Interview with Thomas Crane – Bohemian Rhapsody: The Magic of Queen
Thomas Crane has spent more than a decade bringing the spirit of Freddie Mercury to stages across Australia and beyond, and in 2026 he’s raising the bar again. With his new Born To Love You Tour, the Bohemian Rhapsody frontman is pushing the Queen experience into fresh territory, blending theatrical flair, new technology and the unmistakable energy fans have come to love.
Your new “Born To Love You” Tour follows a massive run of sold‑out shows across Australia. What inspired you to evolve the production and bring this new version of the Queen experience to audiences in 2026?
I think it’s good to keep our fans on the edge of their seats, wondering what’s new. We’ve been playing the same songs for over ten years and it keeps the band from getting bored with the same old thing.
Critics and fans often say you’re the closest thing to Freddie Mercury they’ve ever seen. How do you balance honouring Freddie’s legacy while still bringing your own identity and musicianship to the stage?
I try my best to keep my own identity separate on stage, as it’s not about me and probably never will be. I’m just lucky I can do everything Freddie did on stage, which makes it very easy for me. People pay to see and hear Freddie. I’m just the one who helps them get there. I try to keep it all about him and the only time they get me is when I crack a joke.
Queen’s music spans decades, from the theatrical 70s to the stadium anthems of the 80s and 90s. How do you and the Bohemian Rhapsody band approach recreating that evolution in a live concert setting?
Being in costume and having some resemblance to the original players definitely helps, but matching songs from different eras with costumes can be tricky. Thanks to Queen’s live concerts, we have a lot of costume options. We’re also using background images to trigger memories for fans and we’ve added a magical touch thanks to AI, bringing Freddie back to life with new footage never seen before. Keeping the mannerisms is very important as it’s not all about singing. Technology plays a big part in recreating different eras live on stage.
You’ve received praise from icons like Molly Meldrum, Danni Minogue and Brian McFadden. How have those reactions shaped your journey since your Australia’s Got Talent breakthrough in 2011?
It’s important to have accolades as they help with advertising and show people the act is decent and worth a look. Not only does it support the band but you become friends for life when you meet a celebrity. You never know when you’ll end up in their home for a cup of tea. Molly still remembers me from years ago when I visited him in Melbourne in 2024.
The show promises not just the sound of Queen, but the energy, flamboyance and cheeky banter Freddie was famous for. What elements of the live experience do you feel fans connect with most during your performances?
There are all kinds of elements on stage that connect with the audience, like Freddie’s AO scales and a few original jokes to keep fans interested, but the biggest connection is getting the whole package right. Playing the piano seems to connect well and helps channel Freddie, but I think it’s the teeth that connect with them the most.
With millions of views online and international touring under your belt, what continues to drive you personally when you step on stage and perform these legendary songs night after night?
Getting paid is definitely part of it, as travelling every week isn’t fun. Knowing what you can do invigorates the body and it’s my passion and my job. After 33 years doing the same thing, it becomes your career. Stepping on stage is the most crucial part, like jumping out of a plane. It’s scary, but once you get past that moment there’s a magical world waiting on the other side. That’s what drives me.
Lastly, if you could ask Freddie Mercury one question, what would it be and why?
Why did you perform Who Wants to Live Forever in D minor on the Magic Tour? Because I can do it in the original key.
Thomas Crane
www.bohemianrhapsody.com.au
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