(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Brian May says his final hours in the recording studio with Freddie Mercury were joyous.

Brian was the guitarist in rock band Queen, while Freddie was the vocalist and frontman. They were joined in the group by bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor.

Freddie died aged 45 of an AIDS related illness in 1991, and although he was sick for a long time the group continued recording right up until his death. Brian admits he never believed Freddie would die, but he is pleased they spent so much time together as those sessions gave him some of the best memories of Freddie.

We developed such a great closeness as a band that they were actually quite joyful times. The thing is, theres always a big element of disbelief, he explained. Yes, we knew the prognosis but I dont think we quite believed that it could happen to Freddie. Hes Freddie, after all. Hes invincible. So when the news finally came it was a real bolt from the blue.

Many wonder whether Freddie should have been working so hard while he was struggling with his illness, but Brian thinks it kept him going. The singer loved working on music with his friends, and it was totally his choice to keep doing so.

I think right up until the end that was his greatest escape, he told Q. He was singing vocals when he couldnt even stand. Hed prop himself up against a desk, knock a couple of vodkas down and go for it. (C) Cover Media