Freddie Mercury: Bohemian Rhapsody

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Our companion website for more: biographics.org
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This video is #sponsored by Vincero.
Source/Further reading:
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (paywall or free with British library card - more of a general Queen bio than a Freddie bio): www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.109...
BBC: Who was the real Freddie Mercury? www.bbc.com/culture/article/2...
Uncut, the full story of Queen: www.uncut.co.uk/features/quee...
Freddie’s bisexuality and HIV diagnosis: www.hivplusmag.com/entertainm...
Bi-erasure: www.out.com/music/2018/9/05/r...
Mary Austin: www.biography.com/news/freddi...
Jim Hutton: www.irishcentral.com/culture/...
Freddie’s roots in India and Zanzibar: www.latimes.com/entertainment...
Freddie and Zanzibar: www.bbc.com/news/world-africa...
Slightly odd, very old fansite that nonetheless has a load of great details on his early years: www.freddie.ru/e/bio
Making Sheer Heart Attack: www.loudersound.com/features/...
Making Under Pressure with David Bowie: www.biography.com/news/david-...
Brian May hepatitis: brianmay.com/queen/queendiary...

[@Biographics]

Up to 25 percent off everything in the store, including a fantastic Vincero watch. Use the code "biographics" at vincerowatches.com/BIOGRAPHICS

[@SAVAGE-oe3fg]

Please make a video about paul kruger and Piet Retief

[@SAVAGE-oe3fg]

And Ian Smith

[@SAVAGE-oe3fg]

Please

[@Shane-zu3jy]

You should make a bigraphic on the great luke kelly

[@yanitsvetanov1162]

Suggestion - Diego Armando MARADONA!

[@TheDevilsAdvocate.]

If Simon did a biographics about himself it would create a singularity and destroy the universe in a business blaze of glory.

[@CoolMoeDea21]

It'd be a Simonception.

[@jleeblackmon5340]

"Allegedly"

[@heatherbee4248]

You mean a "business blaze" of glory? ;)

[@zuzannar6808]

Lets be real, we need a biographics about Danny

[@mooncat7009]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@katemaloney4296]

"I don't care how you remember me, darling, just don't make me boring."

[@philipjohnson3225]

As if anyone could make him boring

[@stinkywizzleteats420]

@@philipjohnson3225 The biopic did a fairly decent effort at it.

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

Freddie was one of a kind. Sadly missed.

[@guyorsini1044]

Queen with Adam Lambert does a very good job with the music. Adam is flamboyant, but its a different kind of flamboyant. He has the voice, but Freddies style will never be successfully copied. His style was part and parcel of the wild ride that the latter half of the 1970's and 1980's were, a time of total excess on display and Freddie took advantage of those excesses, putting it on display for the world to see. Nobody could do what he did then today, the world has changed too much. Adam has the voice to do the music justice, but his flamboyance is more reserved, and more fgitting since his band mates are grandfathers and great grandfathers.

[@paulheap1982]

@Joe Horn that's the point. Not just having a karaoke band who just happens to be Queen.

[@mass.1710]

He was truly one of greatest performers/musicians of all time.

[@brainsareus]

''Sadly missed'', is actually saying; you are glad he is gone... I hate looking like a grammar nazi, but I'm just saying.

[@Nightwing690]

Greatest singing voice in rock history

[@dripkidd8572]

I finally got the Biographic that I wanted Nice

[@Gayanega]

👏

[@hannekehoekstra1458]

Me too🙏

[@Cottontailart]

As a baby my mum told me she would replay the concert as I’d sit there and listen to him singing and I’ve grown up with his music and love every song

[@Gayanega]

🙏to your mum💖💖💖

[@nickysturzu]

The greatest concert I have ever seen: Queen at Wembley

[@mokslobrokolis6685]

I always liked Queen Rock Montreal more

[@mangot589]

I didn’t see him at Wembley, but I did get to see Queen 2, times in LA. Maybe three.🤔. (I went to a lot of concerts in the 70’s and 80’s). And once I actually had really great seats, even though the were a bit off of center stage. But only 20 rows back. I always remember the crown, and him throwing off that cape.

[@thezombcasthd254]

Live at the fireball has some of the best vocals and sets imo

[@aloshyreji4313]

Live Aid

[@mangot589]

@@DragonZeron No. we never recorded any concerts we went to. Never crossed our minds, actually.

[@dohboi75]

Mercurys voice was so incredible. Such an interesting dude. Maybe you could do a Biographic on Eddie Van Halen ?

[@davidcarter7645]

Im hoping one is coming.

[@annescholey6546]

Freddies been gone nearly three decades now and left a cultural legacy admired by millions.

[@jleeblackmon5340]

His popularity only vamped back up after the movie abt him came out and it became kool to be a Freddie mercury fan not really even a Queen fan but just a Freddy fan it seems like. Which theres nothing wrong with tht i just always thought it was interesting seeing how entertainment like a movie can start the wave of Fandom it did for Freddy Mercury. Me personally don't really care for him or Queen myself their music is ok I guess not my style especially tht bohemian rhapsody song I just think it sounds terrible to me lol but thts only personal preference, obviously because the majority seems to adore (it/him). After bohemian Rhapsody (the movie) came out their music downloads and KZbin views sky rocketed which is pretty kool I guess. The only thing tht isn't kool is having aids, finding out u have aids, and then still sleeping around transmitting what back then was a death sentence to other ppl tht is not very kool.

[@Miqz0]

@@jleeblackmon5340 he wasn't sleeping around when he found out he had AIDS, he was already in a steady relationship with Jim Hutton when he found out

[@paulheap1982]

@@jleeblackmon5340 sorry but you're completely wrong, their popularity was coming back years before the movie.

[@BaldingClamydia]

@@jleeblackmon5340 What do you like? I don't want to smash your preferences, just curious for a comparison

[@MrThedonhead]

@@Miqz0 he was still sleeping around when with him. Do your research it’s on KZbin coming from Hutton himself and everyone

[@collincutler4992]

This world will never see another Freddie Mercury'

[@taskdon769]

This world will never see another great singer because we are in the age of auto-tune.

[@galebh9715]

@@taskdon769 man im so sorry you were born in the wrong generation... my condolences... god bless...

[@taskdon769]

@@galebh9715 I was born in MJ's Thriller era though.

[@ixctu350]

@@taskdon769 You know talented singers still exist and make music, right? You don't have to listen to global top 40... People have criticized the popular music of the time and reminisced about the "good old times" for the past 100 years. You ain't saying anything new or special.

[@VoetsekJon]

I've been waiting for this day. Now just waiting on the David Bowie episode

[@BaldingClamydia]

Karl Smallwood has done a few videos about Bowie. He's a big fan of Bowie; also occasionally writes for one of Simon's channels

[@CommodoreFloopjack78]

Absolutely unparalleled talent and charisma that the music industry has never seen since and will likely never see again.

[@mammuchan8923]

I am going to go out on a limb and say we will never see his like again✌️

[@christineparis5607]

He was truly a wonderful person, onstage and off. He was so good to his family, and friends, not many super stars have that said about them....

[@suzannewilliam-james9744]

Amen

[@joribremer5260]

He also said one time (with his head in his hands “I wont become a star.. “ then triomfantacly stand up.. “I will become a legend!! “ shame you didnt mention his duets and album with Opera singer Montserrat Caballe in 87 and 88, that was i think his biggest wish in his last years..

[@sodapop83]

"triomfantacly" - ok

[@VagabondiOfficialTV]

a shed so many tears just listening to Freddie Mercury ..

[@bookswithbenjamin8902]

I saw a video of him singing with an opera singer. His voice was amazing.

[@ItsJustLisa]

That was Montserrat Caballé and she was one of Spain’s most famous opera singers. The song was “Barcelona”, submitted to be the theme song of the ‘92 Olympics there. Too bad Freddie didn’t live to see it chosen and performed.

[@sodapop83]

together, they made a whole album

[@javaks]

If Oscar Wilde reincarnates as a rock singer, he'd be Freddie.

[@kelerews]

freddy was not that racist tho

[@lovemrj4ever]

Brilliant 🇬🇧

[@Celtopia]

I was at Live Aid.....Freddie that day....ruled the world !

[@Killdozer667]

The best frontman in history. Period.

[@AvanRoyOfficial]

Subjective Good choice tho I'll go with Jim Morrison

[@rakiahbaker5589]

I love Queen's songs! ♥️🎶

[@bennygoodmanisgod]

Close second in my opinion. I think Cab Calloway did it best

[@shadowwarrior7218]

Ever

[@jonathanbroughton5983]

He was and still is the definition of the light that burns twice as bright lasts half as long. I love you brother the big man needed you home see you soon and for ever x

[@chronic_hip_and_back_pain]

I was so happy when I saw this notification. I was really sad yesterday. Hopefully today I won't be so sad.

[@DemolitionLover]

This makes me so happy to see - thank you for covering this absolutely wonderful man!!

[@pamelamays4186]

Freddie Mercury. The best voice in Rock. The best Rock showman. He lived his life his own way, on his own terms.

[@BradMarcus]

Thank you! So well done and comprehensive. Freddie was one of a kind, he lived life on his own terms, unapologetic, unafraid. Truly one for the ages.

[@artman2oo3]

Queen is my all-time favorite band. Freddie Mercury is one of the most musically talented human beings to ever walk the Earth. Excuse me, I mean, strut the Earth.

[@brettlarch8050]

The day before my dad passed I coincidentally listened to these are the days of our lives. I cried super hard when I heard it again.

[@shebbs1]

Similar, my father died just a month before Freddie and I barely noticed Freddie's passing. A bad time.

[@RyanFischer1990]

There was a scientific frequency study done with Freddie’s Voice a few years ago and it was determined the irregular way Freddie would sing was 100% unique in every way

[@seanbrazell6147]

All one needs to study to come to that conclusion is a single Queen song! 😉

[@RyanFischer1990]

@@eurofox994 actually the inflections of his voice are 100% unique. As stated, he had a peculiar way of speaking and singing because of his sever overbite it created a sound as unique as a fingerprint. Sure some people can mimic the notes but would never be able to perform like Freddys voice naturally.

[@jimklein5491]

That hit me in the feels.

[@matthewrosenthal753]

Freddie Mercury asked the question “Who wants to Live Forever?” The answer is no one but he is and shall be remembered forever. He is remembered and truly missed.

[@nakkiensio151]

Next one: Lemmy Kilmister.

[@scotterbean1278]

Yes!

[@eoinmacdonnchadha5682]

That would be almost as wild as this one

[@boringcanadianamv1042]

Who would win in a fight Lemmy or God? Trick question, Lemmy is God

[@jamesmoore9271]

Hear, hear!!

[@callumstanden7149]

I never got to see the dude live

[@johannesmarkow6860]

That was really, really well put together. I'm a Queen fan of almost thirty years and still this video had a couple of tidbits that I wasn't aware of. Superb work!

[@twocvbloke]

I can't do the vacuuming without humming "I want to break free" to myself, when someone cam make an impact that even affects the most mundane of tasks, they've definitely made it into every aspect of life... :)

[@heatherbee4248]

Freddie was truly an icon this world never deserved but was so lucky to have 💔

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

"Don't Stop Me Now" I LOVE that song!

[@mattfromswitchsports9679]

But what if i did stop you?

[@6aliph77]

@@mattfromswitchsports9679 Biden already did 😂😅🤣🤣🤣

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

Oddly, Brian at least is really conflicted by that song. Brian said it reminds him so strongly of the time when Freddie really started in with the huge excess, a time he sees now, with hindsight, as the beginning of the end. I bloody love it myself but I guess I can understand where the curly one is coming from.

[@BaldingClamydia]

There's a parody called "Post-Doc me Now." I loved it

[@OdariArt]

I love Queen. In my opinion one of the greatest rock bands ever. My 10-year-old son loves Bohemian Rhapsody as much as I do if not more. Freddie Mercury is truly legendary.

[@uss_04]

Bohemian Rhapsody, aka The one song people wish they could sing at Karaoke but they can’t.

[@KonradTheWizzard]

Even if you are an excellent singer you need two more with different ranges because nobody alive has Freddie's vocal range! And then you need to add another 20 copies of yourselves or you can forget about the "Galileo" section. It is impossible to perform Rhapsody completely live.

[@itskitty808]

Ah, but I have sing that song at karaoke. Brought an entire karaoke bar together.

[@DC-ru5xz]

We don’t stop trying though

[@ilarious5729]

@@KonradTheWizzard there's quite a lot people who have wider vocal range than freddie though. I'm not saying he wasn't great I'm just saying you're wrong.

[@KonradTheWizzard]

@@ilarious5729 Do you have any examples of other professional singers with that kind of range? Possibly something I can find on KZbin? I'd really like to be impressed...

[@matthewjones8798]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@karenpike2420]

Wow, almost 29 years to the day of his passing. He was my favorite back then and he remains my favorite singer now. Thanks for the video.

[@mkdzzxc]

Maybe the best singer ever, and 100% the greatest frontman ever

[@happyatheists9361]

Nehhh

[@kendrickoyola4290]

"Pump the breaks"

[@kendrickoyola4290]

Freddy mercury is great but death made him a legend. Prince, Michael Jackson, frank Sinatra, John lennon, aretha Franklin, James brown,Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, dolly parton

[@themagicjuand]

In terms of octave range I'm pretty sure the only person to outdo him that's a man is Axle Rose of all people.

[@evasbolci3005]

@@kendrickoyola4290 In terms of vocal technique,Dolly Parton,John Lennon and James Brown aren't even in Mercury's league.

[@athfcoz]

I'll face it with a grin! I'm never giving in! On with the show!

[@piratecpnjack]

You either like Queen or you're wrong

[@christineparis5607]

😘😘😘

[@JustJake77]

Anyone who doesn't like Queen. You need to remove that person from your life immediately. Ain't no time for that negativity.

[@sophiewells7318]

normally i respect everyone’s music taste, but this is not an opinion, it’s a fact.

[@jleeblackmon5340]

Guess I'm wrong then I sc a bit abt queen especially bohemian rhapsody I think tht song sounds like a jumbled mess

[@paulheap1982]

@@jleeblackmon5340 the only thing that's a jumbled mess is your comment.

[@Wryterchannel91]

And the anniversary of his passing was the other day. May he rest in peace.

[@PsionicMonk]

One of the most important figures in Rock and Roll, and music, history.

[@BlueRoses345]

You should talk about the other members of Queen too! All four of them were super talented!

[@Vic35102]

What a voice if I could go back in time I was go to Live Aid 1985 and watch this incredible genius perform when God was handing out voices he must have handed out a real jewel to this incredible man

[@ckamina768]

I don’t care and never have cared about any musicians sexuality, do they rock?! Freddie Mercury ROCKED! Hands down! He also had a range more developed than most opera singers! “These are the days of our lives” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! I feel his talents outweigh his demons as conversations about him and Queen rarely speak of the bad.

[@mikshinee87]

There is an unpopular kid at school. Last to be picked for the volleyball team. Sitting alone at a school desk. It's 2001, there is no mercy for "freaks". If they ignore you, good. If they don't, you're on your own. They know where to kick so that nobody notices. Then the kid wins a contest and is invited to stand in front of the entire school as "We are the champions" plays from loudspeakers. One sunny day amongst all the grey ones. Doesn't matter that the next day it's same old, same old. A music from a man ten years gone has just made somebody's day. You are all obsessed with "Bohemian Rhapsody". But have you ever heard "Spread Your Wings"? I found it way too late. Though much simpler, it has a timeless message.

[@Santiago-eh2ts]

Can you do Diego Maradona as he has just passed on. The most talented football player of all time. Unbelievably interesting life as well! Great video though! Freddie Mercury was my hero. 🙌

[@raviamodernepic]

[@venomousnate7263]

There will never be another one like Freddie Mercury. Personally my favorite rock frontman and one of my favorite bands.

[@yollano5352]

Freddie Mercury, one of the best singers ever

[@lewisakkas3253]

Been following your channel since the beginning and this was one that I've always wanted to see. Thanks Simon!

[@RejectedInch]

Paradoxically i discovered Queen the same year that reddie died, " Innuendo" was the first album i listened to. Dark, bitterly ironic album, the few musicvideos where a mix of pre recorded Freddie's shorts, stop motion and sketches. Few days after buying the vinyl, i heard the news of his death. We'll never have another Queen like Freddie.

[@GrayNeko]

RIP, Freddie. Youi will never be forgotten.

[@u4ia577]

Ive been waiting for this one

[@dennismackiewicz1032]

I love this. One of the best I’ve ever seen on KZbin.

[@PhillipCummingsUSA]

This might be the best presentation biographics has produced. Bravo 😁

[@charlotterhodes4858]

I've been waiting for Freddie Mercury to arrive in Biographics! Thank you Simon!!

[@adambuss654]

The end of this video gives me "goosebumps". RIP Freddie

[@MahdiAldaini]

What a wonderful video bro. You’re just as amazing as the people you do their Biografies. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@jesstrombley9257]

Simon is by far the best presenter of relevant information that I have ever seen! Love you guy so much for all the hard and honest work you do to bring your fans the best content around :)

[@andersonrodriguez6594]

*"I won't be a rockstar, I will be a legend!"* - Freddie Mercury By the way, it will be great if you can make one of Jim Morrison.

[@lisagriffiths9990]

I found myself smiling through all of this, he really was an uplifting soul 💋

[@maggieglover5204]

i still remember finding one of queen's records in my mom and dad's huge collection in the basement, and being absolutely fascinated at the prospect of 4 men calling themselves "queen." i subsequently found their record player and had my mind completely blown by everything i heard. i've been a huge fan of them ever since

[@guyorsini1044]

I had to stop this video and rewatch Queen at Live Aid. WOW! what a set! Open with Bohemian Rhapsody and close with We Will Rock You/ We Are the Champions carrying suoer hig energy through out the entire set. Amazing! I'm not sure that they could have played more than 20 minutes, Fredddie looked exhausted with them finished.

[@Urmum3469]

Finally I've been asking for a great channel to feature a great artist for over a year now😂😂. Great job on this video👍

[@lextalionis0]

I was hosting a radio show when I heard the news and changed the format to all Queen until the program ended

[@marykrueger6039]

Thank you. Been waiting for this. Sadly missed.

[@hobbitreet]

Simon, This presentation is your finest performance. Your regard for the subject comes through so clearly and professionally.

[@harmandirect]

We will Rock you 🤟🏽

[@sunilramsey5862]

I asked for this video! Thanks Simon!

[@beansboghd6852]

I’ve been waiting forever for this one!

[@jimbaird8271]

I've been suggesting this one forever and now i have it

[@siddartharayanplays203]

Today I saw the finest of your content please keep it up

[@angelitabecerra]

That shade thrown at Vanilla Ice was perfection. Worthy of any sweet Southern woman dealing with a difficult mother-in-law

[@Alex.Shalda]

Thank you for this episode

[@Browneyedgirl-m9b]

This is my favorite one you've done! ❤

[@N_0968]

Mine, too!

[@jt8643]

Really enjoyed this, well done 👏

[@thomasinns6971]

"A handy bag of uncle escobars finest" That is an awesome sentence.

[@robertsollory7475]

Lovely, sad yet inspiring also.

[@samsignorelli]

If ever there was anyone born to be on stage....it was Freddie.

[@CongoTheBongo]

One of the greatest to ever do it, respect

[@AMAM-uc4ld]

The best lead vocalist ever! There will never be another Freddie.

[@swancman]

Greatest singer in history.

[@evasbolci3005]

Really hard to argue against.

[@billieribot6339]

I adore your channel. You are amazing. Thanks for the great content. I love Freddy!!! Hugs from Argentina.

[@sodapop83]

What are your top 5 Queen songs? Mine: don't stop me now, you take my breath away, my fairy king, don't try so hard, somebody to love

[@toddtraxler3878]

I Want It All, My Best Friend, Love of my Life, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions

[@mammuchan8923]

Seeing Don’t stop me now in that Shaun of the Dead scene was one of the most perfect moments in my life😎

[@sodapop83]

@@mammuchan8923 cornetto trilogy is already timeless classics ^.^

[@San_Deep2501]

Bohemian Rhapsody We will rock you I want to break free Radio Gaga We are the Champions Killer Queen Another one bites the dust Fat Bottomed Girls You're my best friend I want it all

[@N_0968]

Killer Queen, I Want To Break Free, My Best Friend, Somebody To Love, I Want It All.

[@gaiusjuliuspleaser]

Best singer in history, by a country mile. Change my mind.

[@bryandacote8109]

Why change it when you're not wrong

[@davereagles7379]

I still remember where I was when the news of his passing came over the radio.

[@mr.v6052]

I've been looking forward to this

[@kittydoggy2803]

He had a awesome voice.

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

Simon you are a legend

[@rubyred8845]

No one could ever match Freddie's voice!

[@Scoob505]

A biographics on the great and tragic Robert Emmett would be legendary. RIP Emmett.

[@shaamniyas]

I do not have kids, but I can not wait to introduce my kids to Queen's music someday. Timeless and powerful!

[@fishingfanaticsuk]

About time!

[@curtislindsey1736]

I love the rock bio's! You should do Jim Morrison or David Bowie next.

[@TheSiameseDreamer]

About time... thank you Simon.

[@elisashue5086]

Will always love this beautiful, soulful man

[@ethanramos4441]

“You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man. And that bitter type of loneliness, success has brought me world idolization and million of pounds. But it’s prevented me from having the one thing we all need: loving, ongoing relationship” Freddie Mercury

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

fucking heartbreaking mate :(

[@leonmitchell454]

As a young gay man, Freddie made me feel like being gay was something cool growing up in a world of bigotry it was a blessing I'll never stop appreciating.

[@christineparis5607]

My husbands friend Kurt was a wonderful young gay man from El Paso, Texas!!! Can you imagine?? He grew up having to hide or be killed, probably. He moved to San Antonio, Texas, which had a growing, wonderful community in the early 80s, of everyone! There is STILL a fantastic dance club there, called the Bonham Exchange, which welcomes everyone, and where my husband met Kurt. They worked together at a bookstore, became great friends, and when I met him, I loved him too, he was the sweetest guy and made people happy, just by being around.

[@veronicaferguson8548]

What a beautiful comment

[@lucasr621]

I completely felt the same way as a 13 year old, 10 years ago when I first began consuming Queen. Before I even researched his sexuality, there was something flamboyant and extraordinary about him and particularly in his voice that made me question his sexuality. Never before had I heard a man express the things Freddie expressed through his voice nor the way he expressed them. His voice embodied rich masculinity, yet also light vulnerability and was often overtly seductive in tone. He seemed to highlight a perspective of existence that other men could not in the music industry. I thought, “if Freddie can be accepted and loved by the world despite being queer, then why can’t I?” He truly was the first stepping stone into self-acceptance for me as a gay male.

[@user-mh2cc4jf3f]

Of his repertoire, I like" Bohemian Rhapsody" best . In my opinion, this song is about the struggle of man with himself, with the devil within himself. The period when this song was written , for Freddie ,was associated with carnal revelry , which caused an internal conflict in him. . At the time of this song's creation, mercury began to realize not only his homosexuality, , but also his transformation as a whole. Another name, another surname, an attempt to disown his true origin, a new star status, a looming glory - he was on the eve of great changes, on the eve of the birth of a new personality. And he struggled with inner demons, walking the path of the outcast and the stranger to idol . And the line "mom, I killed a man" means metaphorically "killing" himself, his old self.