John Deacon

Who is John Deacon?

John Deacon is best known as the bassist for the legendary rock band Queen. A key figure in the band’s success, he was responsible for penning several of their most iconic hits, including “You’re My Best Friend,” “I Want to Break Free,” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” His contributions to Queen’s musical legacy played a vital role in the band’s international success. After the death of Queen’s lead singer Freddie Mercury, Deacon retired from the music industry, stepping away from public life.

Early Life

John Richard Deacon was born on August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England. From a young age, Deacon showed a keen interest in electronics, while simultaneously developing a love for music, influenced by The Beatles. At 14, he began playing guitar with a local band called The Opposition, later transitioning to bass when the group evolved into The New Opposition. Deacon attended the University of London’s Chelsea College, where he continued his studies in electronics, all while maintaining a passion for music. In 1970, he saw Queen perform for the first time, but it wasn’t until later that year that his path would cross with the band.

Joining Queen

In 1971, Deacon met Queen’s guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, who invited him to audition for the role of bassist. Deacon was soon a part of the band, completing the iconic lineup that would go on to define rock music. Alongside Mercury, May, and Taylor, Deacon contributed to Queen’s evolution as one of the world’s most influential musical acts, known for their bold musical fusions and theatrical live performances. The band released over a dozen albums, including Sheer Heart Attack (1974) and Jazz (1978), producing classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Deacon, the quietest and most reserved member of the band, was integral to their sound.

Notable Songwriting Contributions

As one of Queen’s primary songwriters, Deacon composed some of the band’s most enduring hits. His 1975 track “You’re My Best Friend,” featured on A Night at the Opera, became a fan favorite, known for its warmth and optimism. Deacon also explored funk and soul influences, most notably on the iconic track “Another One Bites the Dust,” from The Game (1980). The song, which was inspired by Michael Jackson’s suggestion to release it as a single, became a global hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning widespread acclaim. Deacon’s “I Want to Break Free” from The Works (1984), with its defiant lyrics and memorable music video, further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile songwriter.

Side Projects

During the 1980s, Deacon began exploring side projects. He played on the single “Picking Up Sound” by Man Friday & Jive Junior and was involved with The Immortals, contributing to their track “No Turning Back.” Deacon also collaborated with Elton John, appearing on the soundtrack for the 1988 film Biggles: Adventures in Time.

Retirement

Following Freddie Mercury’s death from AIDS in 1991, Deacon and the remaining members of Queen performed at a memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 1992. In the years that followed, Deacon contributed to Queen’s posthumous works, including playing bass on tracks from Made in Heaven (1995), an album consisting of unreleased Mercury vocals. He also reunited with May, Taylor, and Elton John for a special performance of “The Show Must Go On” in 1997, during the premiere of the ballet Ballet for Life.

In the late 1990s, Deacon chose to retire from public life, stepping back from Queen’s ongoing musical endeavors as May and Taylor continued to perform with various guest artists. Deacon has since lived a private life near London with his wife and children, away from the spotlight.