Conferences

On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Freddie Mercury statue in Montreux, an exclusive conference will be held in the presence of the Irena Sedlecká Estate, representing the family of renowned sculptor Irena Sedlecká, creator of the statue.

The Estate representatives will share their unique perspective on their mother's work, to which they contributed directly, and reveal exclusive information about the creative process behind this sculpture that has become an icon of the city of Montreux.

They will be joined by Sam R.M. Geden, who has been researching the life of Irena Sedlecká for a forthcoming book on the history of Freddie's statues. He will provide exclusive information to the audience attending this special conference.

Jim Jenkins, a key figure in the Queen community, co-author of the reference work Queen As It Began and a recognized historian of the band for over fifty years, will also contribute his expertise. A close collaborator of the official fan club and privileged witness to many stages of the band's career, he will share rare anecdotes and put into perspective the statue's importance in the cultural legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen.

Richard & Susan Young (United Kingdom)
Richard Young is one of the UK's most recognized celebrity photographers. His career has taken him to work with the likes of Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Robin Williams, Elton John and David Bowie. Together with his wife Susan, they enjoyed a special relationship with Queen, capturing many rare moments at Freddie Mercury's side. They will share unique memories and exclusive anecdotes drawn from these exceptional moments.

Terry Giddings (United Kingdom)
Freddie Mercury's driver and bodyguard, he shared his daily life for many years. This privileged position enabled him to live as close as possible to the artist, well beyond the tours and backstage. He is one of the few people to have really known Freddie in his everyday life. At the conference, he will offer a direct and authentic look at those years spent at his side.

Crystal Taylor (United Kingdom)
A former member of Roger Taylor's technical team and personal assistant, he experienced tours, rehearsals and private moments up close and personal with the band. His daily presence with the musicians enables him to share highly authentic accounts, revealing the true atmosphere that reigned backstage and within Queen's immediate entourage.

To celebrate Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday, an exceptional conference will bring together enthusiasts for a unique moment, designed by fans for fans.

Special guests who knew Freddie Mercury well will share rare anecdotes and intimate memories of their time with the artist and the band Queen. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in their world and relive, through their stories, the magic of a story that has become legendary.

Etsuko Nakagawa (Japan)
She crossed paths with Freddie Mercury on numerous occasions. Among her most vivid memories are those from 1982 and 1985, when she followed him on shopping sprees whose items later reappeared at the Sotheby’s sale in 2023. This rediscovery triggered an astonishing series of reunions between her, the son of the artist who created the pieces, and Mr Itami, all witnesses to that now unforgettable scene, not only bringing them back together but also setting off a surprising chain of further connections. She will recount this exceptional story along with other special moments. She also attended as many concerts as she could, 16 shows in Japan between 1979 and 1985, and four shows abroad during the 1986 Magic Tour in Germany, Austria and Hungary. In Budapest, she was unexpectedly offered a backstage pass through Freddie’s associates, another moment of pure fan-luck that she cherishes deeply.

Isabelle Osman (France)
A long-time enthusiast, she has approached the group on numerous occasions. Over the years, her kindness and discretion enabled her to be warmly accepted by Freddie, the members of Queen and their entourage, who willingly allowed her to approach them.

Martin Josephson (England)
Considered by Jacky Smith to be the longest serving member of the Queen Fan Club, he has followed the band for over fifty years and attended sixty concerts. He has met every member of Queen on tour, notably during the Hot Space period in 1982 and during an incredible journey to Rock in Rio in 1985. A lifetime dedicated to Freddie and Queen. He will also share memories from his time on the set of the film Bohemian Rhapsody, where he appeared as part of the cast, offering rare tales that promise an unforgettable moment.

Jim Jenkins (England)
A key figure in the fan community, he possesses a remarkable knowledge of Queen's history and has collaborated on numerous band-related projects. A benchmark among enthusiasts, he will be moderating this conference, guiding exchanges to offer a moment rich in anecdotes and discoveries.

On the occasion of Freddie Mercury's 80th birthday, an exceptional meeting awaits you in the prestigious setting of the Hotel Eden Palace in Montreux.

Exclusively, Montserrat Caballé Claus, niece and secretary to the legendary singer Montserrat Caballé, will share her aunt's memory and artistic legacy, alongside two privileged witnesses to Freddie Mercury's life: pianist and composer Mike Moran, and Peter Freestone, Freddie's personal assistant and loyal friend.

A close collaborator of Montserrat Caballé for many years, Montserrat Caballé Claus will talk in particular about the unique period of the meeting between the singer and Freddie Mercury around the Barcelona album. Mike Moran was the musical architect of this visionary masterpiece. Thanks to his role as artistic mediator, he was able to bring together rock and opera, allowing the magic to express itself in a work that has become timeless.

This rare and intimate encounter will plunge the audience into the heart of the Barcelona adventure, through untold stories and precious memories. An exclusive moment to relive the emotion of an extraordinary collaboration and celebrate Freddie Mercury's legacy in the city he loved so much: Montreux.

Reinhold Mack (Germany)
Iconic Queen producer, he shaped several of the band's major albums at Munich's Musicland Studios. Often present in Montreux alongside David Richards at Mountain Studios, he shared many moments of work and creativity with Freddie Mercury. His insider's view offers a rare perspective on the birth of songs that have become legendary.

Freddie Mack (Germany)
Freddie Mercury's godson and son of producer Reinhold Mack, he grew up in the midst of Queen's recording sessions. Even though he was very young, the atmosphere of the studios and Freddie's radiant presence left their mark on his childhood. Now a musician in his own right, he will look back on those early years spent in the band's world, sharing rare memories passed down by those around him, as well as a few personal moments linked to his godfather.

Jim Jenkins (United Kingdom)
Historian, author and one of the foremost experts on Queen, Jim Jenkins has followed the band since their early days. A close friend of the band members, he has documented their journey over decades, amassing archives, anecdotes and unique testimonials. A leading speaker among fans, he shares his in-depth knowledge of Queen's career, enriched with personal stories and a privileged insight into the band's evolution over the years.