The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
MY LIFE IAN BEATTIE
Ian Beattie is lead singer with fivepiece band The Freddie & Queen Experience, which returns to the Beaufort Hotel, Inverness, on November 19 and 20. The band performs with replica outfits and instruments and delivers a full recreation of Queen’s live shows based around their 1986 Magic Tour.
For tickets visit Skiddle.com
First record bought?
Queen’s Greatest Hits.
Book that changed your life?
It didn’t change my life, but my most memorable book as a child was Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.
Most expensive purchase?
My family home, a three-bedroom, semi-detached in a nice village in Lancashire.
Favourite time of day?
9pm because it’s usually our relax time at the end of the day after the children are settled in bed, so it’s feet-up time. On performing days, by 9pm I’m usually on stage doing what I love to do – paying tribute to Freddie Mercury.
Last time you cried?
I cried, but with laughter, watching a comedy Christmas film.
Worst fashion faux pas? Shellsuits in the 1990s.
Favourite holiday destination?
Florida in the US.
Idea of holiday hell?
Somewhere where there could be a natural disaster.
What are you watching on TV?
I enjoy watching football, documentaries about music, the news and mainly movies which take you on a journey.
Favourite movie?
Back to the Future.
How do you relax?
Watching a good film.
Best advice you have been given?
Practice makes perfect.
Who you last spoke to on the phone?
Michelle, my wife of 14 years, and who I speak to every lunch time.
First thing you did this morning?
Had breakfast.
Worst mistake?
I have no regrets as we learn from our mistakes.
Your inspiration? Seeing greatness.
Would most like to meet? Brian May, from Queen.
Childhood crush?
Actress Elisabeth Shue, who starred in The Karate Kid.
Weirdest fan gift or present?
One October in Blackpool, a fan left a gift with instructions it wasn’t to be opened until Christmas.
I appreciated the kindness but can’t remember what the gift was now.
Quirky habits?
OCD.
Worst meal?
I’ve never been much of a fan of fish – don’t like the smell or flavour.
What makes you laugh? Physical humour.
Most embarrassing moment?
None, although I am terrible at remembering names.
Sean Connery or Daniel Craig?
Sean Connery.
Beauty is?
In the eye of the beholder.