PETER (Ratty) HINCE
QUESTIONNAIRE
From Issue 19 of the Heaven
Fanzine
Full Name:
"Peter Raymond Hince"
Date of Birth:.............. 23/1/55
What was your job with Queen?
"Freddie and Johns roadie and then head of crew (band crew) as well as still looking afer Fred and John on stage etc."
When did you first start working for the band?
"I first met them in 1973 - when they were support on the "Mott the Hoople tour". I was working for Mott. Full time started during recording of 'A Night at the Opera'."
When did you leave the Queen organisation?
"After the works tour in 1985. I was later arm twisted to do Live Aid, Magic tour and of course the Tribute show."
Did you have any specific jobs that were your responsibility alone? .
"Obviously looking after Fred and John's gear. Tuning all their guitars, setting the tuning for everything from the piano. Operating the (?) and (?) viser lights, loading the truck, shipping the gear, customs and (?) handling expenses, whipping boy and on and on. TOO FxxxING MUCH!"
Did you work in the studio as well as on tour?
"Yes, all the time - home and away."
Any special memories or stories you would like to share with us?
"Far too many and not enough space. Maybe you will be lucky enough to read my memoirs...........?"
What was your favourite tour?
"Probably The Game '70 - U.S.A.; and Works, Europe, '84."
Any favourite Queen Videos?
"Bo Rhap of course - and also because I was there when it was made. Also, Under Pressure, Magic and Somebody to Love."
Do you like Queen's music?
"Some of it"
What are your favourite songs?
"Somebody to Love, Dragon Attack, Now I'm Here! and Liar."
And albums?
"Night At The Opera/The Game/The Works."
What was your first impression of Freddie?
"It was onstage during rehearsals for the Mott the Hoople Tour - (first impression) What a Prat!!"
What are you doing now?
"I am an advertising photographer and I travel as much now as I did with Queen!! I also do underwater work."
When did you first start photography?
"When I was about 19 - it grew and I got a bit better at it until I decided that's what I really want to do. Having said that I will probably change to something else one day in the future."
Any plans for a book of your work, either Queen or otherwise?
"There are always ideas in progress. It's having the time to see them through. But one day!!"
Are you still in touch with Queen?
"Rarely, we all have busy and different lives."
Thanks Peter for answering the questions.