'There's been a lot of rumors lately, about this certain band called Queen...and the rumors are we're gonna split up, what do you think? They're talking from here (he points to his rear end). My apologies, but I'll say what I want, you know what I mean? So forget those rumours, we're going to stay together until we fucking well die so...I keep, I must tell you, I keep wanting to leave, but they won't let me... Also I suppose we are not, we are not bad for four aging Queens, are we? What do you think?... This is a new song, Who Wants To Live Forever...' -Live At Wembley Stadium, 1986
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mercury dismisses rumors of Queen breaking up with humor and reassurance.
- In plain terms
- He jokes about the rumors and confirms the band will stay together.
- What can you take from it?
- Humor can defuse serious public rumors.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do artists handle public rumors?
- Why use humor for serious news?
Another view
The humor masks potential real tensions in the band.
More from Freddie Mercury
'I really do feel like being evil tonight.' -Earl's Court, 1977
Permalink to quote #65 'We want you all to have a really good time, it's like a Queen carnival, so enjoy yourself' -Quote to TV audience before rock in rio.
Permalink to quote #67 'Good evening all you rock'n'rollers!' -Earls Court, 1977
Permalink to quote #64
Related quotes
We have not had any disagreements about clothes, smoking or L'Wren, and this is all very hurtful for her... It is completely untrue to say that L'Wren has caus…
Mick JaggerMick Jagger quote #2 The Squares [his former band] never really fit in. We weren't rock enough. We weren't alternative enough. We weren't new wave enough and we weren't punk enough…
Joe SatrianiJoe Satriani quote #13 They left me, by the side of the road, with a plastic bag and all kinds of bitterness Well, in my mind, and I can say this forever I suppose, and people might …
Peter DohertyPeter Doherty quote #28