American Reacts to Freddie Mercury and AIDS - The Heartbreaking Story

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[@annemariefleming]

I don't think Freddie lost a single fan when his orientation and lifestyle became public. We loved him then and we still do. I'm more understanding than many...my own brother was taken by AIDS two years after Freddie. I've always believed that if you try to lead a life of kindness and understanding you grow much more than the judgemental a-holes who make the lives of others miserable.

[@helenwood8482]

I think he actually changed attitudes. Other celebrities lost everything by coming out. but as you said, he was so loved, people rethought their attitudes to sexuality.

[@chicochi3]

You obviously weren't in Memphis, Tennessee when he showed up with his mustache and short hair for the first time. He asked, "How do you like it?" And the majority of the crowd booed. BTW-"Love of My Life" was NOT written for Mary. Just one more inaccuracy in a movie full of them.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Freddie Forever..Queen Always...

[@boostyourselfesteem6522]

As if people didnpt know he was gay back then.

[@stefannils2032]

Sad bastsrd​@@chicochi3

[@AGMundy]

I was delighted to hear Joel say that Freddie's illness and lifestyle did not in any way change his opinion of Freddie - which is how it should be. Freddie brought so much joy to the world and having seen several documentaries about him, he was a nice, caring and cultured person. The BBC recently broadcast a documentary about Freddie's later years. It included his fellow band members talking about Freddie's health and the reasons why he did not disclose the truth until the day before he died. The story of the final video - These are the days of our lives - made me wipe a tear from my eye. A great life if ever there was one.

[@karenrawling7737]

And So it shouldnt Freddie was the best singer ever.

[@andreasmith6528]

When Magic Johnson announced his HIV positive status, he said he’d been with many partners, but no men, so that was one of the biggest steps in people starting to realize it’s not a “gay disease.”

[@colinp2238]

I thought that Joel's comment was very mature.

[@daphnethurlow5388]

Freddie was a hero..loved him. Still do..will never be replaced

[@dickyt1318]

AGMundy - well said.

[@andrewbagnall5430]

It was so sad that Freddie Mercury passed away at such a young age. It doesn’t matter what his sexual orientation was, it didn’t change for me what I thought of him as a performer. He was an amazing song writer, singer, and performer. His diagnosis of HIV and then AIDS is not the important part, but the legacy of his part in the band Queen. His songs, performances, and the band Queen will live forever in generations of fans to come. Thank you Freddy, Roger, Brian, and John for everything you did. 👍🏻👍🏻 Joel your attitude towards this video was great, just shows how far people have come with their attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community. Keep up the great videos. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rossokeefe9655]

The real touching element was his devotion to his music in the face of impending death. When he recorded The Show Must Go On he was too weak to stand and just listen to the guys voice! Brian May even told him he didn't need to go through with it, but he knocked back a vodka and smashed it.

[@Sophie.S..]

Off topic, but at the time people with Aids were treated like lepers, nobody wanted any contact with them. It was Princess Diana who visited people with Aids and shook hands with them and sat and talked to them. She showed people that it was not contagious by just contact. Very courageous and caring woman..

[@anthonyglee1710]

As a straight teenager and even back in the 90’s, I was so ashamed what the British Red Top tabloid newspapers wrote about him. Thank god the crappy British tabloids are becoming non existent. JP, credit to you for your maturity, it’s so refreshing to see the future is in safe hands with lads like you.

[@tracytabb2882]

freddie was and still is a legend to this day. we lost him way to soon. he announced to the public he had aid and died the next day so sad. plz keep goin with this journey. much love from scotland xx

[@nichemphill8321]

The revelation happened because the tabloid media decided to do a expose on Freddie. He was a very private person off stage and in his final days and hours he retook control of his narrative.

[@Ender77512]

И огромная любовь и поклон из России

[@papercup2517]

Well before he got sick, Freddie had said that he thought he would die young - his words IIRC were: "I won't make old bones". I think he must have had a feeling about it, in the same way he had a feeling, as he famously told a friend, that "I'm not going to be just a pop star, I'm going to be LEGEND!", as if his whole life and fate were already mapped out for him, and he accepted it. I was lucky enough to meet him in 1973, before he was famous, and it's the weirdest thing but I actually had some sort of premonition too about him, that somehow he had no limits, and that it would bring death or disaster on him - it really scared me. At the same time he was the warmest, sweetest person with a twinkle in his eye, able to laugh at himself, very well-spoken and charming, and (as many others have noted) actually a little shy when not with his close friends or on stage performing. Then I forgot about him, pretty much, until a few years ago, when I finally worked out who that young man was I'd chatted with, all those years ago...

[@nichemphill8321]

In that video, there were clips of the band's last song together that when it was released shocked the world by how Freddie looked. It is called THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES. It is simple, beautiful yet also heartbreaking and as Queen Fans say especially to radio stations "don't talk over the end" you will understand why as it is powerful.

[@jackielouise3725]

You should definitely react to 'These are the Days of our Lives' next - very sad and very touching 😪❤

[@debthecpn]

I remember getting a phone call from a friend telling me Freddie has died, I sat on the floor in front of the TV and cried for hours. Watching These are the days of our lives video just breaks my heart over again.

[@burlhorse61]

feel emotional when i watch that video-Mercury looks horrible

[@clairehamilton3195]

Freddie Mercury is a Legend and the band Queen is the best band ever. It made no difference to his true fans that he was gay. His flamboyant personality was brilliant. It was great that he wore and did what he did 👏 What that poor guy went through when the dreaded papers broke the news about his Aids diagnosis was heartbreaking 💔 😢

[@nightowl5395]

Joel, can I just say I think this would be the perfect time for you to hear him sing the wonderful 'Barcelona' with Montserrat Caballe, for two reasons: 1) as you've just pointed out his versatility as a song-writer (you will be amazed) and 2) he wrote and performed Barcelona during the period when he knew that his time was limited, and had needed to tell 'Monty' before most other people would have known. There is an interesting context to the song being written for the 1992 Olympics (I think it was) that you may find interesting.

[@SeanHendy]

I saw an interview with Montserrat Caballe who says that when they recorded the song tshe said they should perform it at the Barcelona Olympics. Freddie already knew he wasn't going to last that long and told her he wouldn't be around long enough to make it to the Barcelona Olympics.

[@nightowl5395]

@@SeanHendy Ah....thanks for that detail; I will have to see if I can find a recording of that interview to watch later on... 🙂

[@simu31]

There are definitely a lot of inaccuracies in this "story". From the interviews I've seen with the other members of Queen, and Mary, plus what I remember from then, I'm guessing the narrator wasn't even born by the time Freddie died. First amoung many is that Freddie was publically open about his HIV status, he wasn't. The tabloids conjectured, but Freddie himself didn't announce it until the day before he died.

[@burlhorse61]

agreed-he never admitted that he was even gay.although most ppl knew that he was

[@MizCriz46]

Inaccuracies is a tactful word. Fabrications is more accurate. Wild lifestyle? No interview I've seen with anyone who actually knew him supports that.

[@ebonyeyes1986]

Freddie was a very caring man, on his deathbed he was shopping. Elton john said a few months after he died he received a gift from freddie and elton has kept it till this day. They were close friends

[@SeanHendy]

Was and always will be a massive Queen and Freddie Mercury fan. I was 19 when the news broke that Freddie had passed and it was enormously sad. Queen had seen a massive resurgence since Live Aid and some incredible albums and music were released in the years that followed. In the years since his death not only did the story of his life gain much more detail but also the music gained completely new meaning. Look at and listen to 'The Show Must Go On'. You will smile and cry. Freddie knew he didn't have long and basically told the other band members to record as much as they could, as well as film footage for the music videos for which Queen were famous for. You can see how ill he was despite the make up. He was determined to create music until his last breath. On one of the songs Brian May sings the last few lines because recording wasn't completed and the song hadn't been finished. At the end of 'These Are The Days Of Our Lives', an incredibly poignant song on the album Innuendo, Freddie can be heard saying 'I still love you'. The footage of Freddie saying that line, on the music video, was the last scene he ever filmed. I can't encourage enough for people not familiar with Queen's music to seriously check out the Innuendo Album. In my humble opinion it is some of the best work they ever did. But the story doesn't end there. Like I said, Freddie was recording material all the way up till his last days and Innuendo had already been released. In 1995, four years after his passing and after Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor had worked with all the material that Freddie had left them as well as reworkings of other material they had from previous years. The outcome was the album 'Made In Heaven'. For those interested, this is another must to check out. It went straight to number one on its release and went triple platinum. It is crammed with absolute gems and again very poignant songs and lyrics. Innuendo and Made In Heaven are two of my most favourite albums in my entire collection. If you check them out I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And if you've read this far, I thank you for your indulgence.

[@shirleyporter9025]

The quote about Freddie not "giving a damn" is out of context. It was something he said many years earlier, long before he contracted AIDS.

[@sarahealey1780]

The Freddie Mercury tribute was a concert put on by the Queen band mates after Freddies passing to raise awareness of AIDS. Huge musicians from all over came out to preform Queen songs at the tribute it was an amazing show, u should check it out

[@bencoatesworth7731]

Think the thing is on queens KZbin page

[@clarkabbott7354]

Thanks for the video. I'm still going strong over 33 years now with hiv. Sure I had to fight for my life, I wouldn't change any of my experiences. I am truly blessed to tell you this, keep up the great work. We love you Freddy 💙.

[@YourBeingParanoid]

Safe safe and strong mate :)

[@sarahcarrette2193]

Definitely listen to 'Love of My Life'. The studio version shows off his beautiful voice and the live version in Brazil shows how the crowd loved him.

[@1944bwa]

Yet the Wembley version is the best and clips of it are included in current Queen +Adam Lambert concerts.

[@susanechevarria4320]

BRAVO 👏 you are the first reactor that has shown any documentary of Freddie. You had the courage to be the first. Freddie's passing at 45 was extremely heartbreaking for all his fans around the world. His loss will always be felt but his LEGACY LIVES on through people like you who are just finding him. ❤

[@richardhunter7363]

Back in the 80s and 90s, a diagnosis of HIV was almost always a long term death sentence. Today the disease is manageable and may even be curable - we can only hope. The fear at the time was huge - no one knew how to treat this disease or how infectious it was - if you ever get a chance to watch It's A Sin it really gives you an insight into the times (but would be too long for a reaction).

[@adlad75]

The 2014 film 'Pride' is also a good representation of what life was like for people in the early days of the AIDS crisis.

[@boredweegie553]

very start of the 90s that's when things changed.. and people diagnosed already were living a more fulfilling life like for example Holly Johnson,(FGTH) .. Frankie goes to Hollywood.. More people were able to see a bit of hope.

[@boredweegie553]

it's a sin had me in an absolute mess.. Utterly fantastic and watched it 3 times. the music... OMG.. cried like a baby every single time.. 💔

[@boredweegie553]

@@adlad75 I've got that on dvd.. absolutely immense how that movement started.. Absolutely Brilliant film 👍👍

[@richardhunter7363]

@@boredweegie553 I saw an interview with Holly when he had released some new material a few years back. Asked why he had decided to do it, he said he thought it was about time as he had read in the papers that he had died from AIDs and wanted to set the record straight.

[@moodaymoom2271]

He really is a legend, now that you know of his death may I suggest you react to A Winter's Tale. It was the last song he ever wrote, it's about the view he could see from his window . Written in the last few months of his life. It's beautiful.

[@papercup2517]

That's the one I was thinking of recommending to Joel too. I always feel maybe Freddie was seeing the world with new eyes, as he faced the likelihood of imminent death. Just seeing the beauty and wonder of even the simplest things, like a beautiful sunset or the sight of children playing...

[@moodaymoom2271]

@@papercup2517 It's such a beautiful song. And his voice sounds so perfect.

[@pheart2381]

He left a wonderful legacy of music,and went out with great dignity.

[@dicem8977]

This video is not quite right. AIDS was largely before my time, but even I know it was a disease of the 80's and 90's, not the 60's and 70's as the narrator described. Also, all of the band were very promiscuous back in the day, like all rock bands were but AIDS was much more prevelant among queer folk in the West. The film 'Bohemian Rhapsody' won a ton of Oscars and was made only a couple of years ago. It's brilliant. They play the whole Live Aid appearance. When I saw it in the cinema in Edinburgh everyone was standing up dancing, well, moving, badly, mostly, but it was amazing.

[@1944bwa]

Actually the movie only plays some of Queen’s Live Aid performance. As an example, Crazy Little thing Called Love…… was not in the movie.

[@dicem8977]

@@1944bwa I didn't realise that. I should have because I bought the Live Aid DVD from eBay last year and I've watched it twice. My bad.

[@YourBeingParanoid]

Yes - the video did sound like a young person's wiki entry. Easier for me as someone who was around at the time I guess but a few fact checks wouldn't have hurt.

[@emmajones1745]

@@1944bwa they did film the whole thing as there is a side by side comparison of Queen and Remi Malik on KZbin but they must have decided not to show all of it in the movie x

[@nanner3200]

@@emmajones1745 According to interviews I have seen with some of the actors in the film they didn't show songs during Live Aid that had already been played somewhere else in the movie.

[@wmcxg52]

Joel, you have certainly gone up in my estimation. What a level head on your young shoulders…. Your thoughts are so true and I’m so glad that knowing some of Freddie’s background does not alter the way you think about him. He was and always will be a superb singer, one of the best. Thanks for all your video’s about Queen and the UK. Keep up the great work, stay safe and stay strong. x

[@BardOfAndromeda]

I was 17 when Freddie died: I remember it very clearly. It's worth mentioning that, though there had been some speculation about his health due to his becoming a recluse in his last couple of years, it was only officially confirmed he had AIDS a day before he died. The media were, however, at times distasteful in the days and weeks following his death in that they made a big deal out of his lifestyle and suggested that he somehow had it coming to him. This - understandably - greatly angered the other members of Queen as well as fans, and they said so quite forcefully. Despite this, most of us teenagers (and probably other regular people up into their 30s) in the UK thought very highly of him and were shocked that such a force of nature, such a huge rock icon of the last 2 decades, had been suffering in secret so much and was now no longer with us - there would be no more of his music. The video to "These Are The Days Of Our Lives" came out a few weeks after his death, and I recall being totally shocked at his gaunt appearance. I had had no idea just how sick he had been, away from the limelight. They had released 'Innuendo' earlier that year, but Freddie and the others had been cartoon sketches in that video. With hindsight, the clues were there in the lyrics to Queen's latest releases, but to me they'd always had songs with some dark lyrics. It didn't really alert me at all. There was also no Internet or social media - if you weren't into reading gossip celeb mags, you just didn't hear the rumours about his health. I certainly hadn't. There was quite a backlash against the media's attitude towards Freddie's death, and in the following years, his status just seemed to grow and grow. In life, he was very popular and famous, but it never seemed (at least to me) that he enjoyed equal status with the likes of Michael Jackson, the Beatles, Elvis etc - it was only after his death that his legendary status rose to be on a par with them. (Deservedly so, imo).

[@BardOfAndromeda]

The clip says "An AIDS diagnosis would definitely support why they (Freddie & Mary) might have ended their romantic involvement". This was a very careless comment by the maker of the clip imo. Freddie and Mary split up in 1976, at least a decade before Freddie was diagnosed with HIV, let alone full-blown AIDS. No-one even know what AIDS was in 1976.

[@v.b6028]

You are spot on here. Like you, I was a teenager when he died. I remember just turning 15, and hearing on the radio that Freddie Mercury had passed away. I was devastated. The last few pictures of him in the tabloids here in Australia, showed a man who looked like he was suffering. So it was no surprise. But I was devastated. For some reason, I could’ve sworn Freddie Mercury, although never ashamed of your sexuality, didn’t want to be a poster boy for eight, so he never really came out to say he had eighth until the day before he died. I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to be anyone’s ambassador. He just wanted to die the way he had lived, his way. But for me, I will always remember Freddie for his voice. I haven’t heard a voice like that since him. There’s only a few in my top five that I would put with a fantastic voice. And Freddie is right up the top. Love him

[@damianleah6744]

The Wayne’s World clip in the car with bohemian rhapsody on radio is brilliant and hilarious 🤣😎😎👍🏻

[@junetasker4229]

Hi Joel . You have to watch Freddie singing these are the days of my life, it is a truly remarkable video, considering that he was days away from dying. Right at the very end, he looks up to the camera, and leaves us all a message. Totally heartbreaking 💔 😢

[@marytheresa1297]

Freddie will always be my number 1 , The voice, the look, what a fantastic entertainer, he's missed greatly by thousands.

[@accidentallycreative5025]

Thank you. Pls take a look at I want to break free. The video wasn’t released in the USA at the time… now you will understand why x

[@markcurran5444]

Great video shows that they had a great sense of humor and could laugh at themselves

[@chriscurrey1447]

Love your reaction JPS. You need to react to "Love of my life". Also have a look at Freddie Mercury and Monserrat Caballe, sing Barcelona from 1991. Keep up the great work/

[@lincliff663]

I'm a Londoner who worked in Music & Film & became very close friends with many gay men. There was a core close friendship group of around 8 & 2 women (an actress & me) but our group branched out to probably 20 more gay friends. We had so much fun with heaps of stories, music, dancing, dinners & some heartbreak but then AIDS struck. In one year I went to 17 funerals. It seemed never ending. Our core group were all HIV except one (& we women). One gay friend & I compared Covid to AIDS as it was sweeping through the world so fast like history repeating itself. Only two of our group are still living but have been kept healthy with miraculous medicine, good careers, by being positive and the deep love we all share but we watched famous people being shamed whilst suffering greatly & it broke my heart. These were the people who had given so much joy to so many people in the world and were, in their final years, being shamed by the very people who had previously held them high. My father was a Royal Marine in WW2 but he said my friends held the same bravery & I agree.

[@claregale9011]

He was unapologetically himself and that's to be admired ..we miss you Freddie 🙂❤

[@hazelb7218]

You should watch the whole of Queen's Live Aid performance....he weren't well at the time...and his Doctor advised him against performing ....but in true Freddie style....he gave the performance of his life....please review it x

[@deborahdennehy9937]

He was actually 45 yrs old when he died sadly. What an iconic man we can never ever forget. It is very sad he died so young too. He & Queen were ALWAYS just SUPERB!!! xx

[@nichemphill8321]

After Freddie died the band and their management and the people close to Freddie wanted to do something to remember Freddie and two positive things were born from his death. The first thing was a charity concert that took place in April 1992 at the old Wembley stadium in London. THE FREDDIE MERCURY TRIBUTE CONCERT brought together an amazing and wide spectrum of artists including David Bowie and George Michael it baeame know as the greatest concert of the 90's . Then a charity was launched to help with worldwide research and help with health and community projects dealing with HIV and AIDS, that is called the THE MERCURY PHOENIX TRUST (MPT).

[@ginjamutha]

If you haven’t seen it yet, I can highly recommend their performance at Live Aid in 1985. It’s a legendary performance and Freddie held that audience in the palm of his hand. We lost him way too soon, it’s so sad. Also, the recent tv series It’s a Sin is worth a watch. Its set in the 80s during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and follows a group of friends who were affected by it.

[@redwarpy]

Queen wrote and performed the music for the original Highlander film, I went with my mother and sister to see it mainly for the music.

[@magaroo7349]

Freddie Mercury - The Untold Story is a good source of accurate information on Freddie as it’s told by Freddie himself, his family, his friends and colleagues

[@ellensankey7126]

Freddie was a phenomenal person, singer, and a legend. What happened to him was a tragedy. But he is remembered and loved by millions

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

That was the film I recommended to you a couple of times, on the last two Queen reactions you did. 'Bohemian Rhapsody', explained how they rose to the heights that they reached and took the viewer from the beginning! It is well worth the watch if you are a fan of Queen! TFS

[@79BlackRose]

Sadly, the film is a catalogue if errors. I recommend watching the excellent documentary of the same length by the BBC called:- "The Days of Our Lives". It features interviews with Freddie and John Deacon (bass) and more recent interviews with Brian May (guitar/vocals) and Roger Taylor (drums/vocals). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS0lHRnh6enq9k

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

@@79BlackRose Thanks, I will check that out! 👍

[@boredweegie553]

Even his parents don't know where his ashes are buried and neither do any of the band members.Only her.

[@simonbullimore1807]

My home town had a bar called "Freddie's". On the far wall above the fireplace was a poster - glazed and mounted in an ornate wooden frame. The picture? it was of him on stage at Wembley performing "Now I'm here". The legend continues. RIP Freddie, we will never forget you. Many thanks for sharing this Joel.

[@emmajones1745]

It's a very sad story. The film is amazing. Rami Malik was brilliant and you can definitely see why he got the best actor Oscar for his performance x

[@TheBig50pCollection]

Freddie had such a life....that's why we love him and his music....so amazing and yet in the end so sad....we were robbed of a great musician and a gentleman..

[@chloemilburn8482]

You have to watch the film it explains so much about his life and how he got aids. How loved he was and how he kept private x

[@hughmuir3063]

Watch queen those were the days of our lives. That was his farewell song to us all.

[@antiqueinsider]

Badly informed and generally incorrect about the history. As a gay man who knew Freddie in his private life, I need to say that I STRONGLY dispprove of the moral tone, as well as the poor research!

[@YourBeingParanoid]

I couldn't agree more.

[@franfox-truehart175]

Couldn't agree more, the hardly disguised judgment is repulsive, horrendous!

[@mral8145]

I finally sat down to watch the movie this weekend (wanted to distract myself from the news). I can thoroughly recommend it.

[@79BlackRose]

I thought it was poor. It might seem entertaining but, unfortunately, it is factually inaccurate.

[@mral8145]

@@79BlackRose on accuracy I think you’re completely right. As an entertaining diversion from the awful things in the world right now, it did the job for me 🤗

[@79BlackRose]

@@mral8145 I recommend watching the excellent documentary of the same length by the BBC called:- "The Days of Our Lives". It features interviews with Freddie and John Deacon (bass) and more recent interviews with Brian May (guitar/vocals) and Roger Taylor (drums/vocals). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS0lHRnh6enq9k

[@bluebell3720]

I found it very difficult to watch I think it's horrible how they portrayed Freddie

[@295868]

To get a glimpse of the impact this man & Queen had you should find the Greenday concert live at Hyde Park in 2017. The fact that Freddie died in 1991 and this was actually a Greenday concert is just mind blowing. A phenomenal stage presence, a brilliant mind and a true legend.

[@toprock9500]

100% u have to watch the Queen movie, Bohemian Rhapsody. While it wasnt always factually correct, especially in the timeline, it was a brilliant movie and actor Rami Malek did an awesome job as Freddie

[@79BlackRose]

I recommend watching the excellent documentary of the same length by the BBC called:- "The Days of Our Lives". It features interviews with Freddie and John Deacon (bass) and more recent interviews with Brian May (guitar/vocals) and Roger Taylor (drums/vocals). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS0lHRnh6enq9k

[@kd8199]

Joel, such a well rounded and compassionate young man. Enjoyed the reaction.

[@jamiewilson3599]

I'm so proud that you watched this. It's not distasteful. Fears of talking about an illness - and caring about those who have and are at risk for it - are the most effective ways of spreading it. Millions died for no reason except that the establishment decided to use it to spread hate against those who were dying. I lost two close friends to HIV/AIDS. They could have lived if only people had decided that gay lives were worth saving.

[@1944bwa]

I know what you went through losing friends to AIDS… I did as well. I know it is hard to understand why and find someone to blame, but I will say that I worked with American organizations and NIH during the early years and the work that was done and the people involved in research to find a cure was incredible. Yes there were some politicians who were less than helpful, and made complete fools of themselves, but those of us close to the center of the scientific effort basically ignored the nonsense and worked tirelessly to overcome the obstacles. And contrary to some groups that claimed there was no money to fight the AIDS battle, there in fact was. HIV and AIDS were new and like the COVID pandemic provided a monumental challenge. Viruses mutate and it usually takes a long time to learn what works and what does not. Many people died before effective treatments were developed, including Freddie who in fact was an early AZT patient. But, it is incorrect to say that millions died because of fear and lack of care. There was fear, yes, but it was in the general population more than political figures and millions were spent on efforts to educate people , and when I would visit NY hospitals in the late 80s, exceptional care was provided to the vast HIV population. Unfortunately most of those who died in the 80s would have died even if everyone had accepted the entire gay community as well as other afflicted groups because until the drug cocktails were developed, there was little hope.

[@carlajimenez5483]

I'm glad to see that the way Freddie died didn't change your opinion of him. Nice reaction. Freddie will always be with us

[@paulharvey9149]

@JPS Freddie's story awakens so many triggers for me and, no doubt many others who were around, and survived, in his time. Nobody really knew much about HIV/AIDS in the UK until about 1983-84 when Gay Times magazine reported that there was this disease that seemed to be claiming a disproportionately high number of gay men in the San Francisco Bay area... I remember reading it, I remember talking about about it with my gay friends who'd also read it at the weekend; yet even then, we hadn't even the slightest idea of what was about to unfold and affect all our lives! As far as we were concerned, Freddie Mercury was gay (we had next to no recognisable icons or role models and so, that's one of the things the early gay movement did to help us all feel good about ourselves - point out the likeliest candidates and all that...) Of course, we also recognised that the name "Queen" had more than one meaning - and might well have been chosen for that reason.... You should check out the end of the Queen Live at Wembley Concert in 1986 actually - as Freddie walked onto the stage wearing royal robes and a large crown, as the entire stadium broke into God Save the Queen... You might say if anyone didn't know then, they must have been deaf and blind as well as stupid - but, I'm afraid that's exactly what most of the conservative British people were at that time; as their argument was that everyone sings the National Anthem at the end of a public performance anyway (which they didn't - and have since stopped doing altogether, unless on very formal, military, or church-related occasions, or when The Queen or a member of the Royal Family is actually present. And of course they all said Freddie was being disrespectful, etc.) The thing is, no news is bad news - a lesson that large C conservatives at least, seem incapable of learning. So intense was the anti-gay negativity in the British media for so long; so strong was the fear of HIV & AIDS and so often were the funerals which as young men, we all attended - and so obviously flawed and misinformed was the government of the day; people started coming out in their hundreds of thousands - travelling to London and taking part in Pride and Stop the Clause Marches (which even then, when over 250,000 people had kept Central London at a complete standstill all day; the BBC ignored or at best underplayed it - removing at least one decimal point from the figures every time). The film and television industries responded with mainstream productions showing gay characters, the long-term 'bachelors' that lived together in every community were proudly owned as 'the gays'; and no longer was anything hidden. Well, that's not completely so of course - as the UK is the world centre of all prejudice - any much of it is alive and well in certain communities, which LGBT folk still avoid, fear; and try to hide if they live there; but that's how it felt to me at the time...

[@mustangsally4362]

Thank you Joel, Freddie Mercury lover of life, singer of songs and a beautiful soul gone too soon 💔

[@g4viscon]

Mate what can I say... Thank you for this video, it's important that young men like yourself look into subjects like this. You are wise beyond your years. 👍

[@truus5653]

at 3:56 you comment ": it doesnt really matter " and I agree with you 100% ❤❤ Freddy RIP

[@michaelhurley7001]

Hi Joel, I must say, your such an excellent communicator. I could listen to you talk all day... Keep up the good work.....

[@marvalstith2749]

Freddie Mercury has become one of my favorite individuals dead or alive AFTER researching his life since Sept. 5, 2019. (He was 45 when he died in 1991.) Freddie Mercury's intelligence, humanity, genius talent and courage and generosity is why I am inspired by his story and him. I've always chosen never to see videos such as this, however today I liked how you introduced doing the reaction and felt I could emotionally handle watching it with you. Freddie had a strong religious foundation from his family. Homosexuality was a sin. He had discovered he was. Read the book written using Freddie's own words (taken from interviews, etc).The info shared here was informative, true and palatable considering the subject. Please know this - folks, people got HIV and aids who were not promiscuous. There's still much people don't know about AIDS. Thanks for this.

[@hippiejane2683]

While the movie is not completely factually correct it is very entertaining and I learned a lot about Queen as I wasn’t a fan before it. I highly recommend it especially to a newbie. Just keep in mind that the timeline of events has been compressed.

[@79BlackRose]

You probably learned a lot of errors, with which it was strewn. I recommend watching the excellent documentary of the same length by the BBC called:- "The Days of Our Lives". It features interviews with Freddie and John Deacon (bass) and more recent interviews with Brian May (guitar) and Roger Taylor (drums). kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHS0lHRnh6enq9k

[@richardlobb9316]

See bohemian rhapsody, the film. The chap who played Freddie, won an Oscar for his performance.

[@StuKuhlman]

JPS, thank you for helping keep his legacy alive.. Freddie was a gift to the world.. and a sad ending at a time that no one knew better.

[@paulap2377]

It broke my heart when Freddy past away I adored him no other could ever replace him. God biess you Freddie You are a Legend ❤️🕊️🇬🇧 RIP🕊️

[@nightowl5395]

I knew you would eventually learn about Freddie's sad demise, of course😭 but I am pleased to have just shared this with you. That was not a great short video tbh, and I am sure you would find one that will elaborate on elements of his life. Yes:, please DO see him sing 'Love of my Life' if you can. I think it is usually denied that it was actually written for, or about, Mary Austin....but it is a very special song 💜

[@BOSH117]

I personally would like to see Fleetwood Mac the chain because I think it's a very good song, and it always reminds me of F1 back in 2009 to 2013 when it was the operating theme.

[@jodibennett-bradshawrbtmph836]

So much love for Freddie. Gone too soon

[@Paul-hl8yg]

Wayne's World the movie may have introduced a younger generation to Queen especially in America but Queen have always been big in the UK. Remember that great Queen performance at the Live Aid concert? That was in 1985 & the Wayne's World movie released in 1992, only 7 years later. We all still miss Freddie! 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@georgechristianjr]

A legacy that will NEVER die ❤

[@Mushroom2thousand9]

So glad you made this video, such a good streamer when you listen to your fans bro! 🤙🤙

[@peterjf7723]

A friend studied theatre design at college, the course covered the design and construction of both sets and costumes. One of his work placements was with a designer who made some of Freddie's stage costumes. My friend did get to meet Freddie when he was being measured for a costume.

[@yvonnephillips9710]

Freddie is an icon and passed way too young. I am a huge Queen/Freddie fan and I will always enjoy his music!

[@YorkshireScottASMR]

You definitely need to react to love of my life and I want to break free. Two of my favourites. I want to break free is a tribute to British soap called coronation street which is 61 years old. Also these are the days of my life, his final video and so poignant knowing that it was final songs and really saying he lived his life the way he wanted and the Queen years were the years of his life and everything that came with fame and fortune.

[@neilgill1639]

Hi Joel. The music learning journey is more than just hearing the songs. Its also about learning the history and finding more out about the people. So good video choice 👍 I've seen the Bohemian Rhapsody movie. If you love Freddie and Queen, then watch Bohemian Rhapsody. It was a popular award winning movie that takes you on a journey back in time when Queen ruled.

[@emmajones1745]

The live aid set that Queen did will go down in history as one of the greatest performances of all time. You can hear the full range of Freddie's voice and the way he commands the crowd is sensational. You will be amazed. It sends shivers down my spine everytime I watch it. True genius x

[@dalemettee1147]

Joel this time has a lot of content for you to discover and react to. So many groups, so many songs and types of music. Just keep on keeping on

[@32446]

We lost so many to AIDS. It’s a tragedy. We will always love ypu Freddy 😍

[@deniseperryman2814]

It was so sad when Freddie past away he is sadly missed bye all of his fans he lived life to the full and he left us with so much to watch and enjoy We miss you Freddie 💔Love from Denise in Yorkshire England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🙏🙏🙏💔💔💔

[@philipporter3339]

Legendary rest in peace freddie

[@birdie1585]

Paul Gambaccini (also a UK national treasure), was interviewed about Freddie and the London gay scene at the time of the first appreciation of what HIV and AIDS were etc.. The two met in a club one evening and Freddie insisted to Paul that it had not changed him one bit - Freddie was as flambouyant and premiscuous as ever, Paul saw it as worse than wreckless............

[@vallee3140]

which it was, although he was great, nobody ever mentions the fact he must have infected others, after he knew he had it.

[@birdie1585]

@@vallee3140 If you beleive that any premiscuous person was not aware of risks at the time, you are naive in the extreme. As for when Freddie was diagnosed - we shall never know when that was, but he had a long-time male partner when he died.

[@minxmish508]

Legend lost to soon 😢 xx

[@ciaraellis9504]

If you can find it, you should watch a British series called "It's a Sin". It really captures the 80s AIDs struggle. It's very eye opening. Have tissues at the ready because it's not exactly a happy thing to watch as it progresses.

[@Colin-mc4ml]

Joel, you should react to Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé (Spanish Soprano Opera Singer) sing Barcelona. When Barcelona Spain won the right to host the 1992 Olympic Games, Montserrat asked Freddie to perform Barcelona at the Opening Ceremony with her. This is when he told her he was dying. RIP Freddie Mercury, RIP Montserrat Caballé.

[@barrysiewert7386]

Love of My Life in Rio is unbelievable. It shows a huge crowd singing with him (Portuguese is their first language) & later Brian wrote Las Palabras de Amore to honor their South American fans.

[@nicothieme9407]

Love your Queen reactions...check out "take my breath away" live at Hyde Park... In my opinion it is Freddie's best vocal performance... Just him and his piano...no big choruses...it is breathtaking...

[@neilkirkham455]

Joel you’re a great guy and I really love your opinions on this group xxxx

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Such an amazing man and artist...True fans know the truth and never stopped loving him and his music...A beautiful soul...Thanks for the awesome reaction and the cry, Peace

[@bigburdmm]

These are the days of our Lives. It is a must watch his last video one of the saddest videos he was taken to soon RIP .

[@BobSmith-fu1nn]

You might be interested in the 4 part mini series "It's a Sin" on HBO Max (Amazon Prime in Canada) starring Years and Years singer Ollie Alexander (the video of OA and Elton John performing the Pet Shop Boys son It's a Sin for the Brit Awards is worth seeing too)

[@adlad75]

#ItsASin was released on #HBOMax in the US so it isn't as easily accessible to the general public, unfortunately. Hard to to top the #PetShopBoys original, but Elton and Olly do a pretty decent cover version. 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpyXloB_qNyopLM

[@sarahranderson3915]

Dude I literally posted a comment in one of your Queen reactions suggesting watching the movie!

[@anne-mariesindruprix4792]

I Think that you should see the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody". It is not a documentary so there are something that is not correct in time - among others that the band was told about the AIDS diagnosis before "Live Aid" - he was not yet diagnosed , and some of their best performances was in - 86. But it was an Oscar winning movie - with Brian and Roger as consultants and producers. The four actors are amazing - !! You can find reactions from Brian and. Roger here on KZbin . Thank you for your reaction .

[@daryllmoreton7131]

Joel you are a generous guy and so understanding. Freddie Mercury was an amazing performer end of!

[@neil5877]

Your a great kid Joel. Keep happy Nameste

[@MichaelDawson-gr9wf]

Legend is not enough to describe Freddie!

[@l3v1ckUK]

It's such a shame talent like that isn't still alive. Imagine all the music we've missed out on.

[@dollysgigglesmercury7466]

Thank you xxx

[@margaretnicol3423]

They played Bohemian Rhapsody in the car in the movie Wayne's World which introduced it to a new generation.

[@sharonhurley8693]

Freddie is and still is a legend

[@jamieplatt560]

Joel, you seemed to get very emotional towards the end….very real to see, thank you.

[@valnauffts9965]

So terribly sad ,but now you need to hear the opposite of this sadness,Tie Your Mother Down written by Brian May ,the guitarist in the band rock . It will lift you . Thank you for your reactions I love seeing a young man enjoying this iconic music !

[@lisaargyrou1488]

Wow 🥰 we still love you Freddie ❤️