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Queen. Nieznana historia
Queen. Nieznana historia to rock’n’rollowa opowieść z czasów świetności muzycznego szaleństwa, snuta ze sceny, zza kulis i ze studyjnego zacisza. Ten niepowtarzalny zapis autorstwa Petera Hince’a, który spędził z zespołem wiele lat jako członek ekipy technicznej, rzuca zupełnie nowe światło na Freddiego Mercury’ego, Briana Maya i ich kolegów z jednej z grup wszech czasów. To spojrzenie świeże i nowe, bo osobiste, wykraczające dalece poza monotonię zwyczajnej biografii.
Książka odkrywa szereg nierzadko zaskakujących faktów z życia Queen i ich lidera, ale Hince ani na chwilę nie zniża się do poziomu kolorowego tabloidu. To nie historia rodem z brukowej prasy, ale przepustka access all areas do muzycznej przygody życia. Queen. Nieznana historia to esencja tego, co składa się na żywot rock’n’rollowca.
Dodatkiem do publikacji są unikatowe zdjęcia z archiwum autora, które stały się elementem wystawy poświęconej zespołowi – Queen: The Unseen Archive.
Redaktorem polskiego wydania i autorem wstępu jest Roman Rogowiecki, dziennikarz i manager, współautor pierwszej polskiej encyklopedii rocka, znawca i wielki fan Queen.
Książka odkrywa szereg nierzadko zaskakujących faktów z życia Queen i ich lidera, ale Hince ani na chwilę nie zniża się do poziomu kolorowego tabloidu. To nie historia rodem z brukowej prasy, ale przepustka access all areas do muzycznej przygody życia. Queen. Nieznana historia to esencja tego, co składa się na żywot rock’n’rollowca.
Dodatkiem do publikacji są unikatowe zdjęcia z archiwum autora, które stały się elementem wystawy poświęconej zespołowi – Queen: The Unseen Archive.
Redaktorem polskiego wydania i autorem wstępu jest Roman Rogowiecki, dziennikarz i manager, współautor pierwszej polskiej encyklopedii rocka, znawca i wielki fan Queen.
312 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 9, 2018
So many red flags in this book. The first thing I noticed was that in the acknowledgment section, the author thanks an incredible number of people, some of which are famous musicians, but none of which are members of Queen. The second thing was that the author pretty much set a tone from the very beginning. Freddie is a hot headed, far-to-often-drinking, attention whore and drama Queen, while the author is level headed and has the job of trying to make things go smoothly to avoid Tantrum-throwing Freddie's wrath. As I read on, it became clear the real star of Queen was not Freddie, Brian (who was hands down my favorite musician of all time since the age of 9 years old), John, or Roger. The star is... you guessed it, this author.
I have no problem with people writing about their experiences with famous people. Indeed, this is why I read the book. I saw that it was written by a legit source close to the band. What I don't enjoy is when people write about their experiences with famous people to explicitly gain notoriety because of their proximity to the famous person. I would have better enjoyed a tone that was reflective (both self reflective and deeply reflective of the experiences with members of the band), intuitive, and informative. I am happy to hear about Freddie's tantrums. In fact, the idea of flamboyantly dressed Freddie throwing some tantrums about his music sounds fascinating to learn about. It was the way this author went about it that seemed less than fair. Freddie isn't even alive to speak for himself. Luckily though, people like Brian May and others, who really knew Freddie are alive to give a more balanced and thoughtful account. I have seen Brian talk about Freddie. His goal has never been to expose him in some way. While I think Brian tries to protect and honor Freddie's memory, and could probably be more forthcoming with the tantrum -throwing side of Freddie (I hear that side of Freddie is not in the movie but have yet to see it for myself), I think trying to out Freddie, the way this author does, isn't really giving the reader a lens into the lives of any of the band members in any meaningful way.
It would be one thing if the author decided to do a tell all, in which he told all equally. However, he magnified negative traits of Freddie and minimized, explained away, or completely normalized his own negative traits, traits that become glaring obvious page after page. The words on those pages make it painfully clear that he is a misogynist. The 70s and 80s were a different time. It would be almost understandable if he made statements then about women, and realized now how inappropriate they really are. He seems fully capable of calling out Freddie's bad behavior but when he talks about himself, he just reveals himself to be a self-absorbed, arrogant, shallow person. In order to get any nugget of interesting info about the band, you have to sit through his incessant goings on.
At one point, after reading 3/4 of the book, I felt certain the members of Queen could not possibly tolerate this guy and was compelled to investigate online. Brian May called him a, "disgruntled ex-roadie who had a warped view of the band." Indeed!
As if the book itself were not bad enough, if you listen to it in audio version, as I did, you will find that they chose a narrator who made the unfortunate choice to use extremely negative stereotyping for his voices of black people. I am on the prowl for a much more definitive book on Queen.
I have no problem with people writing about their experiences with famous people. Indeed, this is why I read the book. I saw that it was written by a legit source close to the band. What I don't enjoy is when people write about their experiences with famous people to explicitly gain notoriety because of their proximity to the famous person. I would have better enjoyed a tone that was reflective (both self reflective and deeply reflective of the experiences with members of the band), intuitive, and informative. I am happy to hear about Freddie's tantrums. In fact, the idea of flamboyantly dressed Freddie throwing some tantrums about his music sounds fascinating to learn about. It was the way this author went about it that seemed less than fair. Freddie isn't even alive to speak for himself. Luckily though, people like Brian May and others, who really knew Freddie are alive to give a more balanced and thoughtful account. I have seen Brian talk about Freddie. His goal has never been to expose him in some way. While I think Brian tries to protect and honor Freddie's memory, and could probably be more forthcoming with the tantrum -throwing side of Freddie (I hear that side of Freddie is not in the movie but have yet to see it for myself), I think trying to out Freddie, the way this author does, isn't really giving the reader a lens into the lives of any of the band members in any meaningful way.
It would be one thing if the author decided to do a tell all, in which he told all equally. However, he magnified negative traits of Freddie and minimized, explained away, or completely normalized his own negative traits, traits that become glaring obvious page after page. The words on those pages make it painfully clear that he is a misogynist. The 70s and 80s were a different time. It would be almost understandable if he made statements then about women, and realized now how inappropriate they really are. He seems fully capable of calling out Freddie's bad behavior but when he talks about himself, he just reveals himself to be a self-absorbed, arrogant, shallow person. In order to get any nugget of interesting info about the band, you have to sit through his incessant goings on.
At one point, after reading 3/4 of the book, I felt certain the members of Queen could not possibly tolerate this guy and was compelled to investigate online. Brian May called him a, "disgruntled ex-roadie who had a warped view of the band." Indeed!
As if the book itself were not bad enough, if you listen to it in audio version, as I did, you will find that they chose a narrator who made the unfortunate choice to use extremely negative stereotyping for his voices of black people. I am on the prowl for a much more definitive book on Queen.
October 29, 2024
Queen Unseen
By Peter Hince
This was an interesting overview of life as a roadie with the band Queen. Not very in-depth when it came to personalities of the band members. The author mentioned some places where they went as a band. The author did tell some of Fred's behavior, only a couple.
This was interesting, but I would have preferred a more detailed book that told about each band member and what they were like behind the scenes. Maybe some characteristics that stood out.
Where they played but also what other bands they played with. What exciting tidbits happened along that trip.
As the book is now, it just scratches the surface of what it could be. What I hoped it was. I give it a 2 1/2 stars rounding up to 3 stars.
By Peter Hince
This was an interesting overview of life as a roadie with the band Queen. Not very in-depth when it came to personalities of the band members. The author mentioned some places where they went as a band. The author did tell some of Fred's behavior, only a couple.
This was interesting, but I would have preferred a more detailed book that told about each band member and what they were like behind the scenes. Maybe some characteristics that stood out.
Where they played but also what other bands they played with. What exciting tidbits happened along that trip.
As the book is now, it just scratches the surface of what it could be. What I hoped it was. I give it a 2 1/2 stars rounding up to 3 stars.
November 11, 2016
Rather free with the judgmental stereotyping
Well! This perhaps won't have bothered many of you, but... I must run with a more polite crowd, because it isn't often that I hear this amount of bald-faced judgmental stereotyping, let alone unabashed objectification of women. Wow! I found the writing downright crass.
Not to mention repetitive, non-linear, and chock-full of British idioms that I couldn't interpret. This book could have been greatly improved with a good editor.
Now, to be fair to Mr. Hence, I do agree he was respectful to the band members, and that he nicely avoided an overdone tabloid-tell-all scenario.
The bait and switch was disappointing, Look at that cover photo, look at the title, I think I deserve a little more of Freddie inside!
Well! This perhaps won't have bothered many of you, but... I must run with a more polite crowd, because it isn't often that I hear this amount of bald-faced judgmental stereotyping, let alone unabashed objectification of women. Wow! I found the writing downright crass.
Not to mention repetitive, non-linear, and chock-full of British idioms that I couldn't interpret. This book could have been greatly improved with a good editor.
Now, to be fair to Mr. Hence, I do agree he was respectful to the band members, and that he nicely avoided an overdone tabloid-tell-all scenario.
The bait and switch was disappointing, Look at that cover photo, look at the title, I think I deserve a little more of Freddie inside!
October 22, 2018
Written by a Queen roadie nicknamed Ratty, this is a close-up, with-the-band view of Queen in their early-to-mid eighties pomp. Unapologetically of its time, this boorish, hilarious, sexist, revealing, bitty autobiography gets you up close and personal with the members of Queen´s group and crew.
My version of the book did not include any photos - but they were praised in the blurb and quotes on the opening pages. I guess the photos are in the hardback edition.
My version of the book did not include any photos - but they were praised in the blurb and quotes on the opening pages. I guess the photos are in the hardback edition.
October 31, 2018
Well, this was a waste of time actually. No interesting facts about the band, only boring childish stories from someone who clearly thinks he is much funnier than he is. Definitely not a book for intelligent Queen fans!
If you're looking for insight, wit, charm and good writing.....then save your money!
If you're looking for insight, wit, charm and good writing.....then save your money!
April 13, 2022
“Фред имаше аура. Тя винаги беше налице. Влезеше ли в стаята човек осъзнаваше, че е в присъствието на особена личност. Единствена по рода си. Магична.”
Е, да. “Видях” Фреди Меркюри през очите на Питър Хинс, ръководителят на екипа, отговарящ за пътуванията по време на турнетата на легендата Queen, автор на книгата "Queen извън прожекторите". „Присъствах” на създаването на култови песни. „Бях” на рок-концерти по цял свят, единият много драматичен в Южна Америка, където са летяли всякакви тежки предмети и музикантите едва не са били ранени. „Докоснах” се до всеки член на култовата рок-банда. Но ми липсваше разказът на самия Фреди Меркюри за неговата музика.
Е, да. “Видях” Фреди Меркюри през очите на Питър Хинс, ръководителят на екипа, отговарящ за пътуванията по време на турнетата на легендата Queen, автор на книгата "Queen извън прожекторите". „Присъствах” на създаването на култови песни. „Бях” на рок-концерти по цял свят, единият много драматичен в Южна Америка, където са летяли всякакви тежки предмети и музикантите едва не са били ранени. „Докоснах” се до всеки член на култовата рок-банда. Но ми липсваше разказът на самия Фреди Меркюри за неговата музика.
May 14, 2021
Having finished this book, I feel that the author has been somewhat wrongly judged in certain reviews.
This is NOT a book about Queen. As it says on the cover, this is a book about Peter Hince, the roadie for John Deacon and Freddy Mercury. Yes, it mentions the band as a whole (obviously, as he was touring with them), but this is an honest perspective of life on the road and the ups and downs that followed.
If you READ the book, it becomes clear throughout that the author had nothing but respect and genuine good feeling towards all of the band members. The final two paragraphs in the book (as elsewhere), express the authors gratitude for his time spent with the band and his respect for them all. Yes, he can come across as a bit of a tosser at times (been there, done that) , and he is certainly rude, crude and over the top (his nickname is Ratty) , but bear in mind the era was the 70s and 80s with one of the biggest bands in the world and he was lugging around amplifiers and being a general dogsbody. The attitudes back then were different (as the author also says himself on several occasions), and his reaction to Apartheid in South Africa, shows that he is not an uncaring lout. Anybody who expected this to be highbrow and arty is being totally unrealistic and definitely bought the wrong book.
So what is this actually about....
This starts off detailing that Peter was the roadie with Mott The Hoople, prior to joining Queen and met the band almost by accident. He saw Queen and didn't feel very impressed, not expecting much from them in the future..... It then goes on to detail how his relationship grew with them, their crew and the management, and how the first footsteps into fame started, and continues on the road, in and out of the studio, numerous hotel rooms, and right up to the point of the 'Magic' tour.
There is nothing gratuitous about any of the information in this book. Peter is not a paparazzi type and tells it like it is. He explains about his expected duties, set ups, and working environments, and it is obvious that he was very committed to his job. Some of his narrative may come across as arrogance, but he had a pride in his work, playing very hard afterwards to compensate. He is a funny person, but sometimes seems to be trying too much to be funny, which misses the mark and ruins the moment. There are also some anecdotes that he starts to tell and then goes off on a tangent and doesn't finish, leaving you wondering what happened there. There is also no chronological order to the stories, which, in one respect gives the feeling of an account being told to you by him from memory but, on the other hand, seems a bit all over the place. Aside from these minor niggles, however, this book is a fun look at how the band function behind the scenes. There are a lot of drunken antics, scuffles and run ins, alongside nods towards Freddie and his more cultured side. The size of the crowds at different events is incredible, and it's interesting to hear how things happened in different countries. You will laugh, be disgusted, surprised and get sucked into this history of a well oiled machine that occasionally fell apart but kept on going. The friendship and camaraderie between them was nice to read about, tantrums and all, and, if not easily offended, is a great addition to any Queen fans collection.
This is NOT a book about Queen. As it says on the cover, this is a book about Peter Hince, the roadie for John Deacon and Freddy Mercury. Yes, it mentions the band as a whole (obviously, as he was touring with them), but this is an honest perspective of life on the road and the ups and downs that followed.
If you READ the book, it becomes clear throughout that the author had nothing but respect and genuine good feeling towards all of the band members. The final two paragraphs in the book (as elsewhere), express the authors gratitude for his time spent with the band and his respect for them all. Yes, he can come across as a bit of a tosser at times (been there, done that) , and he is certainly rude, crude and over the top (his nickname is Ratty) , but bear in mind the era was the 70s and 80s with one of the biggest bands in the world and he was lugging around amplifiers and being a general dogsbody. The attitudes back then were different (as the author also says himself on several occasions), and his reaction to Apartheid in South Africa, shows that he is not an uncaring lout. Anybody who expected this to be highbrow and arty is being totally unrealistic and definitely bought the wrong book.
So what is this actually about....
This starts off detailing that Peter was the roadie with Mott The Hoople, prior to joining Queen and met the band almost by accident. He saw Queen and didn't feel very impressed, not expecting much from them in the future..... It then goes on to detail how his relationship grew with them, their crew and the management, and how the first footsteps into fame started, and continues on the road, in and out of the studio, numerous hotel rooms, and right up to the point of the 'Magic' tour.
There is nothing gratuitous about any of the information in this book. Peter is not a paparazzi type and tells it like it is. He explains about his expected duties, set ups, and working environments, and it is obvious that he was very committed to his job. Some of his narrative may come across as arrogance, but he had a pride in his work, playing very hard afterwards to compensate. He is a funny person, but sometimes seems to be trying too much to be funny, which misses the mark and ruins the moment. There are also some anecdotes that he starts to tell and then goes off on a tangent and doesn't finish, leaving you wondering what happened there. There is also no chronological order to the stories, which, in one respect gives the feeling of an account being told to you by him from memory but, on the other hand, seems a bit all over the place. Aside from these minor niggles, however, this book is a fun look at how the band function behind the scenes. There are a lot of drunken antics, scuffles and run ins, alongside nods towards Freddie and his more cultured side. The size of the crowds at different events is incredible, and it's interesting to hear how things happened in different countries. You will laugh, be disgusted, surprised and get sucked into this history of a well oiled machine that occasionally fell apart but kept on going. The friendship and camaraderie between them was nice to read about, tantrums and all, and, if not easily offended, is a great addition to any Queen fans collection.
July 27, 2020
Somehow after finishing it I feel like I needed more.... it was not excatly what I was waiting for... I guess I needed more Queen...
December 4, 2019
Изключително приятна и лека за четене книга :) Особено за почитатели на Куин, разбира се :) Горещо препоръчвам!
May 5, 2012
Like many other reviews on the internet state, this isn't the book for you if you're looking for sensationalised scandal and tabloid tales. At the same time, this also isn't the book for you if you're looking for details of Freddie Mercury's later years and his ailing health.
Queen's roadie, Peter Hince, in this book, describes the intense work and mentality behind Queen's incredible stage-show, fronted by the ever-flamboyant Freddie, brainy Brian, raucous Roger, and the demure Mr Deacon. Not only does Peter 'Ratty' Hince exhibit the immense work-ethic shown by every member of the Queen crew, but he describes venues, cities, and goings-on with incredible detail, worthy of a Bill Bryson book.
Through Queen Unseen, the reader gets an access-all-areas pass, and sees Freddie Mercury's jovial pre-show chatter and hi-jinx, as he arm-wrestles crew members and yells [somewhat ironically] about the ailing state of his voice. Of course, along with rock'n'roll comes sex and drugs, and many women from many different locations are recalled vividly by Hince, as well as the many substances that crew and band members encountered as their tours wandered around the world.
Of course, one could critique the fact that some tales end rather abruptly, and that not everything follows in chronological order. But it seems to me that this is the perfect metaphor for tour life: you show up in a far-flung venue, play a show, get up to some mischief, and then roll on to the next town, leaving the events and items of the previous night to blur and fester in the back of your mind, whilst trying to remember the bits that were never crystal clear to start with.
Since retiring as a roadie, Peter Hince has developed a penchant for photography. Judging by this offering, he could also make a fantastic travel or non-fiction author, recalling events with expert detail, and not shying away from the use of biting sarcasm.
Queen's roadie, Peter Hince, in this book, describes the intense work and mentality behind Queen's incredible stage-show, fronted by the ever-flamboyant Freddie, brainy Brian, raucous Roger, and the demure Mr Deacon. Not only does Peter 'Ratty' Hince exhibit the immense work-ethic shown by every member of the Queen crew, but he describes venues, cities, and goings-on with incredible detail, worthy of a Bill Bryson book.
Through Queen Unseen, the reader gets an access-all-areas pass, and sees Freddie Mercury's jovial pre-show chatter and hi-jinx, as he arm-wrestles crew members and yells [somewhat ironically] about the ailing state of his voice. Of course, along with rock'n'roll comes sex and drugs, and many women from many different locations are recalled vividly by Hince, as well as the many substances that crew and band members encountered as their tours wandered around the world.
Of course, one could critique the fact that some tales end rather abruptly, and that not everything follows in chronological order. But it seems to me that this is the perfect metaphor for tour life: you show up in a far-flung venue, play a show, get up to some mischief, and then roll on to the next town, leaving the events and items of the previous night to blur and fester in the back of your mind, whilst trying to remember the bits that were never crystal clear to start with.
Since retiring as a roadie, Peter Hince has developed a penchant for photography. Judging by this offering, he could also make a fantastic travel or non-fiction author, recalling events with expert detail, and not shying away from the use of biting sarcasm.
April 16, 2020
This book started out really good, about the roadie, Peter Hince, who toured with queen. At the beginning of the book, he detailed a lot of things that he went through as a normal part of the tour and how he kept things running smoothly.
And there are some amazing pictures that he took in the book.
Unfortunately, the book started to go downhill shortly after.
Aside from working with Queen, Hince doesn't sound like a very interesting person. Or a very nice person. When he gradually stopped talking about things he did for the band (aside from traveling alone with the equipment, signing forms, purchasing random things for the band members, etc), I didn't like what remained.
He started a lot of random stories, only to ignore the punchline, or what happened. Like when they damaged the floor or doors trying to get a piano into place. I got curious about how things would get smoothed over. But...the subject moved on.
Another time, he talks about an accident he got into where he lost a hubcap and went with John to go find it. They did, then put it in the trunk. The paragraph ends with him saying that the hubcap probably is at the bottom of a river. What? Why?
One last thing I had to mark, was he talked about a football game his crew was going to play against some Brazilians. And...Who knows? He never finished the damn story!
There aren't really chapters. Just sections. Which led to time jumps and rambling. He jumps all over the place.
I was curious if he would go into a little more detail when Live Aid came around. But he had fallen out of love with his job by that point and I have no idea if he even did anything important for the event.
So, basically, if you start disliking this book, it doesn't get any better. Just look at the pictures, then put the book down.
And there are some amazing pictures that he took in the book.
Unfortunately, the book started to go downhill shortly after.
Aside from working with Queen, Hince doesn't sound like a very interesting person. Or a very nice person. When he gradually stopped talking about things he did for the band (aside from traveling alone with the equipment, signing forms, purchasing random things for the band members, etc), I didn't like what remained.
He started a lot of random stories, only to ignore the punchline, or what happened. Like when they damaged the floor or doors trying to get a piano into place. I got curious about how things would get smoothed over. But...the subject moved on.
Another time, he talks about an accident he got into where he lost a hubcap and went with John to go find it. They did, then put it in the trunk. The paragraph ends with him saying that the hubcap probably is at the bottom of a river. What? Why?
One last thing I had to mark, was he talked about a football game his crew was going to play against some Brazilians. And...Who knows? He never finished the damn story!
There aren't really chapters. Just sections. Which led to time jumps and rambling. He jumps all over the place.
I was curious if he would go into a little more detail when Live Aid came around. But he had fallen out of love with his job by that point and I have no idea if he even did anything important for the event.
So, basically, if you start disliking this book, it doesn't get any better. Just look at the pictures, then put the book down.
January 17, 2019
This books delivers exactly what it promises. It is not a book on the Queen nor on its legendary frontman. It’s the autobiography of one of their “roadies”, one of the guys who at times spent more time with the band than the band’s own partners.
It is a life on the road, of hard work, little sleep, lots of alcohol, sex and drugs to keep them going. Amidst the ever fully booked agenda there were moments when roadies and stars could get together and have a chat or just chill out together. That’s what this book is about: the life of people waiting behind the drawn curtains of the stage for Queen’s show to be over, dismantle all the magic piece by piece, put it all back in the boxes, load it in the containers and ship it all to the next gig location.
I found this book an enjoyable, light read, Hince’s sense of humour and style giving it an extra kick.
It is a life on the road, of hard work, little sleep, lots of alcohol, sex and drugs to keep them going. Amidst the ever fully booked agenda there were moments when roadies and stars could get together and have a chat or just chill out together. That’s what this book is about: the life of people waiting behind the drawn curtains of the stage for Queen’s show to be over, dismantle all the magic piece by piece, put it all back in the boxes, load it in the containers and ship it all to the next gig location.
I found this book an enjoyable, light read, Hince’s sense of humour and style giving it an extra kick.
January 2, 2020
Juicy rock star tidbits, and behind-the-scenes life, from Freddie and John Deacon's long time roadie, Peter Hince. Scratched that dirty band bio itch I've always got! 💜
If you plan to pick this up, just be aware that it's written about life in a different era, the mid-70s thru the late 80s. This is the non-revisionist, non-PC, honest account of things, so it includes vocabulary we find offensive today. There are derogatory terms for every type of person in this book, so if you're easily triggered, don't read it. Pretend that world just didn't exist...
If you plan to pick this up, just be aware that it's written about life in a different era, the mid-70s thru the late 80s. This is the non-revisionist, non-PC, honest account of things, so it includes vocabulary we find offensive today. There are derogatory terms for every type of person in this book, so if you're easily triggered, don't read it. Pretend that world just didn't exist...
August 25, 2023
mało było tutaj o queen, oraz mało tych obiecanych w tytule nieznanych historii. jak najbardziej może znalazło się tu kilka ciekawostek prosto zza kulis, ale nie było to coś wybitnego. sama historia skupia się na autorze, na tym z kim uprawiał seks, jakie brał narkotyki i w jakim hotelu spał, jest prawie przez całą książkę przez co z rozdziału na rozdział robiło się nużąco. aczkolwiek była to ciekawasza forma niż przedstawienie zespoły od a do z, od początku do końca. może zagorzałym fanom queenu się spodoba.
July 18, 2019
Книгата е интересна. Превода и оформлението - отчайващи. Под всякаква критика до степен, в която книгата става напълно нечетивна.
February 10, 2021
Спомените на Питър Плъхчето Хинс, роуди на една от най-великите рок шайки на всички времена, определено ми се понравиха. Когато попиваме магията на поредния концертен спектакъл, ние често забравяме какви ресурси са впрегнати, за да протече той без засечки, а при живите свирения винаги има шанс нещо да се обърка. Товарене на техническо оборудване, транспортиране и разтоварване на същото, купища бюрокрация и бумащина по летищата и границите, подреждане на сцената, звук (кабели, монитори, микрофони, инструменти...), осветление... Та-а Питър Хинс е именно част от екипа, отговорен да отстранява проблемите в движение, така че комфортът на музикантите да е пълен и те да дадат максимума от себе си. Ясно е, че когато в уравнението са включени титани от ранга на Queen, изискващи всичко винаги да е топ ъф дъ топ, с фронтмен-чешит, налагащ куп екстравагантни сценични решения, ситуацията става още по-комплицирана... Не му е било лесно на Плъхчето, ама никак, но чест му прави, че описва несгодите и сакатлъците по време на безкрайните турнета, с тънка усмивка на уста. Още по-голяма чест му прави, че не се е пуснал по пистата жълтини и пикантерии, въпреки че за дванадесет години вероятно е видял какво ли не. Авторът питае огромен респект към своите работодатели и е изключително премерен в словата си. Затова не очаквайте да научите някакви у-а подробности за групата, фокусът пада основно върху ежедневието на помощник-турнетата. Лично на мен, като член на банда, ми беше интересно да проследя процесите през неговия поглед, но тук идва и лекият проблем на четивото - от един момент нататък текстът просто зацикли, без да надгражда с нова информация.
June 20, 2023
This is a look at Queen as seen by a roadie. There were things I liked for instance what is behind Bohemian Rhapsody. However, there is an air of arrogance in the writing like Queen wouldn't have been successful if he hadn't been there. I got that feeling at the end where he quit and was asked to help out with the Live Aid concert which was the last Queen performance - coincidence? According to Mr. Hince it isn't.
How did this book find me? It jumped out at me looking at Hoopla.
How did this book find me? It jumped out at me looking at Hoopla.
May 14, 2023
Boo, I thought I’d be hearing more about Queen. It’s got some stories about queen, but it’s mostly the roadies narrative about being a roadie.
April 30, 2024
2.5 stars
April 11, 2016
Brilliant. Fabulous. Humane.
This was a wonderfully written, warm and deeply interesting look at the author's time with Queen. I can see where people expecting to learn salacious, sarky tidbits and scandals would be disappointed with this book. Completely unlike what they expected, Peter Hince gives us here a genuinely respectful view of tour life - as one of the band, with the band. Yes, there are a couple of interesting bits included, but more so from the perspective of someone like me, who also used to tour with a band, than for someone reading the yellow press. I recognised a lot of what he described, and in a way it proves the veracity and overall benevolence making it from the pages.
I laughed quite a few times, out loud enough so I was stared at pointedly, and I nodded at a lot of things. The relationships between the crew and the band, Hince's respect of them and his loyalty to both Mercury and Deacon, especially his admiration for Deacon, came through time and again. And yes, this is indeed well-written and very readable. Lovely photos Hince shot himself at the end. One which foreshadows Deacon's reaction to Fred's death.
This will be re-read.
August 17, 2016
A really enjoyable read, Hince is humorous and there's a decent flow to the book. I wouldn't call this a story about the band per se, but about their roadie (which the addendum "my life with the greatest rock band.." substantiates), and that's just fine!
It was good to read about the 'Queen machine' from that perspective.. this is your all-access Queen backstage pass!
More than once, however, I got the sense that Hince is resentful, and, at the same time, it was sad to read that, apparently, the crew did not receive as much appreciation as hoped for, or compensation, for that matter.
True, Ratty was Freddie's roadie, and that's a great b&w cover image of Freddie there, but, since the book is called Queen Unseen, would have loved to see a photo of the entire band, or even a behind-the-scenes with the crew.
Finally, what a life all of them lived! Fascinating!
It was good to read about the 'Queen machine' from that perspective.. this is your all-access Queen backstage pass!
More than once, however, I got the sense that Hince is resentful, and, at the same time, it was sad to read that, apparently, the crew did not receive as much appreciation as hoped for, or compensation, for that matter.
True, Ratty was Freddie's roadie, and that's a great b&w cover image of Freddie there, but, since the book is called Queen Unseen, would have loved to see a photo of the entire band, or even a behind-the-scenes with the crew.
Finally, what a life all of them lived! Fascinating!
July 17, 2013
Entertaining stories of what life was like as Freddie Mercury's main roadie from someone who was actually there. No scandalous tabloid shite here, just fond (and some not-so-fond) remembrances. Recommended.
December 29, 2024
Very poorly written, starring Peter Hince himself.
March 23, 2020
I've kept in mind that this is a book made by a very hardworking human, who for many years worked very hard behind the scenes, saw and experienced much. It's his book, about his life, in his tone, about his feelings.
So I'm not surprised. You cannot expect a human to have the greatest memories about his job and his boss all the time. I cannot expect him to worship Freddie like I myself do, or expect him to serve only the clean truths, that would be boring and untrue, Freddie was no saint. And working with him and Queen sure was tiring, but nonetheless, great.
(Although, this book makes you appreciate John Deacon more and more)
It was a magnificent journey listening to details about the countries they went and performed in, the hotels, the girls and the hangovers, all the things that went wrong and all the glorious moments.
And oh the details about some of the songs I love, you recall the song Bohemian Rhapsody? Wasn't a big deal in the start, remember it's video? Oh it was such an inconvenience. That cracked me for days XD
That being said, I absolutely had the time of my life listening to this book.
I'm amazed by all the details Peter was keeping up with, such hero behind the scenes.
So I'm not surprised. You cannot expect a human to have the greatest memories about his job and his boss all the time. I cannot expect him to worship Freddie like I myself do, or expect him to serve only the clean truths, that would be boring and untrue, Freddie was no saint. And working with him and Queen sure was tiring, but nonetheless, great.
(Although, this book makes you appreciate John Deacon more and more)
It was a magnificent journey listening to details about the countries they went and performed in, the hotels, the girls and the hangovers, all the things that went wrong and all the glorious moments.
And oh the details about some of the songs I love, you recall the song Bohemian Rhapsody? Wasn't a big deal in the start, remember it's video? Oh it was such an inconvenience. That cracked me for days XD
That being said, I absolutely had the time of my life listening to this book.
I'm amazed by all the details Peter was keeping up with, such hero behind the scenes.
September 10, 2019
Let’s just say I will always enjoy reading about Queen and Freddie Mercury. Initially, I was kind of annoyed with the author, I felt that he was trying way too hard to be funny and claiming to be more important than he was but as I kept reading, I overcame that feeling. It was an interesting insight into the work that went behind the Queen shows, how the equipment was managed and how the crew handled the pressures of supporting the band while they were on tour. It also was interesting to see how the shows were managed in different countries and how the crowd behaviour varied from place to place.
The writer’s sass was annoying to be honest and it seemed like he harboured some resentment towards Freddie Mercury. I didn’t enjoy reading about the adventures of Peter Hince per say, but I liked it because of the band.
The writer’s sass was annoying to be honest and it seemed like he harboured some resentment towards Freddie Mercury. I didn’t enjoy reading about the adventures of Peter Hince per say, but I liked it because of the band.
January 4, 2019
I loved this book. Let me say right from the beginning that this book doesn’t promise to be a biography of Freddie Mercury... so if that’s what you’re looking for, you should look elsewhere. This was a fun and very informative retelling of the adventures of being a roadie on tour with Queen. I have to say that at times I felt like I was on tour with them! Mr. Hince has a great sense of humor, and I found myself laughing heartily at some of his stories. Yes, they were crude.... he was young man in his 20’s during the 1970’s! He did give some anecdotes of Freddie’s tantrums that made me feel bad... especially the one about Freddie hitting him with his mic “ wand” in a fit of rage. I hated to think Freddie could do such a thing, but I do believe it. I’ve read in several other sources about Freddie’s legendary temper, fits of rage, and tantrums. I love Freddie and think the world of him, but I think our collective desire to turn him into a saint, or a god onstage and a frightened little boy offstage is completely missing the mark. He was human, with faults, and he was a grown man who very often insisted on getting his own way.
If I had one complaint about this book, it’s that it’s not in any kind of chronological order. It’s still fun, but I would have preferred following along in order, as others have already said. Other than that, a quick and fun romp on tour with Queen! Whoo hoo! 🥰
If I had one complaint about this book, it’s that it’s not in any kind of chronological order. It’s still fun, but I would have preferred following along in order, as others have already said. Other than that, a quick and fun romp on tour with Queen! Whoo hoo! 🥰
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November 22, 2025Fui ao engano 🫠
Este livro não é sobre o Queen ou Freddie Mercury. É sobre as aventuras (não tão interessantes quanto isso) de Peter Hince enquanto fotógrafo que acompanhou as várias tours da banda. O tom da narração não me convenceu, pareceu-me algo condescendente e tendencioso, quase como se quisesse, forçosamente, mostrar as várias falhas de Freddie Mercury (que as havia, óbvio, mas Freddie era muito maior do que isso).
Vale pelos registos fotográficos.
Este livro não é sobre o Queen ou Freddie Mercury. É sobre as aventuras (não tão interessantes quanto isso) de Peter Hince enquanto fotógrafo que acompanhou as várias tours da banda. O tom da narração não me convenceu, pareceu-me algo condescendente e tendencioso, quase como se quisesse, forçosamente, mostrar as várias falhas de Freddie Mercury (que as havia, óbvio, mas Freddie era muito maior do que isso).
Vale pelos registos fotográficos.
January 22, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed the audio book. Laughed so hard at times.
Timeline jumps around a bit which if I was reading it may have annoyed me but because I was listening to it I felt like the author and I were just having a good old chat about his days as a roadie.
I really really enjoyed it.
Timeline jumps around a bit which if I was reading it may have annoyed me but because I was listening to it I felt like the author and I were just having a good old chat about his days as a roadie.
I really really enjoyed it.
December 13, 2018
Definitely a different perspective on the Queen craze. The story written by this Queen roadie was more about life as a roadie than it was the life of Queen as seen out of the public eye.
November 18, 2022
Reading this book took all the Glamour and Joy of being famous out of my psyche. The hard work and toil of Producing magnificent Music was the main goal. Queen achieved this with the help of many loyal and good people. I can only say Thank You.
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