Freddie Mercury was born 78 years ago: why no one knew about the illness of Queen's leader and who was the only woman he loved madly

The voice of the legendary singer, frontman of the rock band Queen Freddie Mercury still captivates music lovers around the world. The born star fascinated fans with his bright personality, unforgettable performances, and unsurpassed talent. Today, on September 5, 2024, the artist would have celebrated his 78th birthday.

Freddie Mercury is one of the biggest names in rock music, but not everyone knows that it's just a pseudonym. The future musician, whose real name is Farrukh Bulsara, was born on September 5, 1946, on the island of Zanzibar, now Tanzania, in the family of a British employee.

Childhood and passion for music

Freddie spent most of his childhood in India. At the age of 7, the boy first mastered the piano, and at the age of 12, he formed a school band. Together with his friends, Mercury performed cover versions of songs and was fond of rock and roll. However, according to friends, the future legend was also fascinated by pop music. Having an incredible ability to reproduce the notes he heard, the young man plunged into a new world. It was then that he began to call himself in the English-speaking manner, choosing the name "Freddie."

The creation of the band Queen

The star's family returned to their homeland, but in the 60s they had to leave for England because of the revolution. Soon after, Mercury entered college and received a degree in art graphics and design. Interestingly, his artistic skills later helped him create the heraldic coat of arms of the band Queen, which encrypts the zodiac signs of the band members.

After graduation, Freddie played in a number of bands. However, in 1970, fate brought the musician together with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, who had previously played in the band Smile. In 1971, they were joined by bassist John Deacon. The artists founded the band Queen. Around the same time, the leader took the pseudonym "Mercury".

The only love for life

The singer's personal life has always been shrouded in rumors. However, the only person he loved all his life was a girl named Mary Austin. The couple was introduced by his bandmate Brian May.

As you know, the legendary ballad "Love of My Life", which even after 49 years brings listeners to tears, was dedicated to Mary Austin.

At the same time, the extravagant performer proposed to his closest person. However, the wedding did not take place. Despite a long-term relationship, the young people broke up because of Mercury's confession of his sexual orientation.

Freddie had many lovers throughout his life, but Mary always remained his closest friend. She gave birth to two sons, but was not officially married to their father. The godfather of the British woman's eldest son was a star singer. After the 45-year-old artist's death in 1991, it became known that he had left Austin a large part of his money, his house, and royalties for recording.

Singer's disease

The first press reports and clinical observations related to HIV appeared in 1981, and the name AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was first proposed by scientists in July 1982. Biographers suggest that Freddie discovered the symptoms of the disease in 1982 when he visited a doctor to have a white spot on his tongue examined.

In October 1986, some newspapers reported that Mercury had been tested for HIV/AIDS, although the celebrity's partner Jim Hutton confirmed after the singer's death that he had indeed been diagnosed with AIDS in April 1987. At the time, amid rumors in the press, Freddie claimed that his HIV test was negative, and his closest friends denied any reports that the musician had AIDS.

The artist tried to keep the secret to protect his loved ones. In a 1993 interview, Brian May confirmed that Freddie had told his bandmates about his illness much earlier. On August 9, 1986, Queen played their last concert, but continued to work in the studio. At that time, friends described him as thin, but noted that he did not lose his positive attitude.

Public statement

After his last recording with the band in June 1991, Freddie returned to his home in Kensington, where he was cared for by his partner Jim and visited by his ex-wife Mary. As his condition rapidly deteriorated, he refused any medication except painkillers. On November 23, 1991, Mercury released a statement that he and his manager Jim Beach had prepared the day before.

"Given the rumors that have been circulating in the press for the past two weeks, I want to confirm that I have tested positive for HIV and have AIDS. I felt it necessary to keep this information secret to keep my family and friends calm. However, the time has come to tell the truth to friends and supporters around the world," he said in a statement. Just a day after the statement, Mercury died at the age of 45. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS.

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