Freddie Mercury (Queen) biography, wife, sister, nationality, age and cause of death

Biography of Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, was a British singer of Persian descent. He was the lead vocalist, songwriter, and creative inspiration behind the iconic band Queen.

"Does it matter if my music stands the test of time? I don't care!" Freddie once declared. Nevertheless, Queen's influence on music history is immeasurable. Kurt Cobain was inspired by Freddie's talent and persona, and the lead singer of the British band Muse called Queen the best band in the world. One of David Bowie's greatest albums, "Under Pressure," was a collaboration with Mercury. Queen's greatness came from all four members working together, not just their frontman - they struck the perfect balance between commercial success and artistic integrity, stadium rock, and genuine emotion.

Childhood and Youth

Farrokh, which translates from Farsi as "lucky one," Bulsara was born on September 5, 1946, in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Today it's part of Tanzania, but back then Zanzibar was a "puppet" state under British protection.

His father, Bomi, worked as an accountant at the Supreme Court of England and Wales and earned a good living, so the family was well off. His mother, Jer Bulsara, took care of the children: Farrokh and his sister Kashmira, who was six years younger.

Freddie Mercury's parents in their youth

From his earliest months, Farrokh charmed everyone with his smile. When he was one year old, his parents photographed him and sent the picture to a local photography contest. The judges awarded first place to the broadly smiling baby.

Farrokh Bulsara (Freddie Mercury) as a child

The family belonged to the Parsi ethnic group – people of Iranian roots who followed Zoroastrianism. When Farrokh was 7, he was sent to study in Bombay, as it had the largest Parsi community.

Kashmira, Freddie Mercury's younger sister

The boy enrolled at St. Peter's boarding school, 100 km from India's largest city, where he proved to be a capable and diligent student with interests in arts and sports. His sister recalled that she was only one year old when Farrokh left to study, but she adored her older brother, and his homecoming during holidays was always a highlight.

On weekends, he would visit relatives, either on his mother's or father's side. His parents' relatives lived there because both Bomi and Jer were originally from Bombay, and they'd moved to Zanzibar when Bomi was transferred there for work.

Freddie Mercury with his boarding school friends

In the boarding school, Farrokh became passionate about music: he was particularly influenced by Bollywood singer Lata Mangeshkar. Once in Bombay, he began taking piano lessons and later got hooked on rock 'n' roll. At 12, he mastered the guitar and formed a band with friends called The Hectics. He admitted he had little understanding of music theory, but he devoted every spare minute to writing songs.

Farrokh's interests were vast: music, drawing, fashion, and theater. Whatever he tried, he succeeded at. His parents proudly kept letters from the school reporting on their son's high academic performance. People liked him – he had a knack for winning them over instantly. Though naturally shy, he cleverly hid it. "He was talented at everything. Of course, it made me sick," Kashmira confessed.

Most of Farrokh's classmates spoke English. It was difficult for them to pronounce his real name, so 'Farrokh' quickly transformed into 'Freddie''

In 1963, when Farrokh was 16, Zanzibar gained independence, and the family began having problems with the local population. Bomi had a British passport, so the family, along with Farrokh, decided to move to Britain and settled in Feltham, a suburb of London.

Freddie Mercury in his youth (early '60s)

At first, the young man felt completely out of place. He'd been the most fashionable guy in his circle back home, but Bombay had a completely different take on what "fashionable" meant. At boarding school, he'd sported a neat haircut and sharp tailored suits, while London's young crowd rocked long hair with faded jeans and T-shirts. But he adapted fast, growing his hair long – and absolutely loved what he saw when he checked himself out in the mirror.

His boarding school years had made Farrokh fiercely independent, so he didn't feel like he needed to check in with his parents when he'd hit the nightclub scene and roll home at dawn.

Freddie Mercury's sister, Kashmira, talks about her brother

Family fights constantly erupted over Farrokh's refusal to pursue higher education. He wanted to focus on his art, while his parents pushed for something "respectable" like accounting or law. They finally compromised on graphic design at Ealing Art College. Freddie's heroes back then were Jimi Hendrix and Rudolf Nureyev – he even dedicated his thesis to Hendrix's work.

Even in college, Freddie was already known as an incredibly flamboyant guy. Case in point: he once sliced up a tablecloth, threw it on, and showed up to class like that.

Many think I have a terrible character. But I like to be ambiguous and surround myself with complex, conflicting brats. I would be bored in the company of impeccable people.

After getting his diploma (which he didn't even want), having sewn together two women's coats for graduation, Freddie decided to rent a London apartment – he was desperate for freedom, plus a neighbor had threatened to sue him if he didn't quit blasting his guitar and cranking records at full volume.

Early Steps to Fame

As his studies wrapped up, Freddie connected with Liverpool band Ibex. Just 10 days after meeting them, Mercury had already mastered their entire setlist, thrown in some of his own songs, and hit his first-ever gig at a blues festival in Bolton. Despite nailing that show and several others, the band quickly fell apart when members headed back to school.

After moving to London, the ambitious young man rented what was basically a glorified storage closet. His roommate was Tim Staffell, an Imperial College student who played guitar in a band called "1984" – later renamed Smile. Drummer Roger Taylor eventually joined him and Brian May, while Staffell bailed to focus on his studies.

But Taylor and May quickly found Tim's replacement. They knew his roommate well, and once they discovered he had serious vocal chops to go with his charm and musical talent, they didn't hesitate to ask him to join. At Freddie's suggestion, they renamed themselves Queen. When bassist John Deacon joined them in 1971, the legendary band's incredible 20-year journey officially began.

Queen

Once the band formed, Mercury designed their iconic emblem, drawing from the UK's coat of arms and incorporating each member's zodiac sign: two lions, a crab, and a virgin.

Mercury was the driving force behind the band's vision and sound. He penned most of their hits, including the heartfelt ballad "Love Of My Life" (1975), the groundbreaking "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "We Are The Champions" (1977), which became the ultimate sports anthem.

Queen - 'We Are The Champions'

In 1972, Freddie chose the surname Mercury – meaning 'quicksilver' – to reflect his fluid, lightning-fast stage presence. In 1973, he officially changed his name.

That same year, the band dropped their debut album "Trident," which took off immediately. Their polished stadium rock and genre-hopping versatility captivated audiences, earning Beatles comparisons.

Queen photoshoot at Freddie Mercury's apartment, early 70s

In 1975, Queen unleashed the legendary "Bohemian Rhapsody," a six-minute experimental epic that finally delivered worldwide stardom and serious cash.

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody

Mercury wasn't just a brilliant musician – he was an electrifying performer. Every concert became pure theater: his instantly recognizable voice paired with explosive charisma and raw emotion. The band's groundbreaking music videos reflected Mercury's vision of blending theater with music and spectacular effects – he wrote most of their video concepts himself.

Queen – Live Aid

Freddy Mercury's Personal Life

Freddie Mercury's romantic life was just as captivating as his legendary stage presence. He defied simple labels – his romantic relationships included both men and women. He was magnetic and had an undeniable charm that drew people to him.

In the early '70s, Freddie began a long-term relationship with Mary Austin, whom he met through bandmate Brian May. Mary managed a cosmetics store while Freddie sold clothing at a market stall with Taylor.

At first, his flamboyant personality put Mary off – she was wary of bohemian types. But the more she got to know him, the more intrigued she became. Freddie was unlike anyone she'd ever met. Captivated by his ambition and confidence, she moved into his tiny room, and they lived together until Queen started making enough money to rent an apartment on Holland Road.

Freddy and Mary lived together as spouses

Freddie and Mary were together for six years, calling each other husband and wife. But Mary sensed something was missing from their relationship. Early on, Freddie gave her a ring that hinted at marriage, but he never mentioned it again. Once, while window shopping, Mary spotted a white dress and asked him point-blank if she should prepare for a wedding. His flat "no" crushed her. She wondered why he'd refused but couldn't figure out what was wrong with their relationship.

Freddie Mercury interviewed (1977)

It wasn't until 1977 that Mercury finally told her he was gay. He'd wanted to propose and have a marriage "for appearances," but felt it would be unfair to Mary, who remained the closest person to him despite his sexuality. Mercury expected Mary to explode and never want to see him again, but she actually felt relieved – suddenly all her doubts made sense.

They remained close friends until his death. He bought her an apartment, but she spent most of her time at his Garden Lodge mansion. To Freddie, Mary was family. She was the one who informed his parents when he passed away.

Freddie often said he'd always love Mary and that under different circumstances, she would've been his wife. He left most of his $28 million fortune to her.

In 1985, Freddie began a relationship with hairdresser Jim Hutton that lasted until his death. Hutton cared for Mercury during his final days and later wrote a book called "Mercury and Me."

Mercury had a severe overbite caused by four extra incisors. Early in his career, he considered fixing his bite but worried it might damage his voice.

The Final Years

In 1986, rumors about his battle with AIDS began to surface. The band members consistently denied them, but a day before his death, Mercury made an official statement confirming he had HIV.

Freddie Mercury's last concert with Queen took place on August 9, 1986. The event was attended by an estimated 120,000 to 220,000 people. The stage was set in the center of Knebworth Park, with fans pitching tents at the entrance days before the start. Queen was flown in by a helicopter bearing the emblem of their album "A Kind of Magic".

Mercury bounced across the stage and energized the crowd, performing as usual. After delivering all their hits, Freddie, as always, appeared before the audience in a robe, holding a crown. There was no sign this would be their final concert together. His bandmates were also unaware of his decision. At the end of the performance, he complained that he couldn't take it anymore—his entire body was in pain—but the band didn't think much of it.

After leaving Queen, Freddie Mercury began his solo career. In the five years his illness gave him, he managed to record two solo albums: "Mr. Bad Guy" in 1985 and "Barcelona" in 1988. The title song of the second album was written in honor of Montserrat Caballé. In October 1988, he performed with the opera diva, absolutely thrilled by the opportunity.

Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé – Barcelona

In May 1989, Queen released a new album "The Miracle". Freddie formally remained an essential part of the band, but as they worked on new material, his HIV had progressed to AIDS, and his condition was worsening, evident by his emaciated figure and pale complexion. The other Queen members, though they never said it out loud, didn't expect to finish the album before losing their vocalist. But Freddie kept fighting; maybe that's why they changed the album's original title from "The Invisible Man" to the more hopeful "The Miracle."

Furthermore, Freddie starred in five music videos for songs from the new album. There was no traditional tour to support the new record. Since Mercury hadn't revealed his illness—wanting to spare his family the pain—Queen simply said they'd decided to break from their usual touring format. In February 1991, Freddie attended the filming of the video for "I'm Going Slightly Mad". Even makeup artists could not conceal the singer's illness.

Queen – I'm Going Slightly Mad

In the same month, the album "Innuendo" was released. The tracklist included the song "The Show Must Go On" – Freddie's farewell to the world.

A frame from the music video for The Show Must Go On

Death

On August 18, 1990, Freddie broke the devastating news to his family. Sitting with his sister and her husband, he delivered the heartbreaking words: "My dear Kash, you must understand one thing: my illness is incurable. I'm going to die." She looked at his legs, covered in sores, and understood everything.

Freddie Mercury's last public appearance

On November 23, 1991, Mercury finally went public with his diagnosis, and just one day later, on November 24, he was gone. The official cause of death was bronchopneumonia, which was fatal due to AIDS.

Mercury's body was cremated, and true to his wishes, only Mary Austin and his family knew where his ashes were laid to rest. Fans later discovered the location – Kensal Green Cemetery in London.

Legacy

Mercury's unreleased songs found their way onto the album "Made in Heaven" (1995). In one of his final acts of generosity, Mercury requested that proceeds from the "Bohemian Rhapsody" re-release go to the Terrence Higgins Trust, an organization fighting AIDS.

Freddie's final years - Queen - Days Of Our Lives Documentary (Excerpt)

In 1992, Queen's surviving members staged a massive tribute concert for Freddie at Wembley Stadium, donating all proceeds to AIDS charities.

At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness, Queen at Wembley Stadium (20.04.1992)

After a hiatus, Queen returned in 2008 when Brian May and Paul Rodgers released "The Cosmos Rocks," which climbed to number five on the UK charts. That same year, they launched a new tour, kicking off with a charity show in Kharkiv.

At the Queen concert with Adam Lambert (2017)

Starting in 2013, Queen found new life with Adam Lambert, their collaboration blossoming into annual tours that swept across Europe and America from 2017 through 2019.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Official Trailer

Fall 2018 brought the long-awaited "Bohemian Rhapsody" film, directed by Bryan Singer, chronicling the band's meteoric rise. Originally, Sacha Baron Cohen was set to play Freddie, but creative differences with Brian May and Roger Taylor led to his departure from the project. Enter Rami Malek, who delivered a brilliant performance in the starring role.

Freddie's sister attended the premiere. Seeing Rami Malek in full costume, she broke down in tears, crying out, "That's my Farrokh!"

Freddie Mercury: latest news and articles

Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury refused to work together because of an animal

29 Apr 2025

16 Biographical Films About Musicians Who Changed the World

4 Dec 2024

Scott Barnett

He is considered almost the most gineous musical artist of the 20th century and apparently for a reason

2021-05-04 16:12:26
Richard Hayes

Bohemian Rhapsody is a cool biography movie and the person was unordinary

2021-04-30 21:25:11
Christopher Cobb

I never listened Mercury but the movie about him is top

2021-04-17 23:59:28
Matthew Adrian Hughes

My father in his youth used to listen Queen. He always told me that it is an iconic music band

2021-04-01 15:10:24
Terry Carter

Well, what can I say, he is a human-legend. That`s a pity he didn`t have time enough for write and sing longer

2021-03-24 14:49:16

Photos: Freddie Mercury