Freddie Mercury Straddles the Dark Side -- Picture Book

Each week, in Picture Book, we present an iconic photo from rock 'n' roll's past or present, accompanied with insightful commentary. Whether it's a famous picture or an unearthed rarity, these striking images will serve to illustrate the visual side of music.

Queen, Houston, Aug. 10, 1980

Freddie Mercury sits on the shoulders of Darth Vader during a show on Queen's tour to promote their album 'The Game.' Three months after the release of 'The Empire Strikes Back,' Mercury's sci-fi allegiances had already been spelled out. In his 1978 Queen song, 'Bicycle Race,' he sang, "I don't like 'Star Wars.'" Meanwhile, in 1980, he and his band penned much of the soundtrack -- including the title song -- for the movie 'Flash Gordon.'

In other concerts around that time, Mercury sang while poised on the shoulders of different iconic characters, including Superman and Santa Claus.