Short introduction

Freddie Mercury was a founding member, singer and composer of the British band Queen from 1970 to 1991. He wrote numerous hits that are now considered classics. For example, “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We are the Champions” came from his pen. He died at his home in London on November 24, 1991. Just days after he announced he had AIDS. At his request, the place of his burial has been kept secret to this day.

early life

Farrokh Bulsara, Freddie Mercury’s real name, was born on September 5, 1946 as the son of Indian immigrants in Zanzibar City. Until he was 10, Mercury attended school on the island of Zanzibar. In 1956 he came to St. James School near Bombay/India. Here he not only got the nickname Freddie, but also his musical talent was discovered. Here he learned to play the piano and founded his first band at the age of 12. At the age of 17 Freddie Mercury had to flee a revolution in Zanzibar with his parents and they settled in London.

Career

Arriving in London, Mercury finished his schooling and began studying art as a graphic designer. At the same time he worked as a roadie and formed several short-lived bands. That only changed in 1970 when he formed the band Queen with Brian May and Roger Taylor. A year later, John Deacon joined and completed the line-up, which would remain unchanged for the next 20 years. In 1973 the debut album was released, which was simply called “Queen” and was a respectable success. Just one year later, albums two and three, “Queen II” and “Sheer Heart Attacks”, were released. Both albums have already placed in the British top ten. But it was only with the fourth album “A Night at the Opera” that the final breakthrough came. The album was able to place in the top ten in nine countries,

1986 was Freddie Mercury’s last live performance with Queen. He performed in front of over 200,000 people at the last concert of the Live Magic Tour. He had his last appearance in front of an audience in 1988 as part of a musical in which he appeared as a guest singer. In addition to his unmistakable voice, Freddie Mercury is best known for his stage presence. Here his penchant for the theater and his vanity came in handy. Even today he is regularly voted one of the best frontmen of all time

Although already severely weakened by his illness, Freddie Mercury sang until shortly before his death. He even asked his bandmates to bring him anything he could sing.

Career highlights

With the singer of a band you always have to distinguish between highlights as a solo singer and highlights with the band. A highlight with Queen is certainly the founding of the group in 1970 and the breakthrough in 1975 with the song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. This song was the band’s first number one hit and is now considered one of the greatest songs of all time. Another highlight must have been the appearance at “Live Aid 1985”. In the mid-1980s, the members were dissatisfied with their situation and rumors of a breakup were already circulating. However, by concentrating on performing on Live Aid, they managed to overcome their personal differences. Fans and artists alike agreed that Queen stole the show from everyone else.

Freddie Mercury always suffered because he was “only” seen as the singer of Queen. In 1985 he therefore released his solo album “Mister Bad Guy”, which also brought him success as a solo singer.

As a proven opera fan, Mercury was particularly enthusiastic about the classical singer Monserrate Caballé. In 1988 he fulfilled his wish to work with the singer. What was initially only planned as a joint song developed into a complete album and an intimate friendship.

Famous quotes

“You can’t buy happiness with money – but you can give happiness to others.”

“I don’t just want to be a rock star. I want to be a legend.”

“Life is too short to listen to bad music.”

“What am I going to do in 10 years? I’ll be dead in ten years.” In 1985, when a reporter asked him how he imagined his future.

Amazing Facts

Although these became his trademark, Freddie Mercury was ashamed of his large teeth.

From 1969 to 1975, same-sex Mercury had a sham relationship with Mary Austin. After coming out privately, they separated in 1975, but remained friends until the end of his life. Mary Austin inherited half his fortune and his 27-room mansion in London in 1991.

From 1979 to 1985 he lived in Munich with the actress Barbara Valentin.

In 1981, Freddie Mercury and David Bowie recorded the duet Under Pressure. However, the two singers couldn’t stand each other.

Freddie Mercury was a close friend of Princess Diana. He even took you to a gay bar disguised as a man.