Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury: The Story of a Lost Collaboration
In the annals of music history, few potential pairings seem as legendary as that of Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury. Long before they attempted to record together, Jackson was a dedicated admirer of Queen, frequently attending their concerts at The Forum between 1977 and 1982. This mutual respect eventually led to a proposal from Jackson to collaborate on three songs, an offer that Mercury enthusiastically accepted.
The Clash of Personalities
While both artists were titans of the stage, their working styles proved to be fundamentally incompatible. As they began recording, friction developed over their differing personalities and personal habits. One of the primary points of contention was Jackson's desire to have his pets present during professional recording sessions.
Accounts of which animal caused the most friction vary. Manager Jim Beach recalls Mercury asking to be rescued from a session because he was "recording with a llama," referring to Jackson's llama, Louie. Conversely, author David Wigg suggests it was Bubbles the chimpanzee who caused the rift. According to Wigg, Jackson would place Bubbles between himself and Mercury, seeking the chimp's artistic opinion between takes. This eventually led to an outburst from Mercury, who refused to perform with a chimpanzee by his side.
The tension was not one-sided. Jackson was reportedly deeply uncomfortable with Mercury's recreational drug use. The collaboration reached a breaking point after Jackson witnessed Mercury using cocaine, prompting Mercury to return to London shortly thereafter.
Logistical Hurdles and Unfinished Tracks
Beyond the personal conflicts, the two superstars struggled with the simple reality of their global fame. In his biography, Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury, Mercury noted that while they had three tracks "in the can," they were never completed due to scheduling conflicts. Being among the busiest artists in the world, they rarely found themselves in the same country long enough to finalize the recordings.
The legacy of these sessions lives on through the rights to the songs. Mercury secured the rights to "There Must Be More to Life Than This," which later appeared on the album Mr. Bad Guy. The remaining two tracks, "State of Shock" and "Victory," remain under the control of the Michael Jackson estate.
Key Facts
- Collaboration Scope: The duo intended to record three songs together.
- Conflict Points: Tensions arose over Jackson's pets (Louie the llama and Bubbles the chimp) and Mercury's drug use.
- Logistical Issues: Conflicting schedules and geographic distance prevented the songs from being finished.
- Song Titles: The three tracks were "There Must Be More to Life Than This," "State of Shock," and "Victory."
| Song Title | Current Rights Holder | Status |
|---|---|---|
| There Must Be More to Life Than This | Freddie Mercury | Released on Mr. Bad Guy |
| State of Shock | Michael Jackson Estate | Unfinished |
| Victory | Michael Jackson Estate | Unfinished |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury stop working together?
The collaboration ended due to a combination of personality clashes—specifically regarding Jackson's pets in the studio and Mercury's drug use—as well as severe scheduling conflicts.
Which pets were involved in the recording sessions?
Sources conflict on this point; some mention Louie the llama, while others describe Bubbles the chimpanzee sitting between the two artists during takes.
How many songs did they attempt to record?
They worked on three songs in total.
What happened to the songs they recorded?
"There Must Be More to Life Than This" was secured by Mercury and included on Mr. Bad Guy, while "State of Shock" and "Victory" are controlled by the Michael Jackson estate.
Did they ever perform together live?
The provided records indicate they collaborated in the studio, but there is no mention of a completed live performance together.