The lovely Phlegm reminds us that the late Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the rock group Queen, was born on this date in 1946. He died of complications caused by AIDS on November 24th, 1991.
I’ve always felt very, very sorry for him. He had the most magnificent singing voice, with a range few in the pop/rock music world could match, and an unforgettable stage presence. Tragically, he couldn’t resist the unrestrained, hedonistic lifestyle that eventually killed him. He died too young, with far too much music unmade and lyrics unsung. A major force in modern music died with him. Who knows what today’s pop and rock would have been like if he and Queen had continued to set the pace? From an ethical and moral perspective he and I were poles apart, but that doesn’t stop me recognizing with awe so major a talent as his.
In memory of Freddie Mercury, here’s the inaugural live performance of ‘Barcelona‘ with Montserrat Caballé on May 29th, 1987, at the Ku nightclub on the island of Ibiza. Turn up the volume and enjoy!
What a voice . . .
Freddie Mercury’s last live performance was at the La Nit festival in Barcelona on October 8th, 1988, to welcome the Olympic flag to that city in preparation for the 1992 Olympic Games. He was already seriously ill with the disease that would eventually kill him. He and Montserrat Caballé performed this song there. That rendition, his last in public, is also available on YouTube.
May his sins be forgiven him, and may he find in eternity the peace that eluded him on earth.
Peter
I know its a bit irrational, but I remember being angry with him for dying from aids. Queen was a late discovery for me as a teenager and then he was gone. I didn't approve of his lifestyle but, their music spoke to me.