John Deacon Biography

Fast Facts

• His song "Another One Bites the Dust" was a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, number two on the R&B chart, and also won an American Music Award
• Graduated from the University of London's Chelsea College with a degree in Electronics
• Became interested in both electronics and music during his childhood and was influenced by the Beatles
• Met Brian May and Roger Taylor in 1971 and was invited to audition for the bassist position in Queen, which had recently been vacated
• Started out as a guitar player for The Opposition at the age of 14, which later became The New Opposition when he switched to bass
• Quote: "If I'd just been a bass player all my life with the band, I wouldn't be as satisfied as I am․․․The songwriting and being involved in the decision making processes means I've been able to have a part in the band's destiny․"
• Retired from music in 1997, with his last performance being at Maurice Béjart's "Ballet for Life" where he, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Elton John did a rendition of "The Show Must Go On․"
• Best known as the bassist of the glam rock band Queen
• Wrote several of Queen's songs, including the hits "I Want to Break Free," "You're My Best Friend," and "Another One Bites the Dust․"