Queen legend Freddie Mercury's six-word question before making sweet gesture to music icon
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, once posed a "darling" six-word question to another music superstar before making a thoughtful gesture at a party in Japan. Gary Numan, the electro pioneer behind hits like 'Are 'Friends' Electric?' and 'Cars', shared a touching anecdote about Freddie's kindness when they crossed paths in Tokyo.
The 67-year-old Tubeway Army frontman described how the iconic rock band threw a "big party" at a sushi restaurant following their concert. However, there was one hitch for Gary: he didn't care for the Japanese speciality.
But this didn't go unnoticed by the considerate Freddie, who approached Gary to check on him. This led to a brief conversation between the two musicians and the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' star making a food-related gesture.
Speaking to Tom Parker-Bowles for the Mail's You Magazine, Gary said: "I once went to see Queen play in Tokyo, and afterwards they had a big party at a sushi restaurant. Everyone's sitting down and eating, save me. I don't like sushi."
He continued: " Freddie Mercury comes over and says, 'Darling, why are you not eating?' I say I'm perfectly all right, and just so happy to be here at this cool evening. Freddie then organised his security man to go out and pick up a McDonald's."
Summing up his story, Gary added that he proceeded to eat his McDonald's in the Tokyo sushi restaurant, "ordered by Freddie Mercury", and it would be the last thing he "ever ate in Japan".
Freddie, who sadly died on November 24, 1991, aged 45, was reportedly a fan of good food, although it's said that he didn't greatly enjoy indulging in it.
Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, now part of Tanzania, to Parsi-Indian parents, Freddie retained a lifelong affection for Parsi dishes, as reported by Far Out Magazine. His favourite was chicken dhansak, a classic Parsi recipe combining lentils, vegetables, and typically goat or chicken.
In a heartwarming revelation from 2019, it was discovered that Freddie's spirit of giving lived on through his will, which instructed that a festive hamper from Fortnum and Mason be sent annually to his close friends and godchildren, with the bill charged to his estate.
"We do think it's a lovely gesture," said a spokesperson for the store to MailOnline, "Which has been known to happen on occasion."
Elton John has also spoken about Freddie's incredible generosity, recalling how he received a watercolour painting wrapped in a "beautiful pillowcase" from the ailing star.
He added: "It was really moving. He was dying and he still thought of his friends. I still have it on its easel and I still have the pillowcase next to my bed.
"That is the type of person he was. He was so so full of love and life."
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