The Time John Deacon Showed Up To A Rehearsal With A New Bassline — And Created “Back Chat”

April 1, 2025

The sun was barely peeking through the windows of the rehearsal space when John Deacon walked in with a spark in his eye and a spring in his step. It was a chilly afternoon in the late 1980s, and the air was filled with both excitement and tension amongst the members of Queen. They had been working hard on their next album, but something felt missing. John, the band’s quiet yet deeply skilled bassist, had been toying with a new idea, a groove that had come to him in a moment of inspiration. Little did everyone know, this would turn into a song that would leave an indelible mark on their musical journey — “Back Chat.”

As John took his place, he could feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. The other band members, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor, were chatting, their laughter echoing through the room. John cleared his throat and began to play the new bassline he had crafted. It was bright, funky, and full of life. His fingers danced over the strings, creating a rhythm that immediately caught everyone’s attention. The atmosphere shifted; the air crackled with a fresh energy. Brian stopped tuning his guitar, and Freddie’s mouth fell open as he began to bob his head to the infectious beat.

“Wait, what’s that?” Freddie exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. John, usually the calm one, felt a rush of confidence as he explained his concept for the song. It was about the struggles of communication and the importance of connection — themes that resonated deeply with the band. The others joined in, layering their instruments over John’s catchy bassline, transforming it into something even more vibrant. Roger’s drums provided a tight foundation, while Brian’s guitar colorfully wove through the rhythm. Each note blended together, forming a sound that felt both new and familiar.

As the hours passed, that initial spark blossomed into a full-fledged song. They laughed, experimented, and encouraged each other, creating a bond that was both musical and personal. John felt a sense of belonging; for a moment, all the pressures of the music industry faded away. When they finally finished the rehearsal, the song was alive, and so was John’s spirit. “Back Chat” was more than just a tune; it was a testament to his resilience and passion for music. The song eventually made its way onto the album “The Miracle,” showcasing not only John’s talent but also his ability to inspire collaboration and creativity among his bandmates.

The release of “Back Chat” was met with enthusiasm, and fans embraced its catchy rhythm and relatable message. John had poured his heart into that bassline, and it paid off. Reflecting on that day, John realized the importance of sharing ideas, no matter how timid they might feel at first. It reminded him that creativity is a journey that thrives on collaboration and encouragement. Those moments in the rehearsal space transformed not just a song, but also his life. Through his passion, John Deacon had taught himself and others the power of perseverance and the magic that happens when you dare to share your voice.