Imagine the scene: a burgeoning British rock movement, overflowing with raw talent and hungry ambition. The Rolling Stones, already electrifying audiences with their blues-infused rock and roll, were undeniably on the rise.
Yet, amidst the whirlwind of their own success, a tinge of envy bubbled beneath the surface. As Ronnie Wood himself recalls, even the Stones couldn’t help but watch their contemporaries achieve breakout success, a feeling most aspiring musicians know all too well.
In this article, we’ll explore Wood’s reflections on those early days, a time when even the legendary Rolling Stones grappled with a touch of jealousy towards their peers.
He Announced His HIV Diagnosis
On November 23, 1991, the music world was rocked by a devastating announcement. Freddie revealed he had been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS. In a public statement, Mercury confirmed the rumors that had been swirling for weeks, acknowledging the media intrusion into his privacy but emphasizing his desire to protect those close to him.
Mercury’s announcement was a bombshell. The singer, known for his fiercely guarded privacy, addressed the speculation surrounding his health and used his platform to raise awareness about AIDS.
This was a significant moment, not only because of Mercury’s immense fame, but also because it helped bring attention to the disease at a critical time. However, the news also sparked questions about Mercury’s sexuality, a topic he had never publicly addressed.
He Suddenly Passed Away a Day Later
Just one day after his public announcement about his HIV diagnosis, Freddie tragically passed away at his London home. Weakened by AIDS, he succumbed to bronchial pneumonia, an illness his compromised immune system couldn’t fight effectively.
The news sent shockwaves through the music world. Fans who had only just learned of his condition were now grappling with their grief. The suddenness of his death came as a surprise to many, including his close friends. Though diagnosed with HIV in 1987, Mercury kept his illness private and continued to work with Queen. Even after his announcement, those around him believed he had more time.
Peter Freestone, Mercury’s personal assistant for over a decade, spoke openly about his love for his friend and the shock of his passing. Despite knowing about the illness, Freestone, along with others, thought Mercury had a little longer. Freestone even suggested that Mercury may have chosen to leave on his own terms, fading away peacefully after revealing his diagnosis to the world.
He Bravely Faced His Diagnosis
Freestone believed Mercury suspected his declining health in the mid-1980s. This prompted him to get tested for HIV, but fearing the worst, he reportedly avoided hearing the results directly from his doctor. HIV treatment was still in its early stages then, a far cry from the manageable condition it is today with medication. Back then, a positive diagnosis was seen as a death sentence.
However, despite the devastating news, those close to Mercury described his great strength. Elton John, a good friend who received gifts from Mercury even near the end, claimed Mercury faced death without fear.
Music remained a constant focus, even as his health worsened. In the documentary Queen: Days of Our Lives, guitarist Brian May shared how Mercury, after informing his bandmates, refused to dwell on his illness. Instead, he wanted his remaining time dedicated to creating music, just as they always had. For their final recordings, Mercury shared songwriting credits with the band, reportedly strengthening their bond. Everyone agreed to keep his condition a secret.
He Stopped Taking His Medication as He Continued Creating Music
Despite his illness, Freddie continued to make music with Queen right up until his death. The band released The Miracle, an album brimming with optimism, showcasing Mercury’s vision of the world. Another song, “These Are The Days Of Our Lives”, is seen in retrospect as a farewell to his fans. The iconic video features Mercury gazing directly into the camera, whispering “I still love you” – a moment guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
According to his close friend Peter Freestone, Mercury stopped taking medication around November 10th, 1991, just two weeks before his passing. Freestone believes Mercury simply knew his time had come and made peace with his fate.
Former lover and close confidante Mary Austin offered similar thoughts. She explained how the medication had a negative impact on Mercury’s quality of life, causing increased pain and even vision loss. She believes he ultimately decided to stop the treatment, choosing to spend his remaining days comfortably, even if it meant a shorter lifespan.
His Friends Surrounded Him In His Final Moments
Despite his rockstar status, Freddie fiercely protected his privacy, especially during his illness. He disliked interviews and the trappings of fame, preferring the company of those who brought him joy.
Austin remained by his side throughout. They met before Queen’s meteoric rise to fame, when Mercury was just 24 and Austin was 19. Mercury reportedly considered Austin the love of his life, even referring to her as the woman he would have married. The song “Love of My Life” is believed to be a tribute to her.
Peter Freestone, on the other hand, took on a more personal role in his final months, essentially becoming his nurse. Freestone described a period of extreme physical weakness, where a bodyguard was needed to carry Mercury downstairs so he could see his beloved art collection. Other close friends also visited him, including Dave Clark, who was reportedly at his bedside when he passed away.
Not Everyone Was Sympathetic to His Death, Especially the Media
The outpouring of grief for Freddie today stands in stark contrast to the media landscape of 1991. While major news outlets paid tribute to his artistry and fans mourned a musical icon, some segments of the media, especially the tabloid press, approached the story with cruel sensationalism.
Attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and homosexuality were vastly different in the early 90s. Many outlets, particularly in the UK tabloids, used Freddie’s illness and death to fuel homophobic narratives. HIV was often misrepresented as a disease solely affecting gay men, and some journalists implied Mercury’s death was a consequence of his lifestyle, a sentiment he never attempted to hide.
James Rogan, director of the documentary Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, expressed his shock at the headlines he encountered during production. Articles with titles like “‘I’d shoot my son if he had AIDS’” highlighted the level of prejudice Freddie faced, even in death.
His Friends Were Angry About How the Media Exploited His Death
The tabloids, who had already exploited Freddie’s declining health with intrusive photography, didn’t stop after his death. In the following weeks, they shifted their focus to sensational details about his private life, digging up stories from London’s gay scene and publishing graphic accounts of his sexuality.
This treatment disgusted the surviving members of Queen. Years later, they still expressed anger at the media’s callousness. Roger Taylor called the journalists “vultures” who preyed on their friend’s memory.
The band members also spoke openly about their grief. Taylor admitted he, along with the others, never truly got over Freddie’s death. They initially underestimated the profound impact it would have on them. Even years later, Taylor found it difficult to discuss his friend’s passing, and Queen felt like a distant memory for those left behind.
His Death Helped People Become More Aware of HIV/AIDS
In the documentary Queen: Days of Our Lives, Freddie’s bandmates reveal their decision to shield him from the media glare. They knew a public announcement about his illness would turn his life into a media frenzy.
Their priority was to respect his wishes and let him focus on making music for as long as possible. Producer Dan Hall applauds Queen’s loyalty and their later public defense of the LGBTQ+ community against the bigotry surrounding AIDS in the aftermath of Mercury’s death.
Mercury’s announcement in 1991 wasn’t an isolated event. News of basketball star Magic Johnson and British theater director Tony Richardson’s HIV diagnoses were fresh in the public mind. Mercury’s death served as a tragic culmination of these stories, pushing AIDS awareness to the forefront. Campaigners believe it marked a turning point, changing public perception of the disease and forcing the world to acknowledge it as a serious global health crisis.
Many of His Fans Still Remember Him Dearly
News of Freddie’s passing sent shockwaves through his fan base, particularly those in London where he spent his final days. Fans grappled with their emotions, some drawn to his Kensington home. One young man, captured by the world’s media, arrived with a single rose, a simple gesture for a legendary singer. His note expressed the feelings of countless fans: “To Freddie, one of the greatest rock singers who ever lived, from one of his loyal fans.”
Mercury’s residence quickly became a pilgrimage site. Fans flocked there to pay their respects, leaving flowers and tokens of appreciation. News reports documented the growing collection of mementos, a testament to his enduring legacy. Even today, Queen fans visiting London consider it a must-see.
In 2021, on the 20th anniversary of his death, a British flag and a large photo of his iconic Live Aid performance were left outside, a simple message left on the flag: “Thanks Freddie, we just wanted to let you know we were thinking about you!”
https:/twitter.com/BrightsideSid/status/1799173120630333497
His Bandmates, Along with a Host of Other Rockstars, Celebrated His Legacy Through a Tribute Concert
Despite their grief and anger, the remaining Queen members remained resolute. Reports at the time of his death made it clear they had no intention of disbanding. Within days, plans were underway for a tribute concert in his honor.
Held the following April at Wembley Stadium, the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert was a powerful testament to his legacy. Staged to raise awareness for AIDS research, the concert featured the surviving Queen members performing a selection of their greatest hits alongside a star-studded lineup of guest vocalists. David Bowie, with whom Queen recorded “Under Pressure”, joined them, as did Elton John, a close friend of Mercury. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses also lent their voices to the event.
The concert was a resounding success, offering the band a sense of closure and the confidence to continue performing live. In the years that followed, Queen have toured with vocalists Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert, ensuring Freddie Mercury’s music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
He Left Mary Austin a Sizeable Chunk of His Wealth
Freddie’s flamboyant stage persona masked a heart known for kindness and generosity. He donated to charities and showered loved ones with extravagant gifts. At the time of his death, his estate was estimated to be worth a staggering £75 million (roughly $300 million today).
In his will, half his estate went to Mary Austin, which he considered his “common-law wife”. She received their Kensington mansion, most of his possessions like his art collection, and a significant share of his wealth. The remaining half was split between family members and close friends like Jim Hutton and Peter Freestone, who received substantial cash gifts or property.
Mary held a special place in Freddie’s life. She stood by him before Queen’s success, throughout his rise to fame, and remained a constant source of support until his final days. She inherited his ashes and chose to keep their final resting place a secret, a final act of privacy for a truly unique and unforgettable icon.