Freddie Mercury Biography

Songwriter, Record Producer, Lead Singer: Queen
Genres: Rock, Hard Rock, Glam Rock

• Queen 1973
• Queen II 1974
• Sheer Heart Attack 1974
• A Night at the Opera 1975
• A Day at the Races 1976
• News of the World 1977
• Jazz 1978
• The Game 1980
• Flash Gordon 1980
• Hot Space 1982
• The Works 1984
• A Kind of Magic 1986
• The Miracle 1989
• Innuendo 1991
• Made in Heaven 1995

Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Gaga, A Kind of Magic, We are the Champions. One great singer comes to mind when we hear these super-hit songs-Freddie Mercury. Almost every music lover knows this great singer.

But I am sure that many also wonder about the interesting details about his life; things like, when was Freddie Mercury's birthday, when did Freddie Mercury pass away, details about his personal as well as professional life, and so on.

This biography will answer all your questions, besides revealing many more lesser-known facts about one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen.

Freddie Mercury was a Parsi (Zoroastrian) born on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar. His birth name was Farrokh Bulsara, and he belonged to a family whose last name was connected with the town of Bulsar in Gujarat. His father migrated from Gujarat in India to Zanzibar, so that he could continue his job at the British Colonial Office.

In 1954, Freddie came to St. Peter's School, Panchgani, India, to do his schooling. It was there that his music and singing talent was recognized, besides him being good at sports like boxing, sprint, and hockey.

After his schooling, he was back in Zanzibar, but the family had to flee the country due to the revolution in 1964. They came to England and settled in Middlesex. Freddie went to West Thames College in London, to pursue further education.

Freddie first had a long relationship with a lady called Mary Austin. They lived together for several years in West Kensington. This was in the early 1970s. In the second half of that decade, this relationship ended due to the fact that Freddie had entered into a relationship with a man, an executive in an American recording company.

Nevertheless, this episode did not manage to break the friendship aspect that Freddie and Mary shared. Freddie was also romantically involved with an Austrian actress, Barbara Valentin, in the 1980s. He had another long relationship with a man named Jim Hutton, and this one lasted till the end of his life.

Freddie was never secretive about his bisexual life, but was not the kind of person to publicize it much either. In fact, when he was not performing, he was a very shy and introvert kind of person, and was never open around people whom he did not know well.

Music was in Freddie's blood right from a young age. Even when in school, his love for music, singing, and performing was well-known. In St. Peter's, he was part of the school band called The Hectics. His area of concentration was the piano. Once professional, he released 2 albums and numerous singles.

He was also a part of a band called Ibex, and then left to become a member of the band Sour Milk Sea. Although his work was decently received by the audiences, his real fame came when he formed the super-hit rock band Queen. He teamed up with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, and Queen went on to become one of the greatest acts of all times.

Called Freddie since his school days, it was during the time of Queen that he changed his last name to Mercury. Freddie was the lead vocalist of the band, besides playing the piano and guitar very often.

Queen were famous for their live concerts and tours. They performed in a whopping 700+ live shows around the world, and still their fans were left wanting more. Initially, Freddie used to sing while playing the piano, but he discontinued that practice due to the fact that he just loved interacting with the audience.

His showmanship was second to none, and he always managed to get the crowd to participate along with him at all his shows. His Live Aid show in 1985 was voted as the greatest live performance ever in the history of rock music.

Queen broke all sorts of records for audience attendance, and their last show at Knebworth, England, pulled in an unimaginable crowd of over 300,000.

David Bowie had this to say about Freddie Mercury, "Of all the more theatrical rock performers, Freddie took it further than the rest... he took it over the edge. And of course, I always admired a man who wears tights. I only saw him in concert once, and as they say, he was definitely a man who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand."

Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, though this was something that he always denied in the years after that. But he was hounded by the British press and countless photographers, who suspected something was wrong because of his failing health, absence from tours, and statements by ex-lovers.

As time went by, Freddie's health deteriorated, and he could not hold on much longer. On November 23, 1991, Queen's manager Jim Beach, after an approval from Freddie, officially announced to the press, the actual truth.

The announcement was on behalf of Freddie Mercury, and this is what it read, "Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive, and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me.

However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth, and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors, and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me, and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue."

Barely a day after this press release, he passed away on November 24, 1991. He died of bronchial pneumonia, as a result of HIV AIDS. In his will, he left something for everyone, from his chef, to his lovers, to his family members. He was cremated at Kensal Green Cemetery.

Freddie Mercury's and Queen's popularity soared to even dizzier heights after his death. But even when he was around, he was a rage worldwide. He was so popular that there are countless Freddie Mercury quotes and many great books about him that have been written.

Queen has spent more weeks on the UK charts than anyone ever has, and it is estimated that their total worldwide album sales are even more than 300 million. The entertainment that this genius gave to the world can never be forgotten or matched, and his unique style and music will remain forever. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest musical acts of all times.