Freddie Mercury (1946-1991) was the legendary lead vocalist of Queen. Decades after his death, Mercury is remembered in many ways: as a great voice, an innovative musician, an inspiring songwriter, a talented showman, a legend.
On November 24 1991, Freddie passed away – just a few hours after he publicly announced he had been tested HIV positive and had AIDS. His legacy to the world is not only his musical masterpieces such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are The Champions”, but most importantly his contribution in raising awareness of AIDS and funds for research -the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity organisation that fights AIDS worldwide which was founded by all Queen members after Mercury’s death, has raised millions of pounds since he passed away and continues to be active to this day.
1. “I am not going to be a star. I am going to be a legend.”
2. “I’m so powerful on stage I seem to have created a monster. When I’m performing I’m an extrovert yet inside I’m a completely different man.”
3. “Success has brought me world idolisation and millions of pounds. But it has prevented me from having the one thing we all need, a loving, on-going relationship. Love is Russian roulette for me.”
4. “People are apprehensive when they meet me. They think I’m going to eat them.”
5. “If I lost everything tomorrow I’d claw my way back to the top somehow.”
6. “I like to ridicule myself. I don’t take it too seriously. I wouldn’t wear these clothes if I was serious. The one thing that keeps me going is that I like to laugh at myself.”
7. “When I look back on all the black nail varnish and stuff I think, God, what did I do? I used to feel a need for all that on stage. It made me more secure. But now I don’t. I’ve grown up a bit.”
8. “Excess is part of my nature. Dullness is a disease. I really need danger and excitement. I’m never scared of putting myself out on a limb.”
9. “I don’t want to change the world with our music. There are no hidden messages in our songs. I like to write songs for modern consumption.”
10. “I don’t have any aspirations to live to 70. I don’t want to sound morbid. I’ve lived a full life and if I’m dead tomorrow, I don’t give a damn. I’ve done it all I really have.”
