LEARNING Freddie Mercury had been named Most Outrageous Star Ever by British music magazine Q came as no real surprise to Peter Freestone. In the 12 years he spent working every day as Mercury's personal assistant, Freestone saw Mercury at his best and worse as he maintained his reputation as one of rock's most controversial and enigmatic figures.
He has even written a book about his time with Mercury which details his fondest memories and many of the unforgettable moments he spent with on the road touring with Queen during its peak.
Peter was in Newcastle last week promoting the return of hit stage tribute Queen - It's a Kinda Magic. He caught the show in Singapore earlier this year and was so impressed by the production in particular by frontman Craig Pescos that he has jumped on board and given it his seal of approval.
Although Freestone has seen many Queen tribute shows over the years he said this one was the closest he had seen to the real Queen shows of the '80s.
``When I first saw it, it took me back to the first shows I did with Queen when they were going back to the smaller venues around Britain to be closer the crowds,'' Freestone said.
``Anyway this show had exactly the same audience reaction ... the whole atmosphere was the same as those.
``Craig Pescos Freddie he is Freddie on that stage.
He just takes it over and gives everything.
``I was looking at the audience and just seeing them shouting and screaming, it gave me goosebumps.'' Queen - It's A Kinda Magic brings all of Queen's hits to the stage including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, Fat Bottom Girls and We Are the Champions. The show will return in June after a triumphant sold-out international tour last year.
It has drawn capacity crowds each time it has appeared in Newcastle and looks set to do the same when it appears at Civic Theatre on Wednesday, June 22.
Even those who have already seen the show can expect it to be bigger and better this time around with more special effects and more theatrics.
Tickets are available through the theatre by calling 4929 1977 or online at www.ticketek.com.au
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