John Deacon is the only member of Queen who was absolutely aware of the future of the band when Freddie Mercury dies.
„As far as we are concerned, that is all. There's no point in continuing. It's impossible to replace Freddie”, says the bassist after the death of the genius from Zanzibar, who apparently got along best with Mercury on a personal level, writes Behind the Songs.
Deacon released a solo album in 1986 and formed a side group called The Immortals with which he released only one single. He reunited with Queen only to complete the band's latest album, “Made in Heaven,” and also took part in the recording of “No-One But You”, the band's only non-Mercury single, released in 1997.
He only appeared live at the vocalist's benefit concert in 1992, a fundraising recital with Roger Taylor in Midhurst in 1993 and the opening of the ballet in Paris in 1997, performing “The Show Must Go On“ with Elton John.
In addition, he accompanied Queen collaborator Spike Edney on some of his performances with the SAS Band. But since then it has completely shut down.
In order to lead a quiet life, Deacon reaches an agreement with Brian May and Roger Taylor, allowing them to continue using the band name and do whatever they want with it, as long as they consult him before making major decisions , such as touring with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert, releasing compilations, endorsing musicals and, of course, the film “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
„Most of the time he doesn't even answer us. Of course, I accept all checks. We're not in touch because John really is a sociopath. He gave his blessing to what Brian and I could do with the Queen brand. And of course, we took very good advantage of that,” says Taylor. "It's his choice," May added. “He does not contact us. John was quite delicate from the start.
With these checks, Deacon has amassed a net worth of approximately $180 million. He doesn't spend money on luxuries or the usual rock star fads. No fancy cars, no extravagant trips, no huge properties scattered around the world. Deacon has never shown millionaire weaknesses.