John Deacon facts: Queen bassist's age, family, songs and career explained

6 June 2024, 13:12

John Deacon, the quiet yet profoundly talented bassist of Queen, is an understated legend of rock music.

John Deacon’s journey from a young boy with a passion for music to an integral member of one of the greatest rock bands of all time is both inspiring and fascinating.

• Brian May reveals how John Deacon is "still very much part of Queen"

Known for his innovative bass lines and songwriting prowess, Deacon contributed significantly to Queen’s distinctive sound and success.

1. How old is John Deacon?

   As of June 2024, John Deacon is 72 years old. He was born on August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England.

   His parents were Arthur Henry Deacon and Lilian Molly Deacon. Arthur worked as an insurance agent, while Lilian was a homemaker.

2. When did he get his start in music?

   

   John Deacon got his start in music during his teenage years. He began playing guitar at a young age and joined his first band, The Opposition, in 1965 when he was just 14 years old.

   • Queen's 15 greatest songs ever, ranked

   Initially, he played rhythm guitar but soon switched to bass guitar, which became his primary instrument.

   John Deacon joined Queen in February 1971. He auditioned for the band and impressed the other members, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor, with his musical talent and quiet demeanour.

   His addition to the group completed the classic lineup of Queen, marking the beginning of his significant contribution to the band's success and sound.

3. What songs did he write for Queen?

   

   Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (Official Video)

   John Deacon wrote several notable songs for Queen, showcasing his songwriting talent. Some of his most famous contributions include:

   1. 'You're My Best Friend'

   2. 'Another One Bites the Dust'

   3. 'I Want to Break Free'

   4. 'Spread Your Wings'

   5. 'Back Chat'

   6. 'One Year of Love'

   7. 'My Life Has Been Saved'

   8. 'Misfire'

4. Is John Deacon married and does he have kids?

   John Deacon married Veronica Tetzlaff on January 18, 1975.

   The couple has six children together: Robert, Michael, Laura, Joshua, Luke, and Cameron.

   Despite his fame, Deacon has maintained a relatively private family life, largely staying out of the public eye since retiring from the music industry in the late 1990s.

5. Where is John Deacon now and why did he quit Queen?

   

   John Deacon currently lives a private life away from the public eye in the United Kingdom.

   After Freddie Mercury's death in 1991, Deacon became increasingly reclusive and gradually distanced himself from the music industry. He officially retired from Queen in 1997, shortly after performing with the band for the last time at the Bejart Ballet for Life tribute to Mercury.

   • Queen’s Roger Taylor explains why John Deacon won’t rejoin the band

   Deacon's departure from Queen was primarily due to his deep connection with Mercury and his inability to continue without him.

   He has chosen to lead a quiet and private life since then, focusing on his family and personal interests.

   While Brian May and Roger Taylor have continued to perform under the Queen name with various collaborators, Deacon has not participated in these activities, firmly maintaining his retirement.