- ESPN
“That’s alright, that’s okay, you’re going to work for us someday.”
- Northwestern fan chant heard when the other team scored.
“I would love to have played in a bowl game. That just wasn't our fate. But what we went through made us close, and that bond has never been broken.”
- Mike Fiedler
”The Professor"
Parma Heights, Ohio
The one who started it all. Working for RTM Heavy Security, Paul was recruited by Queen, and proved his worth with organizational skills and… and onstage, dressing up as Superman (with mustache and glasses) and Santa Claus. He would stay in the rock and roll business his entire career including decades in management for Rock Hall of Famers Cheap Trick and Bon Jovi.
”The Salesman"
Buffalo, New York
A lovable “big ape” as Freddie would affectionately call him, Doug didn’t see much playing time at school, so he answered the call to adventure and joined Paul on the Queen tour (and occasionally joined him onstage as a second Superman). In time, Doug would return to graduate Northwestern and have a successful career as a beer and wine salesman. He remarried later in life to the love of his life, the little sister of his close college friend and fraternity brother.
”Sweet Walter"
Skokie, Illinois
Restless, and angry, Walt couldn’t wait to get out of playing football and college, so he left the team and the school. He took over for Paul on Queen’s concert tour. When asked by Freddie to be Superman, Walt replied, “That’s been done. How about Darth Vader?” Freddie said, “I love it.” Walt never looked back as he stayed in rock and roll management for the rest of his career, notably with Heart, Genesis, and for years on the road with REO Speedwagon.
”The Charmer"
Toledo, Ohio
The son of German immigrants who farmed cotton in Texas before moving to Toledo, Mike jumped at the opportunity to tour with Queen and become one of their “security sisters”. While taking his turn as Freddie’s bodyguard, Mike learned the art of shopping for fine antiques and Oriental rugs. Mike loved life on the road, but he knew he had to go back and finish school. Since then, he’s worked for the same ball bearing company his whole business career.
”The Pierogi King"
Hammond, Indiana
Raised in his family’s Polish restaurant, Wally went on to become an All-American tight end. After graduating college, Wally received a surprise call and flew overnight to Buenos Aires to replace a Blueboy centerfold model who failed as Freddie’s first full-time bodyguard. Wally got educated fast. Later, after years trading on the stock exchange, Wally took over his mom and dad’s restaurant, and there he continues to serve up some mean pierogis.
”The Adonis"
Westchester, Illinois
Out of the bunch, Tony was the most decorated athlete and the most competitive. In-between football and academic duties, Tony would enter weightlifting competitions at school - and win. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions, then played for the Chicago Bears. Tony had a seat at the Board of Trade trading commodities but would “holiday” by working rock security with Queen and later Kiss. He now owns a thriving paint franchise.