David Evans (3) (1947–)

De nomes famosos – incluindo Elton John, Kenny Everett, Elizabeth Taylor e Rod Stewart – ao vago exército de amantes, mediadores e interesseiros, Peter Freestone viu todos eles fazerem parte da tragicomédia que foi a vida fora do comum de Freddie Mercury. Peter Freestone, autor desta obra, foi o assistente pessoal de Freddie Mercury nos últimos 12 anos de sua vida. Viveu com Mercury em Londres, Munique e Nova York e esteve com o cantor quando ele morreu. “Fui faz-tudo, garçom, mordomo, criado pessoal, secretário, camareiro... e conselheiro sentimental de Freddie. Eu viajava pelo mundo com ele, estive presente nos altos e baixos. Agi como seu guarda-costas quando foi necessário e, no final, é claro, fui um de seus enfermeiros”, diz Freestone. Aqui está o relato mais íntimo da vida de Mercury já escrito e a verdade por trás dos boatos sobre a sua vida.… (más)

Finally got around to reading 'Phoebe's memoir of Freddie - not disinterested, just apprehensive! Peter Freestone - Freddie gave all his friends female nicknames, and Peter's was Phoebe - was a close friend and employee ('chief cook and bottle washer', or personal assistant) of the singer's for twelve years, sharing his house and looking after him right up until Freddie's death in 1991. I wasn't afraid that Peter would say anything negative, although he is honest, but I wondered how much Freddie would really have wanted him to reveal, and that's what took me so long to actually download a copy of his book. I wasn't disappointed, and I don't think Freddie would have been either.

There is a ton of trivia here for fans of Freddie, from the food he liked to eat and the cologne he wore, to the antiques and art he collected and the singers and actresses he admired. Everything down to the 'ordinary' daily routine of this extraordinary man while living at Garden Lodge. Phoebe even tries to psychoanalyse his 'complex' friend, but is only really giving his opinion, however well he knew Freddie and no matter how beautifully he expresses himself in some cases ('He loved people, sure, but each person received a different facet of the total love he bore. No one person exclusively received that total love. Ever.')

The narrative jumps back and forth a bit, covering the same memories in different chapters, but ultimately giving a sense of what Freddie was lke - generous, lively, funny, if a little spoiled and strong-willed on occasion! Freddie didn't spend much time with his bandmates away from the studio or when not touring, so Brian, Roger and John don't feature over much, and Peter is also fair to those who were part of Freddie's inner circle - Mary Austin and even Paul Prenter - which I actually respect him for.

A heartwarming memoir with a final heartwrenching goodbye: “Everything’s fine,” I said. “Just as you’d like it, like always. And we’re fine too. We’re coping. Don’t worry about us. If you feel it’s time to go, we’re behind you all the way. Don’t worry about us. Don’t feel you’re leaving us. Everything’s fine.”… (más)

Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult
By Scott Michaels and David Evans
Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Limited
Published In: London, UK
Date: May 25th, 2002
Pgs: 361

Summary:
A behind the scenes look at the musical and film that after being a hit musical in London spawned a cult following after flopping at the box office. Made up largely of interviews with cast members and designers, this is a wonderful look back at the days when Rocky ruled.

Genre:
nonfiction

Why this book:
I have loved Rocky Horror since the first time I saw those red lips appear on the screen at a midnight movie at Northtown Mall in Dallas, TX.

This Story is About:
As to the musical/film, being yourself regardless of who you are and what people may think of that person. As to this book, make sure your agent isn’t the same as the agent representing everyone else involved in the production. Scott Michaels and I differ on this point. He states in the text that the show is about stardom; dictators, both good and evil; sin; and repentance. But, we agree on the idea that when Hollywood gets involved it’s “about the conflict between the libertine and the latter-day saint, the free thinker and the fundamentalist.”

Credibility:
The pacing of the movie sweeps you along and while you may identify with character along the way. It’s more in hindsight that you truly appreciate the movie for what it is. The book gets bogged down in minutiae with some of the Transylvanians, but by and large is a great read. The author’s tone lends to the credibility of the piece. He seems to come to the piece from a place of love for the original art and therefore treats it with respect even in instances where the people who were actually there cold shoulder him or let their animosities toward other cast and crew members show through.

Favorite Character:
The main character in this book is the entity known as The Rocky Horror Picture Show in whatever form she/he may be.

Least Favorite Character:
From the way he seems to be presented, Lou Adler. Not laying the fault for all the troubles at his feet, but the money seems to be an issue for all those involved. Money is the root of all evil. A root deeper than whatever hid in the psyche of our friend Frank N Furter.

Character I Most Identified With:
Barry Bostwick from his interview seems to be the most at ease with his Rocky Horror self. He’s not happy about the tons of merchandising and movie money that somehow didn’t trickle down to the players, but he respects the fans and still seems to love the piece.

The Feel:
It’s left me sad really. The people not liking each other very much. The walls between them. Tim Curry seemingly ashamed of it when it was such an incredible performance, legendary even.

Favorite Scene:
When one of the Transylvanians tells the story of when Meatloaf had to ride the motorcycle up the ramp on one side of the laboratory and then down the other. And, apparently, Meatloaf wasn’t very much of a motorcycle rider in those days. That would have been some awesome behind the scene footage.

Settings:
N/A

Pacing:
It’s well paced. The interviews are edited, not to bite size, but, to a manageable size.

Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A

Last Page Sound:
N/A

Author Assessment:
I would consider other things written by this author.

Editorial Assessment:
Nothing seems out of place here. Well done.

Disposition of Book:
I’m conflicted on this one. I doubt I’ll ever want to re-read it. But, this is a look at the inner workings of one of my favorite films ever. :/ This requires more thought.

Why isn’t there a screenplay?
N/A

Casting call:
N/A

Would recommend to:
Other aficionados of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But as I stated previously, be prepared to be saddened by the ways that many of them view each other nowadays.… (más)