On a day like today, 78 years ago, he was born Freddie Mercuryone of the most iconic artists in music and pop culture.
As a vocalist and leader of Queenburst onto the music scene with his debut album in 1973, but was “A Night at the Opera” from 1975 which raised them to international fame, thanks to the success of the song Bohemian Rhapsodywritten by Mercury himself, which dominated the British charts for nine weeks and revolutionized the concept of music videos, anticipating the importance of image in the music industry. The band continued to grow thanks to other songs such as We Will Rock You y We Are the Championspositioning themselves as one of the most influential bands of the 70s.
Mercury’s on-stage charisma was unmatched. His live performances, particularly at events such as Live Aid in 1985, dressed in extravagant costumes, made him a master of showmanship, commanding stadiums full of fans with his voice capable of spanning multiple registers.
The last days of Freddie Mercury
On November 22, 1991, Freddie called the manager of Queen, Jim Beachto discuss a matter. The following day, the media was informed on behalf of the singer:
“Following the massive media speculation over the past two weeks, it is my wish to confirm that I am suffering from AIDS. I felt it was right to keep this information private until today to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come for my friends and supporters to know the truth and I hope everyone will join me and my doctors in fighting this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very important to me and I am famous for rarely giving interviews. This policy will continue.”
On November 24, 1991, one day after announcing his illness to the world, acknowledging the rumors that had been circulating for years, Freddie Mercury He died in his bed. He was only 45 years old. Freddie left behind a legacy so great that even today it is difficult to put it into words.
Freddie Mercury.webp
Freddie’s charisma and talent conquered the world’s stages.
Mercury’s last public appearance had been on February 18, 1990, for the gala of the Awards Brit of that year, which awarded the band for their contribution to British music. A thin and emaciated Freddie was seen at the gala. The speech was given by Brian Maywhile he simply thanked her.
Although his health was deteriorating over time, Queen recorded what would be the band’s last album with Mercury alive, “Innuendo”The album was released in February 1991 and Freddie’s absence from the album launch party only fueled the rumours about his health.
According to her partner at the time, Jim HuttonFreddie was diagnosed with the disease after Easter 1987. At the time, the singer said in an interview that he was not ill. Despite these denials, the press fueled rumours about this possible illness due to Mercury’s appearance and Queen He no longer toured or performed in concerts and the promotional videos showed a very different appearance to the one everyone knew.
With Freddie’s death, a fundamental part of the history of rock and music in general was lost. The man born as Farrokh Bulsara In Zanzibar he was an extraordinary figure, a unique and unrepeatable voice.
Roger Taylor and Brian May’s recollection of the final recording sessions with Freddie
The last few years were tough but according to Roger Taylordrummer of Queenserved to unite the band even more: “Freddie was very ill. We were all worried and concerned about him. We tried to make sure he had a good time. Despite those circumstances, it was a good time for us. Maybe one of the best because we were closer than ever” Taylor said years later in an interview.
“There was a lot of joy, strangely enough. Freddie was in pain, but he could enjoy what he loved to do. Sometimes that only lasted a couple of hours, because he got so tired. But for those couple of hours, he gave it his all. When he couldn’t stand up, he would lean on a little table and drink a glass of vodka and say: I’ll sing until I bleed,” he said. Brian May about those last recording sessions.
“The Show Must Go On” y “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” They are two emblematic songs from the album “Innuendo”the first composed by May and the second by Taylor. They are perhaps the most beautiful farewell gift that could have been given to Freddie, who with his voice, powerful until the end, turned them into an eternal gift for all those who enjoyed, enjoy and will continue to enjoy his music.
