Queen

[abbey]

This is in direct response to what Valis said. I also am interested in discussing the possibility that Freddy's death was NO accident ! I have some research to do, so I will leave it at that.

[valis]

I'm still working on my theory but I just found this on www.brianmay.com How neat

**Thu 02 Dec 04**
WATER RATS COMPILATION

As a proud Brother Rat, in the Grand Order of Water Rats, I'm happy to inform you all that a compilation CD is now available for sale. It features my own "Driven by You" and a fabulous collection assembled by Gordon Giltrap of tracks donated by various RATS !!!

RATS ! RATS !! RATS !!!

BUY BUY BUY !!!!

Bri

---

Sorry, an explanation needed.


The Grand Order of Water Rats are an ancient and originaly secret brotherhood (well, they go back to the 1920's or so) of men, originally exclusively from the world of "Music Hall" - a very English form of entertainment which has now almost ceased to exist. This society was formed originally to care for its elder statesmen who were often without any means of support, but became supportive of many charities over the years, particularly to do with Children. The society has more recently become a little more diverse in its membership, which is by internal nomination and vote only. So now there are Rats from Sport, Pop and Rock, the acting profession, and occasionally from other walks of life.

Some years ago I became friendly with some of the musical Rats, really through Anita's involvement. Dec Clusky and Bert Weedon proposed me as a member and I was voted in ... at that time one of the first "rock" people to be admitted. It's something I'm proud of, and I try to do my bit for the Rats and their charitable works. \Other activities are regular meetings to tell jokes, have a drink and a chat, and various functions throughout the year, including Ladies Night, which is a large ball open to guests, and this is where I played last week. There is a corresponding and affiliated society for Ladies, known as the Lady Ratlings, and they also do great things for charity. There are still some aspects of the Rats Brotherhood which remain secret, including the induction ceremony. It's good to know there's still a little mystery in the world !

Cheers
Brian

www.gowr.net

[abbey]

Very interesting !

[khamira]

Though my post comes pretty late, I bet it doesnt bear a lack of interest. Browsed and found recently some ppls opinion that Freddies death cause wasnt AIDS, but a murder. Planned by the other 3 members of the band for they were overwhelmed and shadowed by his personality. I find it a little childish this variant, but yet likely. After all many celebrities are in a better world due to this fact.

[silverhammer]

khamira said:

Though my post comes pretty late, I bet it doesnt bear a lack of interest. Browsed and found recently some ppls opinion that Freddies death cause wasnt AIDS, but a murder. Planned by the other 3 members of the band for they were overwhelmed and shadowed by his personality. I find it a little childish this variant, but yet likely. After all many celebrities are in a better world due to this fact.

As Freddie sang it: It's late, it's late, it's late but not too late...
This seems both childish and unlikely. I'm no medical genius but this guy definitely had AIDS. Ever seen the video of "Those were the days of our lives"? Says it all. Since 1986 Freddie didn't want to tour anymore (or wild cocaine parties) because of his physical condition and from then on deteriorated and made fewer and fewer public appearances.
And think about it: Brian May having someone killed? ;D That guy is so nice he wouldn't even kill a fly if you'd ask me.
The only "murder" theory that would make just a little sense would include his partner-till-death from 1985, Jim Hutton, in a "Kiss before dying"-fashion. "Yeah, let's find this rich gay guy, make sure he gets hiv - which he would have gotten anyhow due to his lifestyle - and then stay (madly in love) with him until he dies, so I'll get the money! (although most of it went to Mary Austin) Surely a long-term investment.
By the way, Hutton wrote a really touching book called "Mercury and Me", it is gut-wripping to read about Freddies last hours (at least to me, being a major Queen fan).

[mands79]

i dont buy that freddie was murdered he clearly had AIDS especally in the videos leading up to the end of his life