David Richards Interview in Full: Working with Queen, David Bowie and the last recordings of Freddie

In the week that the Town of Montreux in Switzerland honoured him with a statue, here, for the first time in full is Dave Richards' candid radio interview from 2006. For the first time David debunks myths about the final Queen recordings and gives a very personal account of Freddie Mercury's illness and the toll it took on him. David Richards was an Englishman who found an adopted home in Switzerland where he worked in Mountain Studios, based in the Casino building in Montreux. He was an integral part of the Montreux Jazz Festival and could often be seen scooting around the lakefront on his bicycle. This rare and candid interview with Stuart Leathem was recorded on the occasion of the Freddie Mercury 60th Birthday Celebrations in September 2006. David passed away in December 2013 and this interview stands as his most personal and intimate account of his work with Queen.

[@jodawson5268]

Oh lovely Dave Richards hope he and Freddie are having a laugh together.

[@musettechefchris]

What a great interview, another one took to soon. David comes over as such a humble & caring man. It cant be underestimated just what he brought to the music of Queen.

[@josephinemonahan915]

Thank you Stuart for this....I remember seeing an interview with Dave Richards ....he was talking about how wonderful Freddie was....and he looked like he might burst into tears at the memories....what a sweet wonderful gentle soul he was.....are Dave and Freddie having a fine time together?.....That would be such fun ⭐️🌟💫✨❤

[@stuartleathemmusic]

You are most welcome. Thank you for your kind words. Special people who created special music ❤

[@TammyDenneym]

Never ever can anyone come close to the greatness of Our beautiful Freddie.
David give him a kiss from me. Happy Heavenly birthday Freddie . The world loves you .❤❤and we love you too Dave

[@MarkBrydondrums85]

David was my favourite Queen producer and engineer ever best man for the job!!

[@xilefregnu9542]

I am touched beyond words by this interview. How lovely to be so close to one so dear......Freddie Mercury.
Thank you Mr. Richards. Hope you and he are having wonderful chats.

[@deev2955]

Thank you for posting your copy of this interview of David Richards. This is probably my favorite interview re Freddie and Queen. He having worked with so many famous musicians and yet claim with certainty that Freddie was the best is a wonderful testament to the Singer of Songs.

[@spudesy2081]

This man was my music teacher so I'm sure he's qualified for music

[@Goldfishclown]

A heartbreaking interview, not because of the stories about Freddie but because of David himself. This is not a man who is mentally well.

[@thedarkdefender7780]

Sorry, but the band all knew about Freddie's condition in 1988/89. I'm rather surprised that David Richards said that none of them knew how bad Freddie was, when talking about those last Recordings in the Spring of 1991. It just doesn't make sense.

[@kimd.9070]

He could have meant that, since Freddie didn't complain, no one knew how bad he was suffering.

[@dianecourtney2724]

Well I’m all emotional now.

[@stuartleathemmusic]

Dave was a very special soul. I miss him dearly ❤

[@dant14678]

What was david's cause of death?

[@Free_bird720]

The family wished to keep that private

[@Potato_salad345]

Recording date ?

[@stuartleathemmusic]

Sunday 3 September 2006

[@FAGV]

Extraordinary interview