Diana, Nico, Thibaut, Jim, Renaud, Luc, Marie and Bahareh for sharing moments with me.

Dinner with Rock You! at Beirut Lebanese Restaurant, Montreux — Dinner with *Rock You!* at Beirut Lebanese Restaurant, Montreux

This is the group to whom I am most indebted. Without the collaborations with Fat Bottomed Boys (here in their guise as Rock You!) and Luc Hudson, my writing would never have birthed the monster it did; there would also be much less reason for me to travel across the globe on this pilgrimage.

There were also the 'big names' - those individuals directly linked to Freddie and Queen, who have been known amongst the fan community for many years, and give their recollections freely and graciously. As well as Jim Jenkins (above), I had the privilege to see, meet or run into (!) Terry Giddings, Tyler Warren, Peter Freestone, Mike Moran and Montserrat Caballe (niece to the famous opera diva, who duetted with Freddie on the Barcelona album).

Beyond the people, the performances were the highlight of the event. I had primarily attended to watch and support the boys of Rock You!, however I discovered and found connection with the Lords of Queen and Iron Heart, who burned up the stage in their own respective ways.

If anything could upstage the musical artists, it would be the incredible beauty of the backdrop itself. Montreux and the surrounding lake provided a gorgeous setting; not one simply to be consumed with the eyes, but to be engaged with, by hiking and swimming. Seldom have I swum in such a wonderful, pristine place (and with swans, no less!)