Freddy Mercury, pseudonym of farrokh bulsara (Stone Town, Zanzibar, 5 September 1946 - London, 24 November 1991), was a British singer-songwriter, composer and musician of Zanzibar origin, famous throughout the world as the frontman of Queen.
Biography
Freddy Mercury is one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in modern music.
Born in Zanzibar in 1946, Mercury soon moved to England, where he attended the Kensington Institute of Music.
In 1971 he founded the band Queen, together with bassist John Deacon, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, with whom he achieved enormous success all over the world.
His uniquely enchanting voice and original singing styles made him one of rock music's greatest artists.
Mercury is also known for his fascinating performances live and its stage performances, often also featuring gaudy costumes, flashy makeup and choreographed movements.
In 1985, the Queen band performed at the famous Live Aid concert and we still remember today the impact Mercury's performance had that day.
Musical career
With Queen, Freddy Mercury composed some of the most famous and loved songs of the rock scene, such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "We Are the Champions", "Somebody to Love" and "Don't Stop Me Now".
His extraordinary voice, charisma on stage and great creativity made him a cult figure for millions of fans around the world.
Private life
Freddy Mercury was always very private about his private life, but it is known that he had several relationships with men and women.
In 1987, following a positive HIV test, made his illness public and actively engaged in the fight against AIDS.
He died in London on November 24, 1991, due to complications related to the same.
The relationship with Mary Austin
Freddie Mercury is said to have written the song "Love of My Life” for Mary Austin, his ex-girlfriend and close friend.
The song was included on Queen's 1975 album titled "A Night at the Opera".
Mercury and Austin they met in 1970 and they started one romantic relationship which lasted several years. Despite the end of their love affair, the two remained lifelong friends with Mercury.
After the singer's death, Mary Austin received much of her inheritance and became the keeper of his London home.
Artistic legacy
Freddy Mercury was one of the most loved singers and influential in the history of music, with a career that has spanned from rock to classical music.
After his death, has become an icon of popular culture and his figure has been celebrated countless times through films, documentaries, books and musical tributes.
In 1992 Queen gave a huge concert in his honor at Wembley Stadium in London, in front of an audience of 72.000.
The Bohemian Rhapsody movie of 2018
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a 2018 biopic directed by Bryan Singer and produced by 20th Century Fox. The film tells the story of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury from his birth in Zanzibar to the band's legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985.
Rami Malek plays the role of Freddie Mercury in the film, while the other members of Queen are played by Gwilym Lee (Brian May), Ben Hardy (Roger Taylor) and Joseph Mazzello (John Deacon). The film received mixed reviews from criticsbut was a huge commercial success, grossing over $900 million worldwide.
Also it was criticized by some fans and critical for some historical inaccuracies and for its fictionalized depiction of the life of Freddie Mercury.
However, it was praised for Rami Malek's performance, which won the Oscar as Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury.
Despite the criticisms, the film has helped to renew interest in the music of Queen and in the figure of Freddie Mercury, consolidating their status as icons of popular culture.
Freddy Mercury's most famous songs
- "Bohemian Rhapsody"
- “We Will Rock You”
- "Killer Queen"
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
- “We Are the Champions”
- "Don't Stop Me Now"
- “Another One Bites the Dust”
- "Somebody to Love"
- “The Show Must Go On”
