On the first few albums the songs would grow into strange shapes.

Not for a million - years. I mean, I like the INXS boys, but I found the process very degrading, really. Reality television has eaten away at our standards of excellence. I don't like this whole culture, which has evolved, of TV being the king.

I was an incurable romantic then, same as I am now. I was always pining away after somebody

The potential audience seems to be dwindling in the states. I was kind of embarrassed for the band because of the size of the audience.

We wouldn't have put it out with the name Queen on it if we didn't think it was musically up to scratch.

I was actually perfectly happy when I had no money, which lasted right up until we had a hit with Killer Queen, in 1974. I never wanted for anything.

My children hate me being such a big star. It's very hard for them to have a father who is always in the public eye.