In the early 1980s, Freddie Mercury was eager to step outside of Queen fame. Meanwhile, Michael Jackson had just shattered records with Thriller. Both legends admired each other’s work and decided a collaboration was inevitable. They recorded three tracks, “Victory,” “State of Shock,” and “There Must Be More to Life Than This,” together at Jackson’s home studio in Encino, California.
Sadly, despite the respect they had for one another, differences arose, and no songs were completed. Mercury’s flamboyant nature towards music was not acceptable to Jackson, whose pet llama also created an environment that was too chaotic for Mercury. Mercury ended up abandoning the sessions, and the songs remained incomplete.
The Freddie Mercury-Michael Jackson duet that almost happened
When Mercury and Jackson’s sessions began in 1983, expectations were high. Mercury hoped to push further into dance music, inspired by the energy he felt Jackson embodied. However, working conditions, including the llama’s frequent appearances, stalled progress on the tracks they intended to complete.
In addition to that, Jackson preferred a structured studio atmosphere, while Mercury thrived in spontaneity. Since both stars had dominant personalities, their visions for the songs clashed, and Mercury opted out rather than make a compromise, later releasing a solo version of “There Must Be More to Life Than This.”
What happened to the unfinished songs?
After Mercury’s departure, Jackson reworked “State of Shock” with Mick Jagger for the Jacksons’ Victory album. Victory itself never officially surfaced, though versions have leaked online, while Mercury’s solo take on “There Must Be More to Life Than This” appeared on Mr. Bad Guy in 1985.
Years later, Queen recorded a duet of “There Must Be More to Life Than This” with Mercury and Jackson, which they released on their 2014 compilation Queen Forever. Despite the failed sessions, the duets are a fascinating glimpse into what would have been a historic collaboration.