1972

one

20th November 1972.
It was a cold Wednesday night in London. Christopher and I did our usual as we stepped into his car and drove to Marquee, the pub we used to visit almost every week.

I was wearing simple jeans and a top, as I knew we would drink and smoke rather than go out on a date.

We made our way inside and headed to the bar to order our usuals: a beer for me and a pink lady for Chris.

All of a sudden, we both turned our heads back to the small stage behind us, and we heard someone speaking through a mic.

"Hello, you beautiful people," said the voice.

"Ehm, yes, hello, everyone. This was Freddie Mercury, our lead singer, John Deacon, our bass player, myself, Brian May, and Drummer Roger Taylor, " said another voice.

I looked over at Chris with a confused look, "I didn't know a band was playing tonight. Do I know them?"

"I think they're named Queen or something; I saw outside on a poster but never heard of them."

So, Queen, I thought. I didn't know much About band names, but I liked how this one sounded. A strum of a guitar was heard, and the show had begun.
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked it, but when the vocals started, my ears picked up.

I was told a million times
Of all the troubles in my way
Mind you grow a little wiser
Little better every day

I didn't realize it, but I happened to really enjoy what I heard, so I noticed myself getting up from the bar stool and heading off closer to the stage.

"Where to ?" Chris shouted through the music.

"Just here, common!" I shouted back and saw as he followed quickly behind me

Now they say your folks are telling you
Be a super star
But I tell you just be satisfied
Stay right where you are
Keep yourself alive, yeah
Keep yourself alive
Ooh, it'll take you all your time and money
Honey you'll survive

I observed every move the singer had made. He was just fabulous!

I felt Chris coming behind me, wrapping his hands around my wait and moving with me to the beat.

Moving my gaze to the side of the stage, I saw the guitarist, full of big curls. He was so concentrated on his riffs that he barely looked at the audience. The bassist, I believe, was on the other side of the stage. He looked a bit shy but smiled and played his thing. I liked it.
The back of the stage. I wasn't as close, but I could still get a glimpse of who was playing there. It was the drummer. With long hair and an open bottom-up, I couldn't see the rest of him.

They were good.
"They are so good, don't you think ?" I asked Chris. He nodded in response and continued enjoying himself.

I was about to tell him we should go closer, but he interrupted me. "Be right back; I'm going for the loo. " As he walked away, I decided I'd go closer, and boy, was I right because, from that moment, I could see every pick the curly guitarist made on the strings and every key the singer pressed on the piano. Still better, I could finally see who that drummer was.
He looked so proud of his drumming that I could see his smile. His long blond hair reached almost to his chest. He was hitting those drums like his life depended on them—in a good way. It's like I couldn't take my eyes off him.

"Hey ! Sorry it took so long. I just couldn't find you. Why did you go so close?" Chris shouted through the loud music.

"Ohh, you scared the shit out of me." I looked at him as he reached for my waist again.