These two pieces of paper were taken from Freddie Mercury’s notepad which contained handwritten lyrics and notations to various songs from Queen’s 1974 album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’. Freddie has written a list of contacts in blue ballpoint pen, the details of which are below.
Jack – 458 4831 / 734 9907
Ronnie – EMI 486 448 / 286 9193
Roy 310 8949
Pat 828 1510 / Work 937 5782
The reverse side on the of the sheet has the lyrics ‘Big time money money’ from the song ‘Flick Of The Wrist’ written in Freddie’s hand in blue ballpoint pen.
The second sheet has a few working lyrics from the song ‘Bring Back That Leroy Brown’ written in Freddie’s hand in blue ballpoint pen.
Sheer Heart Attack was recorded between July and September 1974 and was the band's last outing with Trident. The band had to abandon their American tour in support of Mott the Hoople when Brian May fell sick with hepatitis but were desperate not to lose the momentum that was now unmistakably building behind Queen: they played their last gig on the tour on 11 May and were in the studio two months later. Brian May was still in hospital recuperating when work on the album began and missed most of the early recording sessions. To compound matters, Brian suffered yet another setback when he was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer. In that challenging environment, despite these conditions, the album shows the band’s, and especially Freddie's, growing confidence as songwriters. ‘The album is very varied, we took it to extremes I suppose, but we are very interested in studio techniques and wanted to use what was available’ (Freddie Mercury, interviewed in Melody Maker, November 1974).
To compound matters, Trident Productions, Queen’s management firm, put the band on a stipend that barely covered daily costs in an effort to recoup their investment for sprawling studio costs. That wouldn’t take long. Sheer Heart Attack was released in November 1974, and following on the success of 'Killer Queen' it marked a breakthrough for Queen, reaching No. 2 in the UK album charts and also making a positive impact on the American charts. Queen were well on their way to superstardom.
The notebook and other items were previously sold as part of lot 136 from the Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own, On Stage sale held at Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London on the 7th September. This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity on Tracks Ltd. letterhead stating the above.
The notepaper measures 13.5cm x 17.75cm (5.25 inches x 7 inches). Fine condition, no notable flaws.