Freddie Mercury: Gone, Not Forgotten Post by: Dan The Internut 24 November, 2011 - 12:01 AM

Where have the last 20 years gone? That's what many people will be asking today when they find out that the late, great, Freddie Mercury died on this day in 1991.

The lead singer of Queen was a legend. End of story. He was an amazing singer, an amazing frontman, and an even more amazing songwriter. After all, a man responsible for writing "Bohemian Rhapsody" alone would be celebrated forever, let alone other massive hits like "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "We Are the Champions", "Bicycle Race", "Don't Stop Me Now" and of course, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love".

Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara, in 1946 in Stone Town, Zanzibar. He spent the bulk of his childhood in India, and fortunately for us, starting learning the piano at age 7. He started his very first band, The Hectics, when he was 12 years old, and even then his former bandmates saw something special. His Wikipedia page suggests that a friend from the time recalls that he had "an uncanny ability to listen to the radio and replay what he heard on piano".

His family fled Zanzibar for safety reasons, and after the usual revolving door of bands (plus a working stint at Heathrow Airport), fate stepped in and brought Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor together to form the one, the only, Queen (John Deacon obviously joined the band later on).

Of course, we all know how popular this band were to become. They came, they saw, they conquered all. Collectively, Queen have released 26 albums and sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

Out the front, Freddie was the consummate frontman. As Brian May remembers, Mercury could make "...the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected."

Of course, he lived life like he lived on stage. He explored all facets of sexuality, as he was openly bi-sexual, and sadly for us, the horror that is HIV Aids claimed arguably it most high profile victim in Mercury. After a long illness, Freddie died on the evening of November 24th, 1991, a whole five years after his last live performance with his band Queen.

For a lot of us, it was one of those "where were you when you heard" moments. Mix 94.5's morning guy Craig Weston recounts:

"I was working in promotions at the Virgin Megastore in Pitt St Mall Sydney when I heard the news, so I thought I’d run a tribute on our in-store narrow cast radio station and picked about 6 or so Queen songs. It wasn’t until a lady complained about one of the songs I’d chosen that I even thought of the possible connection; Apparently “Another One Bites The Dust” was an “anti homosexual” selection!"

Tim Lordan from afternoons remembers:

"I didn’t hear about Freddie’s passing until I saw it on the TV news that night. I’ll always remember seeing a story about fellow rock star Phil Collins saying something like “well it’s sad, but that’s what you get for being promiscuous” – which I thought was pretty insensitive (if he really said it).  I’d had the Queen albums “The Works” and “A Kind of Magic” as a kid...but his death inspired me to check stuff like the legendary “A Night at the Opera” – and that’s when you realise what an absolute genius Freddie was.  Add to that the fact that he was the ultimate flamboyant showman as well...and that amazing voice.  You’re really not going to find many people in rock history who had THAT much talent.  Simple as that.  RIP Freddie."

As for the guys on The Big Couch... Shane McFarlane remembers working on radio in Karratha when he heard the news... he played a tribute to them and thought to himself that Mercury's death would mean the end of the band...

Meanwhile, Clairsy had this to say:

"When I heard that Freddie had died my first thought was of Live Aid 1985 with Freddie in his element in front of a full Wembley stadium in London. Just a brilliant showman and one of the great rock singers"

So, 20 years on, we know that Freddie may be long gone, but will never be forgotten... not with his legacy and THOSE hits around forever.

The good news is that on November 30, we all get the chance to re-live the life of this amazing man and his band with the showing on ABC 2 of a brand new two part documentary called Queen: Days Of Our Lives.

This amazing story (which I've been lucky enough to see) covers the band’s early struggles and obstacles, the successes, arguments, breakups, triumphs, tragedies and their enduring legacy. It's the band’s story in their own words.

It's a DEFINITE for any music fan worth their salt. Mark it in your diaries now.

Queen: Days Of Our Lives

• Part 1: Wednesday, November 30th, 9.30pm on ABC2
• Part 2: Wednesday, December 7th, 9.30pm on ABC2

Leave your tribute to Freddie Mercury.

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