Encounter

Part 2: Hair, Nose & Teeth

The arguing in the studio never stops. Sometimes their voices and clashes can be heard on the street through the blaring of horns, even though the studio rooms were soundproofed.

"Calm down boys, what seems to be the trouble now" Miami sighed as he entered and laid his attache case on the desk and proceeded to take off his jacket.

Why can't life be simple he thought, always complications. Last week, I even heard them argue about the air they breathed.

"I simply don't know why Brian has his knickers in such a twist all the time" Freddie said

"Fred, it's an absolute honor to play at Buckingham Palace, and we must do it" said Brian.

Miami loosened his tie as he sat down and listened to the arguments ensuing, knowing full well he had better make himself comfortable before acting as referee.

John plucked away on his bass, not voicing an opinion and Roger fiddled with his "sticks" while Freddie and Brian volleyed back and forth with their pros and cons of playing at the Palace.

"BOYS! finally shouted their manager, "IF YOU ARE ASKED TO PLAY AT BUCKINGHAM, IT IS AN UNSPOKEN COMMAND, AND YOU WILL DO IT"

Freddie kicked a wastepaper basket and Brian continued restringing his Red Special with a smirk on his face.

"BRIAN, I'm this close to wiping that smile off of your face" yelled Freddie.

"All right, enough, lads. I already received the honor from the palace, instructions and what must take place. It's not just you, but Elton and Rod Stewart as well. You have 5 weeks to prepare so make a set list. The function is for a state visit from some of the reining countries in the kingdom and in particular The Grand Duchy Of Luxenbourg, that is being honored by the Queen. Now this is what I know. The Grand Ballroom holds approximately 800 people. Small by our standards, but these 800 are some of the most important and influential people in the world, all clamoring to hear Queen staring "Hair, Nose and Teeth." You best be on your most pristine behavior, got it?" Miami said with relish, inwardly chuckling on an inside joke.

"You know I'm getting kind of sick of touring, recording albums and concerts, I'm getting tired of it all I need a rest." Freddie said

" What are you saying Freddie?" with a narrowing of his eyes.

" Darling, I'm simply saying that I'm tired. Physically and mentally tired! I think when we're all finished with this performance we should all take a vacation, a holiday, a long rest, separately. We can marshal our energy again and direct it towards our creative juices. It's been long overdue and by God we need it." Freddie announced.

Actually, he thought, he needed to get away from the band. He loved them all dearly but sometimes one simply must have time and space for oneself.

"Lads, I think it would be beneficial for you all to meet with the other two and discuss setlists and whatnot, don't you think. Make sure you're all on the same page?" Miami said.

"That's a good idea" said John, 'I haven't seen Elton in quite a while, he's always fun."

"John, you have a weird sense of humor" Roger quipped, to that Brian threw a bag of chips at him.

"Thanks, Bri, I was getting at little peckish" Roger said as he grinned at him opening the bag.

"Okay boys, got to go back to the office, play nice!" Maimi said as he left.

Freddie walked over with a big smile, clapped his hands and said, "You know it's a great idea. Let's get together with them, we'll have a cracking time."