nypost.com
01.06.2023 / 18:29
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Freddie Mercury’s notes reveal ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ almost had different name
Queen’s famous 1975 hit, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” was almost named “Mongolian Rhapsody” when frontman Freddie Mercury first wrote it.The inside intel comes from a new auction exhibition at Sotheby’s Auction House in London, “Freddie Mercury: A World of His Own,” which shows some of his private collection and belongings.Some of Mercury’s songwriting drafts will be on display, including a draft of “Bohemian Rhapsody” scribbled on a piece of stationery from the now-defunct airline, British Midland Airways.The draft spans 15 pages and appears that he crossed out the word “Mongolian” and replaced it with the lyrics “Bohemian Rhapsody,” written in black and blue ballpoint pen and pencil.On the pieces of paper, it also shows that he changed the lyrics of the nearly six-minute-long song’s famous second verse – initially reading, “Mama, there’s a war began, I’ve got to leave tonight.”The final version of the song’s lyrics read, “Mama, just killed a man.”The Post reached out to Sotheby’s for further comment.The manuscript of “Bohemian Rhapsody” is estimated to be auctioned between $100,000 and $150,000,000.Mercury was the lead singer in the popular band “Queen,” and was also their songwriter.He wrote and composed many hits, including “Love of My Life,” “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon” and “Seaside Rendezvous.”The talented artist died on November 24, 1991, after a battle with AIDS – just one day after he announced his diagnosis publicly, according to the band’s website.The song “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a clear chart-topper, and has been sold or streamed more than 10 million times in the United States, according to People.During a rare 1982 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mercury spoke more about his musical process and artistic
