Freddie Mercury
Birthday:
September 5, 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Birth Name:
Farrokh Bomi Bulsara
Height:
177 cm
Freddie Mercury was born on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. His parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, sent him off to a private school in India, from 1955 til 1963. In 1964, he and his family flew to England. In 1966 he started his education at the Ealing College of Art, where he graduated in 1969. He loved art, and because of that, he often went along ...
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Freddie Mercury was born on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. His parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, sent him off to a private school in India, from 1955 til 1963. In 1964, he and his family flew to England. In 1966 he started his education at the Ealing College of Art, where he graduated in 1969. He loved art, and because of that, he often went along with his friend Tim Staffell, who played in a band called Smile. Also in this band where Brian May and Roger Taylor.When Staffell left the band in 1970, Mercury became their new singer. He changed the band's name into Queen, and they took on a new bass-player in February 1971, called John Deacon. Their first album, "Queen", came out in 1973. But their real breakthrough was "Killer Queen", on the album "Sheer Heart Attack", which was released in 1974. They became immortal with the single "Bohemian Rhapsody", on the 1975 album "A Night At The Opera".After their biggest hit in the USA in 1980 with "Another One Bites The Dust", they had a bad period. Their album "Flash Gordon" went down the drain, because the movie Flash Gordon (1980) flunked. Their next, the disco-oriented "Hot Space", was hated not only by rock critics but also by many hardcore fans. Only the song "Under Pressure", which they sang together with David Bowie, made a difference. In 1983, they took a year off. But, in 1984 they came back with their new album called "The Works". The singles "Radio Ga Ga" and "I Want to Break Free" did very well in the UK but a controversy over the video of the latter in the USA meant it got little exposure and flopped. Plans to tour the USA were cancelled and the band would not recover their popularity there during Mercury's lifetime.In April 1985, Mercury released his first solo album, the less rock-oriented and more dance-oriented "Mr. Bad Guy". The album is often considered now to have been a flop, but it actually wasn't. It peaked at number six in the UK and stayed on the chart for 23 weeks, making it the most successful Queen solo project. The band got back together again after their barnstorming performance at Live Aid (1985) in July 1985. At the end of the year, they started working on their new album, "A Kind Of Magic". They also held their biggest ever world tour, the "Magic Tour". They played Wembley Stadium twice and held their very last concert in Knebworth, in front of 125.000 people.After 1986, it went silent around Queen. It was in 1987 or '88, when Mercury told the band he had AIDS, and only had a few years to live. After Mercury told the band, he refused to talk about it anymore. He was afraid that people would buy their records out of pity. He said he wanted to keep making music as long as possible. And he did. His second big solo album, "The Great Pretender", got out in 1987. After that, he flew to Spain, where he made the magnificent album "Barcelona", together with Montserrat Caballé, whom he saw performing in 1983. Because Mercury loved opera, he became a huge fan of her. For him, this album was like a dream becoming reality. The single "Barcelona" went huge, and was also used as a theme song for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.After Barcelona, he started working with the band again. They made "The Miracle", which was released in 1989. It was a success, with hits as "Breakthru", "I Want It All" and "The Invisible Man". After "The Miracle", Mercury's health got worse. They wanted to do one more album, called "Innuendo." They worked on it in 1990 and early 1991. Every time when Mercury would feel well, he came over to the studio and sang. After "Innuendo" was released in January 1991, they made two video clips. The first one was the video clip of "I'm Going Slightly Mad", shot in March 1991. Because Mercury was very thin, and had little wounds all over his body, they used a lot of make-up. He wore a wig, and the clip was shot in black and white.Mercury's final video clip was released in June 1991. The clip, "These Are The Days Of Our Lives", later turned out to be his goodbye song, the last time he appeared on film. You could clearly see he was ill, but he still hadn't told the world about his disease. Rumours went around that he some kind of terrible disease. This rumor was confirmed by Mercury himself, one day before he passed on. His death was seen as a great loss for the world of popular music. Show less «
If I didn't do this well, I just wouldn't have anything to do...I can't cook, and I'd be a terrible housewife.
If I didn't do this well, I just wouldn't have anything to do...I can't cook, and I'd be a terrible housewife.
I'm just a musical prostitute my dear
I'm just a musical prostitute my dear
The bigger the better; in everything.
The bigger the better; in everything.
Years ago, I thought up the name Queen...It's just a name, but it's very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid...It's a strong name, very ...Show more »
Years ago, I thought up the name Queen...It's just a name, but it's very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid...It's a strong name, very universal and immediate. It had a lot of visual potential and was open to all sorts of interpretations. I was certainly aware of the gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it. Show less «
[speaking in 1974] I am as gay as a daffodil.
[speaking in 1974] I am as gay as a daffodil.
[on Mary Austin, late 1970s interview] All my lovers asked me why they couldn't replace Mary but it's simply impossible. The only friend I'v...Show more »
[on Mary Austin, late 1970s interview] All my lovers asked me why they couldn't replace Mary but it's simply impossible. The only friend I've got is Mary and I don't want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, thats enough for me. I couldn't fall in love with a man the same way as I have with Mary. Show less «
[statement released on 23 November 1991] Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I ha...Show more »
[statement released on 23 November 1991] Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private in order to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me in the fight against this terrible disease. Show less «
Oh, I was not made for heaven. No, I don't want to go to heaven. Hell is much better. Think of all the interesting people you're going to me...Show more »
Oh, I was not made for heaven. No, I don't want to go to heaven. Hell is much better. Think of all the interesting people you're going to meet down there! Show less «
Modern paintings are like women, you'll never enjoy them if you try to understand them.
Modern paintings are like women, you'll never enjoy them if you try to understand them.
I think I'm totally original. I'm sure there are many people who see themselves in me, but that's to them. I'm me, basically, and that's how...Show more »
I think I'm totally original. I'm sure there are many people who see themselves in me, but that's to them. I'm me, basically, and that's how I like to be. Show less «
My voice takes a beating. The more vocal gymnastics I do in the studio, the more I have to do on stage.
My voice takes a beating. The more vocal gymnastics I do in the studio, the more I have to do on stage.
The Carmen Miranda of rock 'n' roll. But what can I say? I'm a flamboyant personality. I like going out and having a good time.
The Carmen Miranda of rock 'n' roll. But what can I say? I'm a flamboyant personality. I like going out and having a good time.
Oh God, I pray I'll never get AIDS. So many friends have it. Some have died, others won't last much longer. I'm terrified that I'll be next....Show more »
Oh God, I pray I'll never get AIDS. So many friends have it. Some have died, others won't last much longer. I'm terrified that I'll be next. Immediately after each time I have sex I think, 'Suppose that was the one? Suppose the virus is now in my body? I jump in the shower and scrub myself clean, although I know it's useless and anyway it's too late. Show less «
Fame and success have brought me everything, except a loving, on-going relationship. I seem to eat people up and destroy them no matter how ...Show more »
Fame and success have brought me everything, except a loving, on-going relationship. I seem to eat people up and destroy them no matter how hard I try to make things work. Sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat, screaming with fear because I'm so alone. That's why I go out looking for someone who will love me, even if it's just for a one-night stand. I fall in love far too quickly, and I end up getting hurt and scarred. It seems I just can't win. Show less «
I am a manipulator of life.
I am a manipulator of life.
I have to go out every night. I hate staying in one room for too long anyway. I just like to keep moving.
I have to go out every night. I hate staying in one room for too long anyway. I just like to keep moving.
[on his band Queen] We're in the music business. It's in my blood. The only thing I can do is to write music and perform. That's what I'm go...Show more »
[on his band Queen] We're in the music business. It's in my blood. The only thing I can do is to write music and perform. That's what I'm going to be doing and I think all of us are going to be doing until we die. Show less «
I'm not married to music, I'm married to love.
I'm not married to music, I'm married to love.
I always knew I was a star, and now the rest of the world seems to agree with me.
I always knew I was a star, and now the rest of the world seems to agree with me.
I'm a very tragic person, but there's always an element of humour at the end.
I'm a very tragic person, but there's always an element of humour at the end.
The most important thing, darling, is to live a fabulous life. As long as it's fabulous, I don't care how long it is.
The most important thing, darling, is to live a fabulous life. As long as it's fabulous, I don't care how long it is.
I don't think I'll make old bones and I don't care. I've lived a full life. I really have done it all and if I'm dead tomorrow I don't care ...Show more »
I don't think I'll make old bones and I don't care. I've lived a full life. I really have done it all and if I'm dead tomorrow I don't care a damn Show less «
One of my early inspirations came from Cabaret (1972). I absolutely adore Liza Minnelli, she's a total wow. The way she delivers her songs, ...Show more »
One of my early inspirations came from Cabaret (1972). I absolutely adore Liza Minnelli, she's a total wow. The way she delivers her songs, the sheer energy, the way the lights enhance every movement of the show. I think you can see similarities in the excitement and energy of a Queen show. It's not glam rock, you see; we're in the show-business tradition. Show less «
[on Queen] We're the bitchiest band on earth, darling. We're at each other's throats. One night Roger Taylor was in a foul mood and he threw...Show more »
[on Queen] We're the bitchiest band on earth, darling. We're at each other's throats. One night Roger Taylor was in a foul mood and he threw his entire bloody drum set across the stage. The thing only just missed me - I might have been killed. Show less «
I don't like to explain what I was thinking when I wrote a song. I think that's awful, just awful. When I'm dead, I want to be remembered as...Show more »
I don't like to explain what I was thinking when I wrote a song. I think that's awful, just awful. When I'm dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance. Show less «
I like to enjoy myself and what better way to do it than on stage in front of 300,000 people?
I like to enjoy myself and what better way to do it than on stage in front of 300,000 people?
[admitting his sexual promiscuity] I'm just an old slag who gets up every morning, scratches his head and wonders what he wants to fuck.
[admitting his sexual promiscuity] I'm just an old slag who gets up every morning, scratches his head and wonders what he wants to fuck.
I love George Michael because he moves so well and has a sense of dignity and fun.
I love George Michael because he moves so well and has a sense of dignity and fun.
Something like Bohemian Rhapsody didn't just come out of thin air. I did a bit of research, although it was tongue-in-cheek and it was mock-...Show more »
Something like Bohemian Rhapsody didn't just come out of thin air. I did a bit of research, although it was tongue-in-cheek and it was mock-opera. Why not? I certainly wasn't saying I was an opera fanatic and I knew everything about it. Show less «
I don't want to keep playing the same formula over and over again, otherwise you just go insane. I don't want to become stale. I want to be ...Show more »
I don't want to keep playing the same formula over and over again, otherwise you just go insane. I don't want to become stale. I want to be creative. Show less «
I'm a flamboyant person. I like to live life. I certainly work hard for it, and I want to have a good time. Don't deny me that. It might not...Show more »
I'm a flamboyant person. I like to live life. I certainly work hard for it, and I want to have a good time. Don't deny me that. It might not come again and I want to enjoy myself a little. Show less «
I liked to sing, I don't know, call it natural gift or whatever, you know, I'm not afraid to say it. It's just I like to sing and then I sud...Show more »
I liked to sing, I don't know, call it natural gift or whatever, you know, I'm not afraid to say it. It's just I like to sing and then I suddenly realized that I could actually write songs and then make my own music rather than before I would, you know, sort of copy Elvis Presley songs and things as I do, then I realized that I could actually write my own songs and do it my own way. Then suddenly, you know, there was a little taste of success. Show less «
In terms of press and things, I'm a very hated person, but I hate the press as well. So that goes both ways, but to me I think I've learned ...Show more »
In terms of press and things, I'm a very hated person, but I hate the press as well. So that goes both ways, but to me I think I've learned to live with it. I'd be a liar to say I'm not hurt by criticism because I mean everybody is, you know, of course I want everybody to say I'm wonderful and they like my songs, but I mean I don't mind actually a sort of genuine well thought out criticism, but I mean of course you're going to get... just... people review our albums without even listening to them and things like that, but I mean that's the way of the world and before I used to get really mad and start tearing my hair out but now I don't have anymore sleepless nights, so just I learned to live with it. Let them all come. Show less «
It's lovely to hear that We Are The Champions is a song that's been taken up by, you know, football fans 'cause that's a winners' song which...Show more »
It's lovely to hear that We Are The Champions is a song that's been taken up by, you know, football fans 'cause that's a winners' song which keeps coming back, I can't believe that somebody else hasn't written a new song to take it over. Show less «
I relax in ways most people can't understand. I can relax by actually just sleeping on a plane when I'm flying for 20 minutes, that's my rel...Show more »
I relax in ways most people can't understand. I can relax by actually just sleeping on a plane when I'm flying for 20 minutes, that's my relaxation. That's all I need. I don't need too much sleep. I don't, you know, I don't need tons of sleep, I can go with 3 or 4 hours sleep every night. That's enough for me. I recharge my batteries in that short a time and I'm up again. Show less «
When I'm dead are they going to remember me ? I don't really think about it, it's up to them. When I'm dead, who cares ? I don't.
When I'm dead are they going to remember me ? I don't really think about it, it's up to them. When I'm dead, who cares ? I don't.
[on Jimi Hendrix] He really had everything a rock & roll star should have - style, presence; he didn't have to force anything. He'd just mak...Show more »
[on Jimi Hendrix] He really had everything a rock & roll star should have - style, presence; he didn't have to force anything. He'd just make an entrance and the whole place would be on fire. He was living out everything I wanted to be. Show less «
[speaking at his last concert with Queen at Knebworth Park, August 9th, 1986] Earlier on there were rumors of us splitting up, but I mean - ...Show more »
[speaking at his last concert with Queen at Knebworth Park, August 9th, 1986] Earlier on there were rumors of us splitting up, but I mean - fuck 'em - how can you split up when you have an audience like this? Show less «
[on rumors he had AIDS] AIDS changed my life. I was extremely promiscuous but I stopped that. Anyone who is promiscuous should have a test. ...Show more »
[on rumors he had AIDS] AIDS changed my life. I was extremely promiscuous but I stopped that. Anyone who is promiscuous should have a test. I'm fine. I'm clear. Show less «
[on Manhattan in the 1980s] It's sin city, but you have to come away at the right time. Stay a day too long, and it grips you. Very hypnotic...Show more »
[on Manhattan in the 1980s] It's sin city, but you have to come away at the right time. Stay a day too long, and it grips you. Very hypnotic. It's all tripping in at 8 or 9 every morning, and taking throat injections so I can still sing. It's a real place. I love it. Show less «
[on what other people thought his songs were about] If you hear it, darling, then it's there.
[on what other people thought his songs were about] If you hear it, darling, then it's there.
We started off on a sort of heavy metal footing in the days of Led Zeppelin. I think Led Zeppelin are still one of the greatest heavy metal ...Show more »
We started off on a sort of heavy metal footing in the days of Led Zeppelin. I think Led Zeppelin are still one of the greatest heavy metal bands that ever lived. Show less «
[in 1985] I think right now George Michael is very, very good.
[in 1985] I think right now George Michael is very, very good.
Stevie Wonder, writing a ballad, you just can't top that guy.
Stevie Wonder, writing a ballad, you just can't top that guy.
A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event. I have fun with my clothes onstage; it's not a concert you're seein...Show more »
A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It's a theatrical event. I have fun with my clothes onstage; it's not a concert you're seeing, it's a fashion show. Show less «
I've worked hard for money. Nobody's given it to me dear! I've earned it so it's mine to do what I want with. So if I want a pyramid in Kens...Show more »
I've worked hard for money. Nobody's given it to me dear! I've earned it so it's mine to do what I want with. So if I want a pyramid in Kensington and I can afford it, I'll have it. Show less «
[after "I Want to Break Free" became a gay liberation anthem] To start off with, that song was written by John Deacon and he's a very happil...Show more »
[after "I Want to Break Free" became a gay liberation anthem] To start off with, that song was written by John Deacon and he's a very happily married man with about four children. I don't know where you've got that message from, it's got nothing to do with gay people at all. It's basically about everybody, it's just somebody who has a very tough life and he just wants to break free from whatever problems he's got. It's got nothing to do with the gay thing. Show less «
[referring to his time in Munich and his love for the Bavarian carnival] I live life to the full, everyday is Fasching for me.
[referring to his time in Munich and his love for the Bavarian carnival] I live life to the full, everyday is Fasching for me.
Paul Young's very good. He does a lot of covers, though, doesn't he? I mean, he's got a beautiful voice. I don't know about his writing tale...Show more »
Paul Young's very good. He does a lot of covers, though, doesn't he? I mean, he's got a beautiful voice. I don't know about his writing talent. His cover versions seem to be the best. Show less «
[on "We Are The World" by USA for Africa] It's a very good song. I think it's a beautiful song and I was gripped by the video 'cos I mean it...Show more »
[on "We Are The World" by USA for Africa] It's a very good song. I think it's a beautiful song and I was gripped by the video 'cos I mean it's nice to have all those stars, there were no ego trips, to be honest, going from one to the other, it was lovely to see all those stars all together. Show less «
[in a 1984 interview, 7 years before his death] What will I be doing in twenty years' time? I'll be dead, darling! Are you crazy?
[in a 1984 interview, 7 years before his death] What will I be doing in twenty years' time? I'll be dead, darling! Are you crazy?
[after playing with Queen to 500,000 people over two nights at Brazil's Rock In Rio Festival in 1985] We came to South America originally be...Show more »
[after playing with Queen to 500,000 people over two nights at Brazil's Rock In Rio Festival in 1985] We came to South America originally because we were invited down. They wanted four wholesome lads to play some nice music. Now I'd like to buy up the entire continent and install myself as President. Show less «
[on heavy metal fans who don't like anything else] That's their problem.
[on heavy metal fans who don't like anything else] That's their problem.
[complimenting David Bowie on his immaculate powder blue suit at Live Aid (1985)] If I didn't know you any better I'd have to eat you.
[complimenting David Bowie on his immaculate powder blue suit at Live Aid (1985)] If I didn't know you any better I'd have to eat you.
I don't want anybody to make it easy for me, which I like, because I'm a survivor. I want to work hard for it.
I don't want anybody to make it easy for me, which I like, because I'm a survivor. I want to work hard for it.
Some people can take second best, but I can't. If you've got the taste for being number one, then number two isn't good enough. I'm spoilt! ...Show more »
Some people can take second best, but I can't. If you've got the taste for being number one, then number two isn't good enough. I'm spoilt! If anything goes wrong, it's no good bottling it up until tomorrow. So we shout at each other and break a few chairs to get it out of our system. Show less «
Freddie Mercury's Photos
