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.
Freddie Mercury
"Does it matter if my music stands the test of time? I don't care!" Freddie once said. 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. It should be noted that Queen's greatness is the result of the efforts of all four members, not just the lead singer, as they found 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 is part of the Republic of Tanzania, but in those years Zanzibar was a "puppet" state under the protectorate of the British Empire.
His father, Bomi, was an accountant at the Supreme Court of England and Wales and earned a good living, so the family was well provided for. 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 the first months of life, 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 jury awarded the broadly smiling baby first place.
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 was enrolled in St. Peter's boarding school, 100 km from India's largest city, where he proved to be a capable and diligent student, interested in arts and sports. His sister recalled that she was only one year old when Farrokh went away to study, but she adored her older brother, and his homecoming during the holidays was a highlight.
Freddie Mercury during his school years
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 had to move to Zanzibar when the head of the family 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. Upon arriving 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 that he had a poor understanding of music theory, but he devoted every spare minute to writing songs.
The Hectics band
Farrokh's interests were vast: music, drawing, fashion, and theater. Whatever he took up, success awaited him. 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 from the first moments. Despite being 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 started 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)
Initially, the young man felt out of place. He was used to being the most fashionable in his circle, but in Bombay, the concept of "fashionable" was interpreted differently. In the boarding school, he had a short haircut and wore a neatly tailored suit, while the youth in London wore long hair and worn jeans with T-shirts. But he quickly assimilated and grew his hair long, which he loved and often admired in the mirror.
During his years at the boarding school, Farrokh had grown accustomed to independence and did not feel the need to report back to his parents when, for example, he embarked on another adventure to nightclubs and came home in the early hours.
Freddie Mercury's sister, Kashmira, talks about her brother
Many arguments in the family were caused by Farrokh's reluctance to pursue higher education. He wanted to focus on his art, while his parents insisted on a serious profession like an accountant or a lawyer. The compromise was studying graphic design at the Ealing Art College. Freddie's idols at the time were Jimi Hendrix and Rudolf Nureyev; he dedicated his thesis to the former's work.
Freddie Mercury in 1969
Already in college, Freddie gained a reputation as an extremely flamboyant young man. For instance, he once cut up a tablecloth, wore it, and turned up for class that way.
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 receiving a diploma he didn't need, having stitched together two women's coats for the occasion, Freddie decided to rent an apartment in London – he craved freedom, and a neighbor threatened to sue him if he didn't stop playing the guitar non-stop and listening to records at full volume.
Early Steps to Fame
At the end of his studies, Freddie met the Liverpool band Ibex. Just 10 days after their first meeting, Mercury already knew the entire repertoire of the musicians, added a few of his own songs, and went to his first-ever concert at a blues festival in Bolton. Despite a successful performance and subsequent concerts, the band quickly disbanded as some members returned to their studies.
Freddie Mercury in his youth
After moving to London, the ambitious young man rented a room that resembled a storeroom more than a living space. His roommate was Tim Staffell, a student at Imperial College and guitarist for the band "1984," later renamed Smile. Later, drummer Roger Taylor joined him and Brian May, while Staffell left the band due to his studies.
However, Taylor and May quickly found a replacement for Tim. They were well acquainted with his roommate and, upon discovering that he, in addition to his charm and musicality, was an excellent singer, they did not hesitate for a minute to invite him to join the band. At Freddie's suggestion, they changed the name to Queen.
In 1971, bass guitarist John Deacon joined them, and thus began the 20-year stellar history of the legendary band.
Queen
After the band was formed, Mercury created their emblem, which was based on the coat of arms of the United Kingdom, with the addition of the zodiac signs of the members of the band: two lions, a crab, and a virgin.
Freddie Mercury invented the emblem for the band 'Queen'
Mercury played a leading role in shaping the band's concept, including its music. He wrote the majority of their songs, such as the lyrical ballad "Love Of My Life" (1975), the unique "Bohemian Rhapsody," and the song "We Are The Champions" (1977), which has become an anthem for sports fans.
Queen - 'We Are The Champions'
In 1972, Freddie adopted the surname Mercury, which means 'mercury' or 'quicksilver', symbolizing his flexibility and speed. In 1973, he officially changed his name.
That same year, the band released their first album, "Trident," which quickly gained popularity. The high-quality stadium rock and the variety of genres the musicians worked in thrilled listeners, with many comparing them to The Beatles.
Queen photoshoot at Freddie Mercury's apartment, early 70s
In 1975, Queen released the famous "Bohemian Rhapsody," a six-minute experimental single that brought the band long-awaited global fame and money.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Mercury was not only an outstanding musician but also an exceptional performer. This made every concert a true show: his unique, easily recognizable voice combined with his vivid temperament, emotionality, and expressiveness. The band's music videos were the result of Mercury's desire to merge theatre and music, sound and light effects – he authored most of their video scripts.
Queen – Live Aid
Freddy Mercury's Personal Life
The "love" side of Freddy Mercury's personality is just as intriguing as his artistic side. It would be incorrect to label him strictly homosexual – his lovers included both men and women. He had a vast sexual appetite and easily charmed people.
In the early 70s, Freddy had a long-term relationship with Mary Austin, whom he met through his bandmate Brian May. Mary managed a cosmetics store, and Freddy sold clothing at a market stall with Taylor.
Freddy Mercury met Mary Austin in 1970
Initially, his flamboyance put off Mary, who was wary of bohemian eccentrics. But as she got to know him better, she became interested. Freddy was unlike anyone she knew. Captivated by his ambition and confidence, she moved into his small room, where they lived together until the band Queen started earning enough to rent an apartment on Holland Road.
Freddy and Mary lived together as spouses
Freddy and Mary Austin were together for six years and called each other husband and wife. However, Mary felt that something was missing from their marriage. Early in their relationship, Freddy gave her a ring, hinting at marriage, but he never brought it up again. Once, while window-shopping, Mary saw a white dress and asked him directly if she should prepare for a wedding. His "no" was a blow. She pondered the possible reasons for his refusal but couldn't understand what was wrong with their relationship.
Freddie Mercury interviewed (1977)
Only in 1977 did Mercury confess to her that he was gay. He wanted to propose to her and have a sham marriage "for appearances," but he felt it would be unfair to Mary, who remained the closest person to him despite his orientation. The musician expected Mary to cause a scene and never want to see him again, but she took the news with relief, and her doubts vanished.
They remained close until the very end
They stayed close friends until the end of his life. He bought her an apartment, but she spent most of her time at his mansion on Garden Lodge. To Freddy, Mary was part of his family. She was the one who informed his parents when he passed away.
Freddy Mercury and Mary Austin
Freddy often said that he always loved Mary and under different circumstances, she would have been his wife. He left most of his 28-million fortune to her.
In 1985, Freddy began a relationship with hairdresser Jim Hutton, which lasted until his death. Hutton cared for Mercury in his final days and later wrote a book titled "Mercury and Me."
Freddy Mercury with Jim Hutton
Mercury had a bad bite caused by having four extra teeth. When his career was just beginning, he wanted to correct his bite but feared it could impair his vocal skills.
The Final Years
In 1986, rumors of his illness with the AIDS virus surfaced. The band members consistently denied them, but a day before his death, Mercury made an official statement confirming he had HIV.
Mercury contracted HIV in the mid-80s
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".
Queen's last concert with Freddie
Mercury bounded across the stage and roused 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 indication this concert would be their last. His bandmates were also unaware of his decision. Yes, at the end of the performance, he complained he could no longer bear it as his entire body was in pain, but the musicians did not take it seriously.
After leaving Queen, Freddie Mercury began his solo career. In the five years allowed by his illness, 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, delighting in the opportunity like a child.
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 members of Queen, though not openly admitting it, did not expect to finish the album before the vocalist's death. Nevertheless, Freddie kept living; perhaps because of this, the album's original title, "The Invisible Man," was changed to the symbolic "The Miracle".
In the last years of his life
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 did not disclose his illness to avoid causing pain to his family, Queen explained that they had simply decided to deviate from their usual 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 told his family about his illness. Sitting in a room with his sister and her husband, he said, "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 informed the press about his illness, and on November 24, he passed away. The official cause of death was bronchopneumonia, which was fatal due to AIDS.
The singer's body was cremated, and only Mary Austin and his family knew the whereabouts of his ashes – as Mercury had wished. Later, fans discovered this place – Kensal Green Cemetery in London.
Mercury's body was cremated
Legacy
Songs by Mercury that were not released during his lifetime were included in the album "Made in Heaven" (1995). One of Mercury's last requests was to donate the proceeds from the re-release of the song "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the Terrence Higgins Trust, which fights against AIDS.
Freddie's final years - Queen - Days Of Our Lives Documentary (Excerpt)
In 1992, the former members of Queen held a tribute concert for Freddie at Wembley Stadium, and the funds raised were donated to AIDS charities.
At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness, Queen at Wembley Stadium (20.04.1992)
Queen stopped performing for a while, but in 2008 Brian May and Paul Rodgers recorded the studio album "The Cosmos Rocks," which peaked at number five on the UK album chart. That same year, the band began a new tour, starting with a charity concert in Kharkiv.
At the Queen concert with Adam Lambert (2017)
In 2013 and 2016, Queen and Adam Lambert performed joint concerts, which became annual events and took place in cities across Europe and America in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Bohemian Rhapsody - Official Trailer
In the fall of 2018, the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" directed by Bryan Singer was released, telling the story of the band's success. Sacha Baron Cohen was initially cast as Freddie Mercury but had to leave the project due to disagreements with Queen's guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. Ultimately, Rami Malek brilliantly played the lead role.
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury
Freddie's sister attended the premiere. When she saw Rami Malek in makeup, she couldn't hold back her tears and cried, "That's my Farrokh!"
-
Scott Barnett
2021-05-04 16:12:26
-
Richard Hayes
2021-04-30 21:25:11
-
Christopher Cobb
2021-04-17 23:59:28
-
Matthew Adrian Hughes
2021-04-01 15:10:24
-
Terry Carter
2021-03-24 14:49:16
5