Mickey Callisto gave Manchester fans a night to remember on Saturday at the O2 Ritz, delivering a performance of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” that had the audience fully immersed in the Queen experience.
The Sunderland singer impressed with every move, perfectly emulating Freddie Mercury’s iconic stage presence, from his precise movements to his commanding control of the stage, matching the energy and excitement of the crowd.
The performance has already created a buzz on social media, with fans sharing clips and praising the singer’s uncanny ability to channel Mercury while adding his own flair.
Callisto, who first captured national attention on Britain’s Got Talent with his viral Freddie Mercury renditions, has continued to impress audiences worldwide. His Paris flashmob alone has racked up over 500 million views, proving his ability to captivate crowds both on-screen and live.
Fresh from touring Europe with CMAT, Mickey has been recognized as one of the UK’s most talked-about breakthrough acts, earning praise from BBC Radio 1, Radio X, Gaydio, and BBC Introducing. The O2 Ritz show marked his biggest hometown performance to date, and fans were treated to a mix of Queen classics alongside his own material, including his latest single, Homospace.
Speaking about Homospace, Callisto explained: “The song is about a nightclub in space but the concept is about finding complete unity. The word Homo doesn’t refer to sexuality but becoming at one with yourself in whatever aspect that may be. It’s about being unapologetically you whilst having a good time.”
The Sunderland native, formerly known as Mickey Spence, grew up listening to Freddie Mercury and taught himself to sing in an operatic style, which has become a hallmark of his performances. His love for space also inspired his stage name—Mickey Callisto—taken from one of Jupiter’s moons when he was just 14.
Fans can catch Callisto again at The Fire Station on February 13, with only a few tickets left for what promises to be another unforgettable evening with one of Britain’s most electrifying young performers. Between his Queen tributes and original music, Mickey Callisto is proving himself to be a force to watch in the UK music scene.
Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls”: A Cheeky Rock Classic
Released in 1978, Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” caused a stir with its provocative cover of a woman in red panties on a bicycle and its playful, bold lyrics. Written by Brian May for Freddie Mercury, the song celebrates women with fuller figures, contrasting them with conventional beauty standards and reflecting Mercury’s cheeky, personal experiences.
Blending glam rock and hard rock, the track became a hit—No. 11 in the U.K. and No. 24 in the U.S.—and has inspired countless covers, movie soundtracks, and cultural references. What started as a cheeky, controversial tune has endured as an empowering anthem for women with curves, proving Queen’s flair for combining humor, rock, and celebration of individuality.
