The lead singer of Queen has been voted the best frontman and the best vocalist in human history countless times, with a vocal range left unmatched to this very day. No one can argue that his voice leaves you close to silence, revelling in his sheer skill. Everybody, regardless of their age, knows “Bohemian Rhapsody” and can sing along to “We Will Rock You.”
But, more than just his singing and songwriting, his personality commanded attention. He lived the high life to the fullest, bleeding his fame and fortune to the last possible ounce. He loved extravagance, had friends in high places, and threw some of the best parties in rock and roll history. Freddie Mercury was larger than life.
Behind that, though, was Farrokh Bulsara, Freddie’s given name; a quiet, more timid man who much preferred to keep to himself. Farrokh was born in Zanzibar, modern day Tanzania, and was self-concious about his teeth. He was the earthly version of the musician. But, when he got onto that stage, Freddie took over, and his presence moved you.
Queen dominated Live Aid, captivated Wembley Stadium, and created music that transcends time and that you can feel in your soul long after Freddie’s death. They will forever remain engraved in history as one of rock and roll’s greatest acts.
“When I’m dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance,” Freddie once said. Even long after his untimely passing of AIDS in November 1991, when he was just 45, he is most definitely remembered in the way he wished. He is remembered for his notable drug addiction, his battle with AIDS, but more so as the man who possessed one of the best voices the world has ever seen, and a man who’s charisma could captivate hundreds of thousands of people all at once.
So, here’s to you, Freddie Mercury. Happy birthday, and thank you for making music, and for changing my life, though mine began two years after yours ended. To me, you will always be a legend.