In the spring of 1975, I had heard through the grapevine that Queen were looking for new management and I convinced Peter Grant that if we put together a joint proposal for them, it would be very strong.
Even though 10cc’s music was second to none, one of my frustrations was that they were never a really visual band. Peter and I foresaw potential conflicts with the bands we already managed, but agreed to share the load so we could quash any repercussions from our acts.
So Peter Grant, Jim Beach (their lawyer), myself and all the members of Queen, had a meeting in London later that year and put it to them that we should co-manage Queen. From our point of view it felt like a fait accompli because Peter managed Led Zeppelin, the biggest band in the world who were outgrossing everyone in the U.S.A. while at the same time 10cc were massive in Europe and the rest of the world too.
As part of the courtship, I arranged to get Roger Taylor some really good tickets for Wimbledon (I think the Connors vs Ashe final). The role reversal was strange because we were auditioned by the band.
In the event they chose to go with John Reid who they would later part ways with after three years to replace him with Jim Beach, but I suppose he’s proven his worth as he is still their manager to this day.
I sometimes wonder whether they had any regrets . . . I certainly did.
The only further dealings we had with Queen was when we promoted the band at Maine Road in Manchester on 16th July 1986, although I did see Roger Taylor at the Paul McCartney concert at Kings Dock on 1st June 2003 (advertised as his last tour). He was sitting in front of me when he turned around to ask me if I had any more Wimbledon tickets . . . which shows he’s got a good sense of humour!
Q: Did 10cc influence Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”?
It has long been rumored that “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a bit of a rip off of 10cc’s “One Night In Paris” which was released about a year before BR. When 10cc released the album ‘The Original Soundtrack’ it opened with One Night In Paris which was intended to present a movie in song form. As a song its story line is funny, tragic and, unlike BR, coherent. There is no definitive proof that ol’ Freddy was guilty of a little bit of thievery here, but if you listen to the song you have to admit suspicion is not unreasonable . . . David Durham (Quora).
Graham Gouldman: “Queen heard 10cc Rock Opera Before Writing Bohemian Rhapsody”
The Original Soundtrack was released in March 1975 and featured “Une Nuit A Paris” . . . and “I’m Not In Love” a U.K. No.1 in June 1975.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was released on 31 October 1975 and stayed at No.1 in the U.K. for 9 weeks . . . into 1976.