The Untold Stories ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Left Out About Queen’s Legacy

The 2018 biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of Queen and its iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury. The film, lauded for its electrifying performances and emotional depth, succeeded in bringing Queen’s music to new generations. However, while the film brought Mercury’s story to the big screen, it also left out several crucial details and, at times, misrepresented the true history of the legendary band. Let’s dive into some of the untold stories that Bohemian Rhapsody omitted about Queen’s legacy.

1. The Formation of Queen

The film’s depiction of Queen’s formation, while dramatic, oversimplifies the true story. Bohemian Rhapsody suggests that Freddie Mercury joined the band immediately after seeing Brian May and Roger Taylor perform with their previous band, Smile. In reality, Mercury had known Smile’s lead singer, Tim Staffell, from art college and had been keen on joining the band long before Staffell’s departure. Furthermore, while the film highlights John Deacon as the band’s first bassist, he was, in fact, their fourth and final member to join the iconic lineup.

2. Song Chronology: A Few Missteps

One of the more prominent inaccuracies in the film concerns the chronology of Queen’s music. Bohemian Rhapsody shows “We Will Rock You” being written in 1980, but in truth, the song was composed in 1977. Similarly, the movie places “Fat Bottomed Girls” during a 1974 tour, even though it was written in 1978. These small timeline discrepancies may seem insignificant, but they overshadow the meticulous planning and creative genius that went into Queen’s music.

3. Freddie Mercury’s Personal Relationships

The film’s portrayal of Mercury’s relationships, especially with his longtime partner Mary Austin and later partner Jim Hutton, contains several inaccuracies. According to the movie, Mercury and Austin met on the same night he joined Queen, but in reality, they met after Mercury had already joined the band. Additionally, Mercury met Hutton, a hairdresser, in 1983 at the Savoy Hotel—not at one of his parties in 1981, as the film suggests. These romantic relationships were fundamental to Mercury’s personal life, and a more accurate portrayal would have honored their true timelines.

4. The Role of Paul Prenter

In Bohemian Rhapsody, Paul Prenter is portrayed as a key antagonist who supposedly hides information about the Live Aid performance from Freddie Mercury. In truth, Prenter, who was Mercury’s personal assistant from 1977 to 1986, did not withhold crucial information about the event. While Prenter’s betrayal was real—he sold a story to a tabloid in 1987 about Mercury’s private life—he was not the villain the film makes him out to be. This dramatic license undermines the true complexities of their relationship.

5. Live Aid: Not a Reunion

One of the most thrilling moments in Bohemian Rhapsody is Queen’s legendary performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert. However, the film inaccurately depicts the performance as a reunion after the band had taken a hiatus due to Mercury’s solo career. The truth is that Queen was actively touring right up to Live Aid, having just completed their “Works” tour eight weeks earlier. Mercury’s solo endeavors had no significant impact on the band’s relationship, and the depiction of their performance as a reunion diminishes the true nature of Queen’s ongoing camaraderie.

6. HIV Diagnosis Timeline: A Critical Error

The most glaring inaccuracy in Bohemian Rhapsody revolves around the timing of Freddie Mercury’s HIV diagnosis. The film implies that Mercury disclosed his HIV-positive status to the band before the 1985 Live Aid concert. In reality, Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, two years after the iconic performance. This alteration significantly distorts the timeline of his health battle, making the movie’s narrative feel rushed and misleading.

Conclusion: The Legacy That Goes Beyond the Silver Screen

While Bohemian Rhapsody succeeded in introducing Queen’s timeless music to a new audience and paying tribute to Freddie Mercury’s extraordinary life, it also overlooked some of the most crucial aspects of the band’s history. Queen’s journey is one of true creative genius, and while some dramatic liberties were taken for cinematic purposes, it’s essential to remember that the real story of Queen is even more fascinating and inspiring than what we saw on the big screen.

The untold stories of Queen’s formation, their songs, their relationships, and their legacy continue to live on through their music, which has transcended generations. The inaccuracies in Bohemian Rhapsody should not overshadow the monumental impact Queen has had on the world, and as we celebrate their music, it’s important to appreciate the band’s true, untold legacy.