𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ➺ 𝐵𝓇𝒾𝒶𝓃 𝑀𝒶𝓎/𝒬𝓊𝑒𝑒𝓃

𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭

A/N 

Here's a new update! 

In case you didn't know, I have just posted my first one shot in my Queen One Shot book. It's the filthiest Brian May thing I have ever written, and I think you should all go check it out and let me know what you think! 

Second thing: THE PEACE LOVIN' GUY PAPERBACK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ON AMAZON AND CAN BE ACCESSED THROUGH MY BIO AND MY MESSAGE BOARD. PLEASE CONSIDER GETTING A COPY IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, IT WOULD REALLY HELPFUL FOR ME!!

Anyway, let me know what you think of this chapter, as always, and what you think is in store for Brian and Maria. 

Thank you for all your unwavering support <3 

C. Bijou x

//

~ inconvenient ~

"So, you've never had the pleasure of meeting this Holzman bloke before?" Roger inquired, gallantly holding yet another door open for me to pass through ahead of him.

I pondered for a moment, mentally retracing my interactions with the man in question. "No, not really. Well, actually, I did catch a glimpse of him when Reid was making his rounds, but we didn't have a chance to actually talk. So, if he turns out to be a complete dick, I couldn't have given you a heads up," I admitted, accompanied by a mischievous grin directed at Roger.

The atmosphere was charged as Queen, Reid, Paul, and I gathered at EMI's prestigious offices down Manchester Square in Westminster. This was a crucial meeting where the boys would determine the fate of their upcoming album with EMI's chairman Jac Holzman – its title, the lead single, and even the B-side. Tensions were definitely high, as everyone had their own ideas and preferences.

I, myself, couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension for Queen. It was a defining moment for them, and the decisions made that day would shape the trajectory of their musical journey. Conversations regarding the subject beforehand proved that there was already a clash of opinions when it came to the lead single.

Freddie, true to his audacious nature, firmly believed in the power of "Bohemian Rhapsody" as the album's opening statement. It was a bold and unconventional choice, pushing the boundaries of what a single should be. I admired Freddie's conviction, but I also recognised the validity of Reid's counteractive perspective.

John Reid had always had a more commercial mindset, despite taking on Queen because of their uniqueness. He theorised that EMI would want Deacy's song "You're My Best Friend" to take the lead. It was a safer, more radio-friendly option that could potentially secure Queen broader appeal.

There hadn't been many lead singles from rock bands that pushed near the six-minute mark. Zeppelin was notorious for their lengthy singles, minus "Immigrant Song." "Whole Lotta Love" was a hit, but was, for a lack of a better term, long as fuck.

It really was just down to the negotiation tactics that Freddie would employ. And we all know that Freddie Mercury didn't back down from a fight.

Even just as we were about to enter the room to meet with Holzman, the tension was palpable. But as I kept glancing over at Freddie's unwavering determination, I knew he wouldn't back down from this fight more than anything. He believed in "Bo Rhap" as a masterpiece that deserved to be in the spotlight.