❉ A celebration of the unique legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen, raising funds for The Mercury Phoenix Trust.
OUT NOW! ‘In the Lap of the Gods: Queen & Freddie Mercury: Music and Memories’, edited by David Geldard and Jay Gent for Cult Ink.
A celebration of the unique legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen, in the words of friends and colleagues of the band such as Freddie’s close friend Peter Straker, official Queen biographer Jim Jenkins; Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s personal assistant; Clayton Moss, guitarist and songwriter with The Cross; Eddie Howell, the ‘Man From Manhattan’; and Ray Burdis, who produced The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for TV broadcast – as well the fans themselves, of course.
In The Lap Of The Gods is rich mosaic of memories, tributes, and essays that captures Queen’s enduring influence, framed by the warm recollections of singer Peter Straker—close friend and collaborator of Freddie Mercury—and a deeply personal essay by editor David Geldard. The book gathers an eclectic mix of stories from those who knew the band professionally, encountered them as devoted fans, or simply connected to Queen through their music. From early performances at Hornsey Town Hall to iconic shows at Hyde Park, The Rainbow, Hammersmith Odeon, and Wembley Stadium, Queen’s legacy resonates deeply in these pages.
Geldard enriches the book with insightful interviews. Peter “Phoebe” Freestone, Mercury’s longtime assistant, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Freddie’s life. Doug Bogie, who briefly preceded John Deacon as bassist, shares his memories, while Eddie Howell recalls Queen’s rare collaboration on his 1976 single Man From Manhattan. Other contributors include Clayton Moss of Roger Taylor’s The Cross, Jeff Scott Soto—who performed with Queen at their Hollywood Walk of Fame event—and filmmaker Ray Burdis, who helped bring the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert to TV.
The book also features a unique track-by-track commentary by Tim Staffell on the Smile album and draws on the expertise of Jim Jenkins, a long-time superfan and co-author of Queen: As It Began, the band’s only authorized biography. Jenkins contributes two pieces: one recounting five unforgettable gigs and another reflecting on his personal journey with Queen, complete with character sketches of each member and their lasting legacy.
Fans from around the world offer their own reflections. Alan G. Parker, now a music documentary filmmaker, reminisces about his lifelong love for News Of The World. Three Glaswegian fans describe how ‘80s Queen media sparked a fandom that led to their lockdown podcast In the Lap of the Pods. Club promoter Martin Green recounts rediscovering the band during the Britpop era, and Paul Webb shares his memory of witnessing the filming of the Friends Will Be Friends video at close quarters. Tales also emerge from fans in Malaysia, Spain, and Greece, illustrating Queen’s global reach—even before the internet age.
The anthology also dives into Queen’s eclecticism. Richard Hearn’s essay, Queen – A Covers Band, explores how their album artwork reflects the band’s shifting artistic identity, from the operatic grandeur of the ’70s to the cinematic finality of Made in Heaven. Essays by Don Klees and Ken Shinn examine Queen’s bold contributions to cult classics like Flash Gordon and Highlander, highlighting their campy theatricality and science-fiction flair. Academic Sam R.M. Geden’s account of how Brian May’s sci-fi ballad ‘39 sparked a dissertation film and a chance encounter with May at a Science Museum talk—blending Queen’s cosmic imagination with real-world science.
In The Lap Of The Gods also highlights how Queen fans have united to support AIDS/HIV charities and other causes through fundraising events. Editor David Geldard shares his bond with Queen biographer Jim Jenkins, formed during a Queen-themed fundraiser for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. The book includes stories like Denise Silcock’s charity parties in Freddie Mercury’s name and reflections on the impact of the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. Many testimonials were gathered through these fan networks. Continuing that legacy, all book profits are donated to The Mercury Phoenix Trust to support the fight against AIDS worldwide.
Contributor Shirley Dyson says, “This is such an exciting project and a wonderful opportunity to support the Mercury Phoenix Trust. Queen brought so many of us together in a friendship that still lasts to this day which is some achievement, with so many memories to share!”
David and I truly hope you enjoy the final result as much as we’ve enjoyed working on it and hope you find it was worth the wait!
❉ ‘In The Lap Of The Gods’ is edited by David Geldard and Jay Gent for Cult Ink. Illustrations by Jim Sangster. All profits from this book go toward supporting the work of The Mercury Phoenix Trust. The book is available to order in paperback from Amazon UK, £12.99: https://amzn.to/3XkP2bZ(If you’re not based in the UK, it will be available from most Amazon marketplaces in the next 3-5 days, priced in the local currency.)
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