Why Freddie Mercury Couldn’t Stop Watching Prince’s Concerts: An Intimate Look

Freddie Mercury and Prince — two icons of the music world whose names have become synonymous with talent, charisma, and stage presence. Though their musical styles might seem vastly different at first glance, both were virtuosos in their own right, pushing boundaries in ways few others dared. One was a rock legend, known for his operatic flair and extraordinary vocal range, and the other, a multi-talented artist whose music blurred the lines of every genre. Yet despite these differences, one thing is clear: Freddie Mercury had an undeniable admiration for Prince, and he couldn’t stop watching his live concerts.

The Allure of Prince: A Musical Parallel

At face value, Freddie Mercury and Prince might seem worlds apart. Mercury’s work with Queen was iconic in the rock world — an eccentric mix of hard rock, opera, and theatre, with anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody” that still echo in the hearts of millions. Prince, on the other hand, was known for his genre-defying blend of pop, funk, rock, and R&B, influencing countless artists of today. But what connects them beyond their musical genius?

According to Peter Freestone, Mercury’s longtime assistant, the Queen frontman saw something of himself in Prince. “Freddie admired Prince because he was so similar to when Freddie was young,” Freestone writes in Freddie Mercury: An Intimate Memoir by the Man Who Knew Him Best. Prince, with his boundless energy, magnetic charisma, and boundary-pushing performances, reminded Freddie of his younger self. Both were diminutive in stature but possessed an overwhelming presence on stage, a power that could command any room and leave audiences in awe.

The Fascination with Prince’s Live Performances

What’s even more fascinating is the way Freddie Mercury, the larger-than-life performer who had his own legendary shows, couldn’t resist watching Prince’s concerts on repeat. Freestone recounts how Freddie loved to unwind at home by watching music videos, particularly live performances. And one performance, in particular, stood out — a three-hour recording of a live Prince concert.

Mercury would regularly gather his entourage and insist that they watch the concert with him. He wasn’t content with just one viewing; he would watch it over and over, often demanding that his guests experience the entire show or revisit his favorite parts. There was something about the young, electrifying performer that captivated Freddie in a way few others did.

Why Was Prince So Compelling?

So, what made Prince so compulsively watchable for Mercury? For one, there was the undeniable charisma that both men shared. Mercury, who had been known to mesmerize audiences with his performance energy, saw a kindred spirit in Prince. Both performers were charismatic and brimming with confidence, traits that allowed them to transcend the limitations of their physical forms and become larger-than-life figures on stage.

Moreover, Prince’s live shows were not just concerts; they were full-fledged experiences, brimming with sensuality, energy, and flair. Much like Freddie’s performances, Prince’s were unpredictable, daring, and always brimming with passion. It’s no wonder that Mercury was so taken with them. He saw in Prince a reflection of what he himself had once been — a young performer with unbridled energy, ready to take on the world.

A Musical Legacy of Mutual Admiration

Despite their generational and stylistic differences, it’s clear that Freddie Mercury and Prince shared a deep admiration for one another, rooted in their love for music, performance, and pushing boundaries. Freddie’s obsession with watching Prince’s live shows speaks to a rare kind of respect — the kind that only a fellow musical genius could understand.

Both of these men, in their own right, left an indelible mark on the music world. Their performances, their music, and their personas continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. And, in the quiet moments at home, it seems that Freddie Mercury, like many of us, simply couldn’t get enough of Prince — a true testament to the power of great music and the respect it fosters between artists, regardless of their fame or stature.