Famous People Who Can’t Stand Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury’s vibrant persona and unparalleled talent have cemented him as a rock legend. His dramatic flair and iconic performances, such as his electrifying set at Live Aid, have earned him a lasting place in music history. The 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody only reinforced the adoration for Mercury, showing a new generation why he remains a beloved figure.

Despite his widespread acclaim, not everyone has been a fan of Mercury or Queen. In fact, some prominent musicians and critics have voiced their disdain for the band and its flamboyant frontman. Their criticisms reveal a side of Mercury’s legacy that contrasts sharply with his public adulation.

Curious to know who’s had a bone to pick with Mercury? Let’s dive into the world of dissenting voices and explore why certain influential figures took issue with one of rock’s most celebrated icons.

Sid Vicious of Sex Pistols

Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols had little love for Freddie Mercury or Queen. Punk rock, with its rawness and authenticity, starkly opposed the grand theatrics of Queen’s stadium rock. To Vicious, Mercury’s flamboyant style was a symbol of everything punk sought to reject.

In a 1977 BBC Radio One interview, Vicious didn’t mince words. “I saw Freddie Mercury in the flesh,” he said. “Pictures can’t convey how revolting that bloke is. He’s absolutely hideous, he’s like an old Turk. He’s got a great big blue shadow that comes right up to under his eyes. And this disgusting voice.”

The hostility extended beyond words. During a recording session at Wessex Sound Studios, Vicious sarcastically mocked Mercury’s ballet interest. This led Mercury to dub him “Simon Ferocious” before physically throwing him out of the studio.

Robert Smith of The Cure

Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure, has never hidden his dislike for Freddie Mercury. Known for his candid and often critical stance in interviews, Smith is quick to voice his displeasure with cultural phenomena he doesn’t appreciate.

In 2004, while The Cure enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to a new wave of indie bands citing their influence, Smith found himself unimpressed by a resurgence of Queen-inspired theatrics. As bands like The Darkness gained fame with their dramatic rock style, Smith was openly critical.

When Rolling Stone asked about The Darkness, Smith didn’t hold back. “I never liked Queen. I can honestly say I hated Queen and everything that they did,” he stated. “To have that rehashed and reheated for a second time around is pretty weird. So, no, I don’t like The Darkness at all. I think they’re a comedy band.”

Music Critic Dave Marsh

Freddie Mercury is widely celebrated as one of rock’s greatest frontmen, known for his charisma and electric stage presence. Yet, not all critics were impressed by his performances. In 1977, legendary journalist Lester Bangs called Queen’s Madison Square Garden shows “‘Fantasia’ for dodos and 14-year-olds,” while John Swenson labeled the band as “the most pretentious metal band extant” in The Village Voice.

The criticism escalated with Dave Marsh, a protégé of Bangs. In 1979, Marsh’s Rolling Stone review of Queen’s album Jazz was particularly scathing. He described the album as a “dull pastiche” and criticized Mercury’s “throat-scratching vocals,” suggesting that songs like “We Will Rock You” made Queen “the first truly fascist rock band.” Marsh’s harsh remarks reflected a deep-seated disdain for both Mercury and Queen’s musical approach.

These critical voices highlight that even at the height of Mercury’s career, not all reactions were positive. While he captivated many, some of America’s top critics remained unimpressed, questioning the appeal and impact of his performances.

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Steve Walsh of Kansas

Kansas, formed in 1970, was on the scene around the same time as Queen. While Queen broke into the mainstream earlier, Kansas only made their big splash in 1976 with their third album. Before their breakthrough, they established themselves with frequent live shows and often shared stages with Queen, whose success had preceded theirs.

In a 2003 interview with Get Ready To Rock, Kansas vocalist Steve Walsh reflected on those early days. He spoke positively about the experience, noting that “Queen and Mott The Hoople were fantastic. Real nice people.” However, Walsh did not hold back when discussing Freddie Mercury, calling him “an a**hole” and describing him as “a prima donna” with an ego that exceeded his talent.

Walsh’s comments illustrate a stark contrast between his respect for other artists and his disdain for Mercury. While he appreciated the camaraderie with some of rock’s biggest names, his harsh critique of Mercury underscores the less favorable impressions that some musicians had of the Queen frontman.

Radio DJ Kenny Everett 

Kenny Everett, a prominent British Capital Radio DJ, played a crucial role in launching Queen’s iconic song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Despite concerns from Queen’s record label about the track’s nearly six-minute length, Everett received an advance copy. He enthusiastically promoted the song, teasing it to listeners and playing it 14 times over two days, which helped build anticipation for its release.

Everett and Freddie Mercury were close friends and enjoyed London’s vibrant gay scene together. However, their relationship soured in 1986 when tabloid exposés revealed Mercury’s private life, including his sexuality and cocaine use. Everett, also a cocaine user, had a falling out with Mercury over the drug, leading to a strained friendship.

According to Mercury’s former lover Jim Hutton, “They never made up… if we’d see him out and about around the gay clubs, they never spoke.” The claim in Freddie Mercury: The Definitive Biography that Everett was present at Mercury’s bedside during his final days was reportedly fabricated, underscoring the depth of their estrangement.

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