By 18, his family had emigrated to England, to escape the violence of the revolution against the Sultan of Zanzibar and its Arab government. And the move to “England,” set the stage for Farrokh to blossom into “Freddie Mercury.” He studied art at Isleworth Polytechnic in West London and later graphic art and design at Ealing Art College. This schooling gave him the background to later create the original symbolic Queen logo and no doubt added to his creativity in transforming his personal style into a universal music sensation. He joined a number of bands during his youth and by 1969 was performing with a group called the “Ibix” (later called “Wrecking”), in Liverpool. When this band dissolved he moved on to a band called “Sour Milk Sea” and when that band disbanded in 1970, he went on to work with Brian May (guitarist) and Roger Taylor (drummer) on their band “Smile”. John Deacon (bassist), came along in 1971 and together this group of four musicians launched a new group.. “Queen.” Freddie picked the band name “Queen” for its regal sound and brushed off the potential gay affiliation. He also set about creating a special logo that resembled a regal coat of arms. (His graphic arts background proved rather handy.) It was at this time that he changed his name forever more to “Mercury,” “Freddie Mercury”. And the “transformation” of Farrokh, Brian, Roger and John by the messenger of the gods occurred and “Queen” the entity was born! The melding of these 4 incredible artistic & talented dynamos has proven a force of nature. They became such an incredible sensation and even years later.. (with the passing of Freddie), they remain at the cutting edge of universal music and fame when the remaining band members are over a certain age. And that says a lot! To his credit, Freddy personally designed the rather symbolic “Queen” logo representing the transformation of the individual artists into a mega force. “Phoenix rising!” with Lions (Roger Taylor and John Deacon), Crab (Brian May) and Fairies (representing Freddie Mercury)! The song “Delilah” was written and performed by Freddie on his last album with Queen.
Freddie’s only “solo” album entitled “Mr Bad Guy,” was released in 1986 while Queen was on hiatus. He dedicated this album he wrote, performed and produced to his beloved cats. His sentiments were clear when he wrote on the liner notes of the Lp: “This Album is dedicated to my cat Jerry — also Tom, Oscar and Tiffany and ALL the other Cat Lovers across the Universe — Screw Everybody else!” G Freddie wrote 10 of the 17 songs on the “Queens Greatest Hits” album. G The “Spectator” described Freddie Mercury as “a performer out to tease, shock and ultimately charm his audience with various extravagant versions of himself.” G Freddie and Mary Austin had a “unique” and enduring lifetime love, friendship and admiration for each other which they memorialized with a ring. G Freddie told his assistant Peter Freestone: “The only friend I’ve got is Mary, and I don’t want anybody else.” G Freddie’s last relationship was a dedicated and loving relationship with his partner of 7 years “Jim Hutton.” They had a similar look and even started dressing in the same outfits .. G Freddie was never legally married to either Mary Austin or Jim Hutton though he had proposed to Mary years before he embraced his true sexuality. G Freddie Mercury died of aids in 1991 at his home in England. He was only 45 years of age. Freddie left his estate and most of his fortune and worldly possessions to Mary Austin. G He was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame (posthumously) in 2003. G Freddie’s light will continue to shine and his music to live on through future generations. Freddie Mercury -- a meteor .. the “King of Queen,” the “Queen of Cats!” Forever.
G Freddie’s “final act” was to stroke his beloved cat, “Delilah.”
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