John Deacon, the quiet and unassuming bassist of the legendary rock band Queen, has contributed significantly to the world of music. As the youngest member of the band, he brought a fresh perspective and unique sound that helped shape Queen’s overall style. We will delve into the early life of John Deacon, explore his journey with Queen, and discuss his impressive net worth. So, put on your favorite Queen song and join us as we take a trip down memory lane.
Net Worth: $170 Million
Salary: –
Date of Birth: Aug 19, 1951
Place of Birth: Leicester, England
Gender: Male
Profession: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Bassist, Electronics engineer
John Deacon Early Life
John Richard Deacon was born on August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England. He grew up in a loving and supportive family, with his father Arthur, mother Lillian, and his four siblings. John’s interest in music began at an early age. His parents encouraged his passion by providing him with a guitar at the tender age of seven. John quickly developed an affinity for the instrument, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already playing in local bands.
Deacon’s love for music continued to grow as he pursued an education in electronics at Chelsea College, University of London. During his time at university, he played bass guitar in several bands, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience. It was in 1971 when destiny came knocking. John stumbled upon an advertisement placed by the band Queen, who were looking for a new bassist. After a successful audition, he officially joined the band as its fourth member, alongside Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor.
John’s background in electronics proved invaluable to Queen, as he not only contributed to their music but also took on the responsibility of building and maintaining their equipment. He quickly gained a reputation as the “silent” member of the band, often overshadowed by the flamboyant personalities of Freddie Mercury and Brian May. However, this did not stop him from leaving his mark on some of Queen’s most iconic songs.
John Deacon Personal Life
John Deacon’s personal life has always been relatively private, especially when compared to his fellow bandmates. He married Veronica Tetzlaff in January 1975, and together, they have six children: Robert, Michael, Laura, Joshua, Luke, and Cameron. Deacon has always been a dedicated family man, prioritizing his loved ones and ensuring they remained grounded despite the fame and fortune that came with being part of Queen.
Throughout his career, John made it a point to separate his personal and professional lives. He rarely granted interviews or attended public events, choosing instead to let his music speak for itself. This private nature has only added to the mystique surrounding the “quiet” member of Queen.
John Deacon Career
John Deacon’s career with Queen spanned over two decades, during which he contributed significantly to the band’s evolution and success. Though primarily known as a bassist, Deacon was a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, keyboards, and even occasionally drums on various tracks. He was also responsible for Queen’s distinctive sound, designing and constructing custom-made equipment that set the band apart from their contemporaries.
As a songwriter, Deacon penned several of Queen’s most beloved and enduring hits. His first major contribution came in the form of “You’re My Best Friend,” which appeared on the band’s 1975 album, “A Night at the Opera.” This song showcased Deacon’s knack for writing catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Over the years, Deacon’s songwriting contributions expanded to include funkier tracks, such as “Another One Bites the Dust” and “I Want to Break Free.” These songs not only highlighted his versatility as a songwriter but also helped Queen reach new heights in terms of commercial success and artistic experimentation.
Following Freddie Mercury’s death, Queen disbanded temporarily. Deacon participated in the band’s 1997 tribute concert for Mercury, but soon after, he chose to retire from the music industry. His retirement coincided with his desire to focus on his family, and he has remained mostly out of the public eye since then.
Despite his retirement, Deacon’s impact on the world of music continues to be felt. Queen’s legacy remains strong, and their music continues to captivate new generations of fans. In recent years, the band has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with surviving members Brian May and Roger Taylor touring with Adam Lambert as their lead vocalist.
John Deacon Net Worth
As a member of Queen, John Deacon co-wrote some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and “I Want to Break Free.” These songs not only showcased his incredible talent as a musician but also solidified his status as a successful songwriter. As a result, his net worth has grown exponentially over the years.
According to forbes, John Deacon’s net worth is estimated to be around $170 million. A significant portion of his wealth can be attributed to the royalties he receives from Queen’s album sales, which have exceeded 300 million copies worldwide. In addition, Deacon has also earned money from various investments and real estate holdings.
John’s net worth saw a considerable boost following the release of the 2018 Queen biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The film’s massive success renewed interest in Queen’s music and led to a surge in album sales and streaming. The biopic also gave a glimpse into the life of John Deacon, allowing fans to appreciate his quiet yet significant contributions to the band’s legacy.
After the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, John Deacon gradually withdrew from the public eye. He officially retired from the music industry in 1997, choosing to focus on his family life instead. Despite his retirement, his net worth continues to grow, thanks to the enduring popularity of Queen’s music.
