Our Popular Culture

One of the most memorable showmen ever to step onto a stage was Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. Interest in his professional and personal life has produced several versions of a Freddie Mercury biography. He achieved legendary status following his tragic death in 1991 and is still missed today by his millions of fans. He was an unlikely candidate for international pop stardom when he entered the world in Zanzibar in 1946 as Farrokh Bulsara, the son of Indian Parsi parents. He grew up in India, moved to England, forming Queen and changing his name, and the rest is history.

Various books tell the story of the singer. In contrast to his extrovert performances, he was a private man and did not give many interviews, but several authors have gathered together the interesting material that is available. The most fascinating insights into the Freddie Mercury biography come from friends and colleagues who knew him well. The books begin with childhood through to university and chart the success of Queen and Mercury’s solo career. He wrote some classic songs but he is remembered most fondly for his stage charisma and his epic voice. In addition to fan adulation, he held the respect of many fellow performers and the books discuss his celebrity friendships, including Elton John and David Bowie.

Freddie Mercury: The Definitive Biography is by Lesley-Ann Jones and includes interviews with significant people in his life. Freddie Mercury was written by Peter Freestone, who was Mercury’s personal assistant for twelve years and was with him at the end. Peter Freestone also co-authored a Freddie Mercury biography with David Evans titled Freddie Mercury: The Afterlife. One of the most unusual books actually concerns the afterlife and the spirit world. The Mercury Man: Freddie Mercury In My Life is by Mary Howis, in which she claims to receive messages from Mercury from beyond the grave.

The Show Must Go on: Life of Freddie Mercury by Rick Sky looks into the private life of the star, detailing his relationships with the men and women in his life. The best way, however, to understand the Freddie Mercury biography is by reading his own words. Name Your Linkreddie Mercury a Life, In His Own Words by the man himself includes quotes from his most revealing interviews.

Alongside the books, the story can be seen visually in a DVD titled Queen - Under Review: 1946-1991-The Freddie Mercury Story. The story is told through concert footage, reminding the world as to why the singer was so popular and why the legend lives on.