Freddie Mercury: The definitive biography

"I'm not going to be a star, I'm going to be a legend." Freddie Mercury: The definitive biography tells the story of the most charismatic, flamboyant, and performative frontman in rock history.

Freddie Mercury needs no introduction. But what's behind this rock legend? What was he like behind the scenes? What was his childhood like, and why did he hide it so well?

Freddie was an unconventional figure in showbiz circles. Needy, insecure, with a strong personality, and a fan of opera, mythology, and astrology, Farrokh Bulsara, also known as Freddie Mercury, is a figure who deserves to be known more closely. Freddie Mercury: The Definitive Biography is a great opportunity to do so.

From afar, Freddie Mercury was a charismatic, talented, flamboyant, and performative rocker. Up close, he was the opposite: possessed of a childish temperament and in constant crisis with his appearance and his past. Originally from exotic Zanzibar, Farrokh Bulsara had many paths to follow.

But he wanted—with the help of fate—to become Freddie Mercury, considered by many to be the greatest vocalist in rock history. Fronting Queen for over twenty years, he scored hits, threw epic parties, sold out stadiums, had romantic relationships, and left his mark on music forever.

The truth is, there are several "Freddies" between Mercury and Bulsara. Only those who knew him closely can speak about them. Friends, lovers, bandmates, managers, and, of course, journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, author of this book.

She was a close friend not only to Freddie but also to those closest to him, which allowed her unfettered access to everyone involved in Queen's journey. This journey is narrated intensely, personally, and unabashedly in the pages and photo insert of this book.