The Security Guard Who Kept A Diary Of Every Queen Setlist And Passed It To The Band

April 1, 2025

In the heart of London, there was a humble security guard named Tom who worked at the famous venue known as the Hammersmith Odeon. Every night, he stood watch as legendary bands filled the stage with their music. But none captivated him quite like Queen. The moment he first heard Freddie Mercury’s soaring voice, he knew he was witnessing something extraordinary. Tom was not just a security guard; he was a passionate fan, and he found himself scribbling down notes during every Queen concert, meticulously recording the setlist of each show.

As the years rolled on, Queen became a household name, their music a powerful anthem of resilience and creativity. Tom never missed a concert, and after each one, he would return home to his small flat, where he kept a diary filled with memories, setlists, and his thoughts about the performances. He wrote not just the names of the songs, but also the emotions they stirred within him. He could still remember the first time he heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” live; the way the crowd erupted in applause after the operatic segment left him breathless. Each entry became a piece of his heart, and he believed that someday, these words might mean something to the band.

One day, while the band was preparing for a huge concert, Tom worked up the courage to approach the manager after the show. He explained who he was and offered his diary, hoping it would give the band insight into their fans’ experience. At first, the manager was skeptical, but something in Tom’s eyes convinced him to take a look. A week later, Tom received a call that changed his life forever. The band wanted to thank him personally for his passion and dedication, and they invited him backstage after their next performance.

When the night finally arrived, Tom could hardly breathe. Standing backstage, he watched as Freddie Mercury, with his dazzling smile and flamboyant energy, approached him. “I hear you’ve been keeping track of our shows,” Freddie said, his voice warm and inviting. “That’s incredible!” Tom felt a swell of pride as he handed over the diary, his heart racing with every word they exchanged. To his surprise, Freddie flipped through the pages, reading snippets aloud, laughing at his own antics, and reflecting on the power of music to connect with fans.

A few weeks later, Queen released a special edition album that featured fan stories and experiences from their tours. They shared snippets from the diary Tom had given them, highlighting how much they valued the connection with their audience. The response was overwhelming. Fans felt seen, and Tom realized he had played a small but crucial role in that connection. The band’s gratitude inspired him to share his own music, something he had tucked away for years, making him believe he could pursue his dreams too.

Through Tom’s journey, both he and Queen remind us that passion and dedication can create bridges between artists and their fans. Music has an exceptional ability to uplift the human spirit, and sometimes, a simple act of sharing something you love can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Tom remains a part of Queen’s legacy, a reminder of how one person’s voice—whether it be through a diary or a song—can resonate with the hearts of many. Music is not just what we hear; it’s what we feel, and it has the power to transform lives.