When Freddie Mercury died in November 1991, the world lost one of its most talented and flamboyant rock stars. But only hours before his death, it was revealed he had been battling AIDS. Biographers Mark Langthorne and Matt Richards tell the story of the superstar who was Queen’s charismatic frontman, from his birth in Zanzibar through his years with the band, solo projects and his endless search for love.
Like many people, I became a fan of Queen following the release of Bohemian Rhapsody in 1975, immediately buying all their albums up to that date and for several years afterwards. Though it was always the band’s early work that attracted me, in particular Brian May’s inimitable guitar sound, I was spellbound by Mercury’s amazing vocal talents and song-writing abilities. The sheer range and variety in Queen’s music seemed so different to that of other groups around at the time, that they always stood out as a unique and highly gifted group. And while May, Taylor and Deacon contributed hugely to the band’s success, it was Mercury who dazzled audiences with his virtuoso approach during Queen’s live shows.
Against the backdrop of the spread of AIDS, the authors chart the musician’s rise to fame, detailing his early life and musical development, his many relationships and his contribution to rock music. Though there are many biographies about Freddie Mercury, this one presents his life in all its glorious (and sometimes not so glorious) detail. A must for all Queen fans.
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Colin Garrow 
I love Freddie Mercury and Queen, Colin. An interesting sounding book.
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I think it’s particularly interesting after seeing the movie, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
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