Why a Llama Stopped Freddie Mercury from Finishing Duets with Michael Jackson

Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson’s Unfinished Duets: Blame it on the Llama

In the world of music legends, the late Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson stand out as truly iconic figures. These two remarkable artists had fans worldwide eagerly anticipating a collaboration that could have been magical. However, as fate would have it, their joint musical venture was left unfinished, all thanks to an unexpected guest in the studio – a llama.

Back in 1983, Queen went on hiatus, allowing Freddie Mercury, known for hits like “We Will Rock You,” to explore his solo career. It was during this time that he connected with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who was equally revered for his incredible talent. The mutual admiration these musicians had for each other sparked the idea of working together on a few tracks.

Their collaboration led them to Jackson’s studio in Encino, California, where they began working on three songs – “Victory,” “State of Shock,” and “There Must Be More to Life Than This.” However, despite their enthusiasm and creative synergy, none of these tracks ever made it to Mercury’s 1985 solo album, “Mr. Bad Guy.”

Jo Burt, who played bass on “Mr. Bad Guy,” shed some light on the unexpected turn of events that halted the collaboration. He revealed that the breaking point came when Jackson brought his pet llama into the studio, a move that Mercury found off-putting. In a humorous twist of events, Mercury turned to Queen’s manager, Jim “Miami” Beach, to rescue him from the unusual studio situation involving a llama.

Mercury’s solo album, “Mr. Bad Guy,” represented a significant step towards creative independence for the legendary artist. Prior to this release, Mercury had dabbled in solo ventures under the pseudonym Larry Lurex and had contributed to the soundtrack of “Metropolis” in 1984. The desire for autonomy and artistic control was paramount for Mercury during this phase of his career.

While “Mr. Bad Guy” remains as Mercury’s only solo album, his musical legacy continued to evolve. In 1988, he collaborated with opera singer Montserrat Caballé on the album “Barcelona,” showcasing a different facet of his artistry. The track “There Must Be More to Life Than This,” co-created with Jackson, eventually found its place in the 2014 compilation album “Queen Forever,” giving fans a glimpse of the musical chemistry between the two icons.

The story of Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson’s unfinished duets serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the music industry. Despite their undeniable talent and shared enthusiasm, external factors such as a llama in the studio could alter the course of a promising collaboration. However, their individual legacies endure, inspiring generations of music lovers and aspiring artists worldwide.

In the realm of music history, the tale of the llama that disrupted the musical harmony between Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue to the lore of these two timeless artists. Their unrealized duets may remain a poignant “what could have been,” but their enduring impact on the world of music is an undeniable testament to their remarkable talents.