Queen drummer Roger Taylor initially found the idea 'very bizarre'

Both performers died of Aids at the age of 45.

The costumes were designed by designer Gianni Versace, who was shot dead outside his Miami home in 1997, months after the show recieved its world premi�re in Paris.

Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor, who was at the premi�re with other band-members John Deacon and Brian May, said they didn't know what to make of the idea at first, finding it "very bizarre".

"However when we saw the ballet we were completely converted, and I think it's a terrific piece of work - very moving, very striking, and a very stirring night," he said.

The 15% Mozart and 85% Queen mix may alarm some ballet purists, but comedian and novelist Ben Elton, who was in the audience at the premi�re, dismissed such concerns:

"I hate this kind of apartheid, there's clever stuff and there's not clever stuff. I think Queen are great, great composers, and this choreographer seems to be the bees knees."