1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,000 Original Data Provided By: Omid Kashan, DM, David McCandless Karl Webster, Dr Stephanie Starling Subtitles Compiled By: BreadCodes 2 00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:43,000 - 3 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:12,000 Unknown We don't know for sure what state Mercury's health was in by that point, although he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS soon afterwards. 4 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:31,000 TRUE Princess Diana and Prince Charles were in the front row for the performance, next to Bob Geldof New York Times 5 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:52,000 TRUE Mercury adored cats and owned several as pets. Pink News 6 00:02:39,000 --> 00:02:49,000 TRUE Live Aid was unprecedented in scale. The Wembley performance drew in a 72,000-strong live audience, and another two billion watched around the world. MERCURY did have a Rolls Royce. Telegraph Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 7 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:46,000 TRUE Professionally, Mercury was indeed fearless, despite personal insecurities. Live Aid was unprecedented in scale. The Wembley performance drew in a 72,000-strong live audience, and another two billion watched around the world. Telegraph Louder Sound 8 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:59,000 TRUE Mercury did work as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport before he became a star. Pink News 9 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:12,000 Unknown Queen were founded only two years after Conservative politician Enoch Powell’s notorious 'rivers of blood' speech and racism towards immigrants was intense. Mercury, however, had white skin and kept quiet about his roots, so he might have escaped the worst of it. We just don't know. The Guardian 10 00:04:15,000 --> 00:04:25,000 TRUE Mercury was known for jotting down his lyrics and compositions on scraps of paper, something he had done since childhood. The Mirror The Telegraph 11 00:04:39,000 --> 00:04:49,000 TRUE Mercury's parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, were Parsis with family roots in India and Persia. Mercury was born in Zanzibar, and went to a posh boarding school in Bombay. History vs Hollywood BBC 12 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:56,000 TRUE Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara, a name his mother chose because it was popular amoung the Parsis at the time. He started going by Freddie at boarding school. He changed him name legally in 1970 when Queen was formed. History vs Hollywood Freddie Mercury The Untold Story Ultimate Classic Rock 13 00:05:03,000 --> 00:05:13,000 TRUE As a devout man, his father didn't find Mercury's rock musician lifestyle easy to accept. Both parents hoped he would grow out of the rock star thing and return to 'proper studies'. EOnline 14 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:31,000 TRUE Smile played loads of gigs at student bars, especially at Imperial College London where May was studying. Mercury attended many of their performances. Ultimate Classic Rock 15 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:56,000 TRUE Tim Staffell did leave Smile to join Humpy Bong, a band that included former Bee Gees drummer Colin Petersen. The label dropped the band shortly after Staffell joined. Ultimate Classic Rock 16 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:45,000 FALSE-ISH Mercury didn't meet Austin the same night he met the band. Austin actually dated May first, and met Mercury once he had joined as lead singer. They remained close for the rest of Mercury's life. Rolling Stone 17 00:07:47,000 --> 00:07:57,000 TRUE They were disappointed but they understood - Smile wasn't going anywhere. Days of Our Lives 18 00:08:14,000 --> 00:08:24,000 FALSE Mercury didn't meet the band at a gig. He had known the guys for years by the time he came to join the group. Rolling Stone 19 00:09:09,000 --> 00:09:19,000 FALSE-ISH Mercury was mates with the band and constantly badgered the guys about becoming a member, which they relented to once Staffell had left. Rolling Stone 20 00:09:19,000 --> 00:09:26,000 TRUE He did have four extra teeth. While he was self-conscious of his mouth, he thought the extra teeth gave his voice an edge and never got them fixed. He became famous for both his teeth and his four-octave range. Pink News 21 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:38,000 TRUE Although Mercury had a lot of personal insecurities, he was entirely confident in his professional life, never doubting his own talent. Louder Sound 22 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:17,000 TRUE AUSTIN did work at Biba, which was a cool place to hang out at the time. MERCURY visited frequently over five or six months, usually with other guys from the band, before he finally asked her out. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 23 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:17,000 TRUE Austin recalls that she was intrigued by the 'wild-looking artistic musician'. Vanity Fair 24 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:46,000 TRUE-ISH Keep Yourself Alive' was one of their earliest tracks, which they performed at various venues and student bars. But Deacon wasn't in the band at that point. He didn't join until 1971. Biography Ultimate Classic Rock Rolling Stone 25 00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:52,000 Unknown Queen were founded only two years after Conservative politician Enoch Powell’s notorious 'rivers of blood' speech and racism towards immigrants was intense. Mercury, however, had white skin and kept quiet about his roots, so he might have escaped the worst of it. We just don't know. The Guardian 26 00:12:24,000 --> 00:12:34,000 TRUE Mercury's mic did snap in half during an early-career show. He liked the look, and used a bottomless mic from that point onwards. Pink News 27 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:55,000 TRUE-ISH Smile bandmate Chris Chesney recalls Mercury saying 'do your own songs and I'll make up my own words' at his audition. We don't know if he improvised lyrics during live performances, though Record Collector Magazine 28 00:13:18,000 --> 00:13:28,000 TRUE It was immediately clear he was a gifted frontman. Record Collector Magazine 29 00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:45,000 TRUE Mercury moved into a small flat around this time, having just finished art college. Smooth Radio 30 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:09,000 TRUE-ISH They were totally broke in these early years. Signed with Trident production company, they barely made a penny from their success. While telling Taylor to stop breaking drumsticks because there was no money to buy more, the company manager was buying himself a Rolls Royce. Days of Our Lives Rolling Stone 31 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:26,000 Unknown We don't know whose idea it was to record an album. Wikipedia 32 00:14:26,000 --> 00:14:36,000 FALSE-ISH They all had tracks in their back pockets and took a chance opportunity to record a five-track demo at De Lane Lea studios, a precursor to their first album. It wasn't done in one night. Wikipedia 33 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:55,000 TRUE The band were always looking for ways to innovate. Days of Our Lives 34 00:15:57,000 --> 00:16:07,000 TRUE-ISH EMI did get hold of a Queen demo in the early years, although not by accidentally walking into a studio. Days of Our Lives 35 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:15,000 TRUE Mercury did design the famous Queen crest logo, utilising his talents in art and graphic design. He had a diploma from Ealing Art College. Pink News 36 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:30,000 TRUE Taylor's mum recalls Mercury explaining the new name – trying to persuade everybody it sounded 'regal'. Their friends thought it was outrageous and hilarious. Cornwall Live 37 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:09,000 TRUE Mercury was known for his habit of composing songs in odd positions. He did have a piano as a headboard, so that he could reach back and play what he had heard in his dreams. He had been tinkering with the 'Mama' ballad since art school, trying to figure out what to do with it. GQ Days of Our Lives 38 00:17:31,000 --> 00:17:41,000 TRUE They were very much in love, and although they didn't stay together as a couple, Mercury took care of Austin until the day he died, when he left her his property and much of his money and royalties. Pink News Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 39 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:56,000 TRUE-ISH Austin's parents were both deaf. Austin did have tea with Mercury's family, although we don't know if her family were there too. Biography 40 00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:13,000 Unknown There's no record of any naughty faux-pas happening at the family dinner. 41 00:18:22,000 --> 00:18:32,000 Unknown Mercury didn't speak about his background openly in public, so it's possible he didn't bring it up with Austin and the band, but we just don't know. BBC 42 00:18:44,000 --> 00:18:54,000 FALSE-ISH Mercury's family fled Zanzibar in 1964, to escape the revolution, but it wasn't quite a 'just the clothes on our backs' deal. His father worked for the British government. A highly privileged family, they were given six months to leave and relocated to a semi-detached house in Middlesex. Ultimate Classic Rock Queen Archives 43 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:11,000 TRUE Mercury won trophies for boxing in his youth. Louder 44 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:28,000 TRUE Mercury did change him name legally. It wasn't just a stage name for him, but reflected who he felt he really was. Days of Our Lives 45 00:19:36,000 --> 00:19:46,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury's family were very conservative. Most of them were lawyers or accountants, and his parents thought Mercury would grow out of his rockstar dreams and settle down. It seems likely they were uncomfortable with him legally changing his name, but we're speculating. EOnline 46 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:20,000 TRUE May did have a degree in astrophysics, and later returned to his studies to earn a PhD. Taylor did study dentistry, because his biology teacher had told him it was well paid. He eventually quit dentistry and got a degree in biology instead. The Telegraph Modern Drummer 47 00:20:53,000 --> 00:21:03,000 TRUE-ISH Reid, Elton John's manager, did want to manage Queen. Apparently it was a much more complicated process than a phone call and a meeting, though. Days of Our Lives 48 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:25,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury's stage costume designer spoke of him as a free-thinker with clear ideas of what he wanted to wear. She designed his famous white cape, which had a similar batwing-inspired concertina effect to the jacket in this scene. The actual jacket Malek wore was found in Jimi Hendrix's flat after he died. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story Fashionista 49 00:22:01,000 --> 00:22:11,000 TRUE-ISH The remaining band members have mused that Queen were never fashionable. Their fans didn't follow musical trends, and supported them through and through. Days of Our Lives 50 00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:21,000 FALSE Prenter didn't come on the scene until after Live Aid, in 1977. The Mirror Queen Concerts 51 00:22:21,000 --> 00:22:27,000 TRUE-ISH Reid did get Queen on Top of the Pops Queen Concerts Days of Our Lives 52 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:51,000 FALSE-ISH They did tour after their appearance on Top of the Pops, but not in Japan (that came later) Queen Concerts Days of Our Lives 53 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:32,000 TRUE They were certainly not happy about not actually being able to play/sing. The show was shot in the weather studio because of BBC strikes. Taylor said of the experience, 'It was rubbish, no-one actually played, just some aging disc jockeys. And the drums were plastic, so they made this "dook" noise when you hit them.' Days of Our Lives 54 00:23:52,000 --> 00:24:02,000 TRUE-ISH Queen did perform Killer Queen on TOTP, but not until later that year. Their first TOTP performance was 'Seven Seas of Rhye'. The original footage was lost several years ago. QueenPedia 55 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:15,000 TRUE-ISH Queen didn't tour Japan until later, during their 1974-75 Sheer Heart Attack Tour. The Japanese fans adored them, though, and their Japan sets were a bit longer than their UK and US shows. Queen Concerts Days of Our Lives 56 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:58,000 TRUE Mercury identified as a performer through and through, and felt Austin was the only true friend he ever had. Biography 57 00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:31,000 TRUE-ISH Austin remembers, 'He gave me a big box on Christmas Day. Inside was another box, then another and so it went on... Eventually, I found a lovely jade ring inside the last small box.' Like in the movie, she asked which finger she should put it on, and he asked her to marry him, and she whispered her yes. Vanity Fair The Times The Daily Mail 58 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:49,000 FALSE We don't know if this happened or not, but Austin doesn't mention this when she talks about the proposal in an interview Vanity Fair The Times The Daily Mail 59 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:24,000 TRUE Queen toured the US for the first time in 1974 after their record Queen I hit the charts Queen Concerts 60 00:29:43,000 --> 00:29:53,000 TRUE The tour was a massive hit. The Daily Mail 61 00:30:10,000 --> 00:30:20,000 FALSE-ISH There was no Ray Foster. There's a rumour that the character is loosely based on Roy Featherstone (the band's A&R guy at EMI) but represented a whole bunch of EMI execs. EOnline 62 00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:46,000 TRUE The band nicknamed Jim Beach 'Miami', a play on his last name. Wikipedia 63 00:32:19,000 --> 00:32:29,000 TRUE Queen didn't like to repeat the same formula, and were always looking for ways to innovate. Mercury wanted the new record to be operatic, and the band were all for it. Days of Our Lives 64 00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:18,000 TRUE-ISH Queen did record 'Bohemian Rhapsody' at Rockfield Studios, a farmhouse-turned-recording-studio opened by two farmers, Kingsley and Charles Ward. BBC 65 00:34:49,000 --> 00:34:59,000 TRUE Mercury was known for jotting down his lyrics and compositions on scraps of paper, something he had done since childhood. The Mirror The Telegraph 66 00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:54,000 FALSE Prenter wasn't at Rockfield Farm - he wasn't hired until 1977. The Mirror 67 00:36:03,000 --> 00:36:13,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury wrote the song for Austin, of whom he later said, 'the only friend I've got is Mary, and I don't want anybody else'. Ultimate Classic Rock 68 00:37:13,000 --> 00:37:23,000 FALSE-ISH Prenter and Mercury did end up as lovers, but he didn't come on the scene for another two years. The Mirror 69 00:38:23,000 --> 00:38:33,000 TRUE May thought the song was a joke when he first heard it. Taylor insisted it became the B-side to 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and locked himself in a cupboard until Mercury agreed. Writers of the A- and B-sides had to split the record royalties equally, so Taylor raked in the rewards from Mercury's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' success. Louder Wikipedia 70 00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:50,000 TRUE Mercury did finalise his composition at Rockfield Farm. BBC 71 00:41:10,000 --> 00:41:20,000 TRUE May wrote that famous guitar solo, which Mercury thought was wonderful. Days of Our Lives 72 00:42:55,000 --> 00:43:05,000 TRUE Mercury would flounce in during the sessions saying 'I've just added a few more Galileos, dear'. The 24-track tape was passed through the machines so many times it was almost transparent by the time the recording was complete. The band revelled in the creativity. Mercury wanted to 'go well over the top'. Days of Our Lives Louder 73 00:45:12,000 --> 00:45:22,000 TRUE-ISH Several EMI execs were concerned that the track was too long for radio. One exec, Paul Watts, recalled 'when they played me Bohemian Rhapsody my reaction was, "what the fuck's this? Are you mad?"'. The Wrap 74 00:46:37,000 --> 00:46:47,000 FALSE-ISH There's no record of Queen storming out, but there was some tension over all this. The Wrap 75 00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:34,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury did throw a brick through a window, but not at EMI. After a row with Reid, Mercury launched a brick through the window of Reid's Knightsbridge home, and stood on the street yelling until Reid invited him in. Days of Our Lives 76 00:48:19,000 --> 00:48:29,000 TRUE Everett was pivotal in getting the track out there. Some say he was sent a demo and told not to play it, others say he stole it. He played it 14 times in one weekend, claiming on every play that 'his finger slipped'. Mercury did make an appearance on Everett's breakfast show, but not that particular broadcast. The Wrap Days of Our Lives 77 00:48:29,000 --> 00:48:38,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury met Everett when he appeared on his breakfast show. They didn't hook up but they did hit it off, and the pair were a staple on the London club scene. Wikipedia 78 00:48:43,000 --> 00:48:53,000 TRUE Bohemian Rhapsody' bombed with the critics, drawing all the comments shown in the film. Time 79 00:50:09,000 --> 00:50:19,000 TRUE Crowds went wild for Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' performance at Edinburgh in 1976. The show won them a standing ovation. Days of Our Lives Queen Concerts 80 00:50:50,000 --> 00:51:00,000 TRUE Queen's 'A Night at the Opera' tour took in a whopping 77 performances Queen Concerts 81 00:51:21,000 --> 00:51:31,000 TRUE Austin knew that something was wrong between them during the final two years of their six-year relationship. Freddie would indeed call to speak to his cats while he was away on tour. Freddie Mercury's Final Days 82 00:51:35,000 --> 00:51:45,000 TRUE Austin has said she knew he was with men during the last years of their relationship. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 83 00:52:04,000 --> 00:52:14,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury and Prenter did end up lovers, but not until a couple of years later. During their time together there hookups and hotel rooms galore. The Mirror Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 84 00:53:27,000 --> 00:53:37,000 TRUE And she was. Mercury said of her, 'to me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage', replacing her was 'simply impossible'. Austin was a big part of his will after he passed away. She received his property, much of his money and his royalties. Pink News Ultimate Classic Rock 85 00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:44,000 TRUE Austin figured out that Mercury was into men long before he told her, and she was right. Austin remembers saying ‘No Freddie, I don’t think you are bisexual. I think you are gay.' Mercury always refused to define his sexuality publically, so it's unclear whether he was gay, bisexual or otherwise. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story Billboard Ultimate Classic Rock 86 00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:58,000 TRUE They did end their engagement after Mercury came out. He told her he wanted her to always be part of his life. The Daily Mail 87 00:57:52,000 --> 00:58:02,000 TRUE Mercury bought a mansion in Kensington, known as Garden Lodge. Mercury did treat his cats like his children. The Washington Post 88 00:59:46,000 --> 00:59:56,000 TRUE Mercury never stopped adoring Austin and always wanted her around. The record company bought her a place near Mercury when she moved out of their shared home. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 89 01:00:14,000 --> 01:00:24,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury threw extraordinary parties. There were trolls, dwarfs, ogres, thieves, ballerinas, transvestites, flamenco dancers, fireworks... His grand parties went on for days, weeks. For one party, guests had to dress as their favourite person. MERCURY dressed as himself. Prenter wasn't on the scene yet, though. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 90 01:00:36,000 --> 01:00:46,000 TRUE Mercury was known for these grand parties, and for his lavish gifts. The Daily Mail 91 01:01:41,000 --> 01:01:51,000 TRUE-ISH Austin watched from the sidelines to some extent during Mercury's years with Prenter. Taylor couldn't stand the guy. All this came later, though. Prenter wasn't on the scene yet. The Daily Mail Days of Our Lives 92 01:02:19,000 --> 01:02:29,000 TRUE-ISH Austin watched from the sidelines to some extent during Mercury's years with Prenter. Taylor couldn't stand the guy. All this came later, though. Prenter wasn't on the scene yet. The Daily Mail 93 01:02:29,000 --> 01:02:37,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury and May fell out all the time Days of Our Lives 94 01:02:58,000 --> 01:03:08,000 TRUE Prenter is often accused of leading Mercury astray, encouraging a wild lifestyle. They partied constantly. The Mirror 95 01:03:32,000 --> 01:03:42,000 FALSE This never happened. Mercury met Hutton at Heaven, one of London's premier gay nightclubs. Ultimate Classic Rock 96 01:04:07,000 --> 01:04:17,000 FALSE This never happened. Mercury met Hutton at Heaven, one of London's premier gay nightclubs. Ultimate Classic Rock 97 01:05:37,000 --> 01:05:47,000 FALSE-ISH Hutton did reject Mercury the first time they met, but it was a 'fuck off' in a bar, not an insightful distancing. Hutton, Mercury and Me 98 01:06:48,000 --> 01:06:58,000 TRUE MAY came up with the idea for a song that audience could get involved with after being inspired by the audience singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' to Queen at the end of a gig. He went to sleep thinking, they can stamp their feet, clap their hands, and sing. And he woke up with 'We Will Rock You' in his head. Days of Our Lives 99 01:06:58,000 --> 01:07:05,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury and May fell out all the time, especially during the Prenter years. Days of Our Lives 100 01:07:44,000 --> 01:07:54,000 TRUE Like May, Mercury was into the idea of a track that really involved the audience. He was all for 'We Will Rock You', and wrote 'We Are the Champions' to release alongside it. Radio X 101 01:09:35,000 --> 01:09:45,000 TRUE May has described the Madison Square Garden gig as a landmark moment for the band, a magical experience. Days of Our Lives 102 01:09:54,000 --> 01:10:04,000 TRUE Mercury is considered one of the greatest frontmen of all time, always able to command audiences. They lapped up his call and response bit. Huffington Post Herald Sun 103 01:10:07,000 --> 01:10:17,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury was interested in going solo, but Prenter and Reid weren't involved in Queen's management at this stage. Ultimate Classic Rock 104 01:10:25,000 --> 01:10:35,000 TRUE CBS did offer Mercury massive money for a solo album. Ultimate Classic Rock 105 01:10:36,000 --> 01:10:46,000 FALSE Reid and Prenter weren't in the picture at this stage. Ultimate Classic Rock 106 01:12:04,000 --> 01:12:14,000 Unknown We don't know what Mercury felt about Austin's lovers. 107 01:12:44,000 --> 01:12:54,000 FALSE Reid and Prenter weren't in the picture at this stage. Ultimate Classic Rock 108 01:13:59,000 --> 01:14:09,000 FALSE Mercury actually wanted to go solo and Reid was no longer involved with the band at this point. Reid later said he'd never had any problems with Queen, and 'that's been one of the gentlest parting of the ways of anybody I've ever worked with'. Taylor has said the band had a 'good working relationship with John'. Ultimate Classic Rock 109 01:14:59,000 --> 01:15:09,000 FALSE Prenter didn't come into Mercury's life until years after Reid had ceased managing Queen. Days of Our Lives 110 01:15:16,000 --> 01:15:26,000 TRUE-ISH The exposé was published, although not until later. Prenter sold his story, along with photos of Mercury with various lovers, to The Sun newspaper for £32,000. They ran with the header 'All the Queen's Men'. The Mirror 111 01:15:28,000 --> 01:15:38,000 TRUE-ISH Later than shown in the film – in the late 70s – Prenter tried to steer the bands sound towards disco and funk. His influence on their style created tension. Taylor and May were especially resentful and the band often fought when the pressure was on. Ultimate Classic Rock The Days of Our Lives 112 01:15:38,000 --> 01:15:41,000 FALSE-ISH They did part ways with Reid, but the band were all agreed on it Ultimate Classic Rock 113 01:15:45,000 --> 01:15:55,000 TRUE Beach became their manager after the band left Reid's management Ultimate Classic Rock 114 01:16:19,000 --> 01:16:29,000 TRUE-ISH Later than shown in the film – in the late 70s – Prenter tried to steer the bands sound towards disco and funk. His influence on their style created tension. Taylor and May were especially resentful. Ultimate Classic Rock The Days of Our Lives 115 01:16:29,000 --> 01:16:35,000 TRUE The band argued constantly, especially when the pressure was on. Mercury and Taylor were the hotheads of the group. Louder Sound Days of Our Lives 116 01:16:35,000 --> 01:16:44,000 TRUE-ISH May was always the most sensitive in the band, wanting everybody to be happy, but he could be ruthless when he wanted to be and admits he rarely backed down. Louder Sound Days of Our Lives 117 01:16:44,000 --> 01:16:48,000 TRUE Deacon was very down to earth and calm and he remained that way. Always much more a family man than a rockstar, it took him years to even start finding his voice with the other guys, and he virtually became a recluse in later life. Louder Sound Days of Our Lives 118 01:17:28,000 --> 01:17:38,000 TRUE-ISH Deacon did write 'Another One Bites the Dust', which Michael Jackson suggested be released as a single. It was a massive number one hit and won an American Music Award. However, it wasn't released until much later – 1980. Biography 119 01:17:40,000 --> 01:17:50,000 TRUE Beach became their manager after the band left Reid's management Days of Our Lives 120 01:18:50,000 --> 01:19:00,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury took to the gay scene like a duck to water. He didn't meet Prenter until later on, but they were immersed in it, especially while working in Munich. Days of Our Lives 121 01:19:00,000 --> 01:19:04,000 TRUE-ISH Once Mercury started getting sick he struggled terribly in the studio, but this didn't come until later. Days of Our Lives 122 01:20:32,000 --> 01:20:42,000 TRUE-ISH The press absolutely hounded Mercury, vilifying him for his sexuality and his wild lifestyle. The press conference in the scene was a conglomeration of the worst of it, quoting parts from various interviews over the years. Mercury and the band found it unbearable. Days of Our Lives 123 01:21:33,000 --> 01:21:43,000 TRUE-ISH The press absolutely hounded Mercury, vilifying him for his sexuality and his wild lifestyle. The press conference in the scene was a conglomeration of the worst of it, quoting parts from various interviews over the years. Mercury and the band found it unbearable. Days of Our Lives 124 01:21:58,000 --> 01:22:08,000 TRUE Mercury admitted he suffered loneliness: 'Because audiences love me, it’s hard for them to believe that somebody like Freddie Mercury could be lonely’ ‘In fact, my kind of loneliness is the hardest. I can be in a crowd and still be the loneliest person, because I don’t really belong to anyone’. Daily Mail 125 01:22:40,000 --> 01:22:50,000 TRUE The video for 'I Want to Break Free' featured the entire band in drag, a parody of Coronation Street. Days of Our Lives 126 01:22:50,000 --> 01:22:58,000 FALSE Mercury met Hutton in a nightclub, he didn't use the phonebook to search London for him. The Independent Ireland 127 01:23:10,000 --> 01:23:20,000 FALSE Mercury met Hutton in a nightclub, he didn't use the phonebook to search London for him. The Independent Ireland 128 01:24:00,000 --> 01:24:10,000 TRUE MTV banned the 'I Want to Break Free' video. Deacon wrote the song and Taylor came up with the drag idea. The theme was a parody of Coronation Street, but the humour was lost on US audiences. Mercury did pull away from Queen at this time, recording his first solo track the same year 'I Want to Break Free' was released. Days of Our Lives Billboard 129 01:26:47,000 --> 01:26:57,000 FALSE-ISH The band fought a lot and it often got personal. They did take a break at this point, but it was unanimous. Mercury wanted to pursue solo projects, but so did the others. May has said, 'It was breaking up the whole time! All of us left the band at some point, and not just one time - all the way through.' Ultimate Classic Rock Mojo Days of Our Lives 130 01:27:19,000 --> 01:27:29,000 Unknown Prenter was accused of preventing Mercury from appearing on radio shows and having excessive control over his life. We don't know if he tried to keep Austin away, though. 131 01:27:44,000 --> 01:27:54,000 TRUE Other band members have said that Queen's arguments, the battle of egos, pushed every track to it's max potential. Without that, Mercury's output lost its edge, and he quickly returned to working with Queen instead. Days of Our Lives 132 01:28:19,000 --> 01:28:29,000 TRUE-ISH May describes this period of sex, drugs, and partying with Prenter as a dangerous and vulnerable time for Mercury. This didn't happen until later, though. The Express 133 01:28:30,000 --> 01:28:40,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury likely experienced this symptom as a result of the AIDS-related respiratory disease that ultimately caused his death. However, signs of his illness didn't come until a year or two later. AidsMap Days of Our Lives 134 01:29:45,000 --> 01:29:55,000 TRUE-ISH We don't know if Austin visited Mercury in Munich. But there's no doubt he was consuming a lot of alcohol and a lot of cocaine at this point in his life (which came later than the film's timeline). She has said all she could do was watch from the sidelines. Days of Our Lives The Daily Mail 135 01:30:31,000 --> 01:30:41,000 FALSE Mercury did know what Live Aid was, and wasn't keen to take part. Rolling Stone Days of Our Lives 136 01:31:04,000 --> 01:31:14,000 Unknown Mercury always wanted Austin close, and she did have children during those years. But we don't know if this conversation ever happened. 137 01:32:04,000 --> 01:32:14,000 Unknown We don't know if this ever happened. 138 01:33:34,000 --> 01:33:44,000 Unknown Those close to Mercury were worried about his life in Munich with Prenter. They saw him as vulnerable and living a dangerous lifestyle. Mercury had started to see it himself, too. We don't know if Austin went to Munich to try and bring him home, though. Days of Our Lives 139 01:35:57,000 --> 01:36:07,000 TRUE-ISH Their relationship broke down after Mercury ditched the drinking, drugs and parties. Queen's former roadie recalls that the final straw was when Prenter threw a party at Mercury's house and trashed the place. Mercury fired him, and like in the film, Prenter did rant and rave and threaten to expose him. Ultimate Classic Rock The Mirror 140 01:36:07,000 --> 01:36:16,000 FALSE Prenter sold his story to the papers, he didn't appear on TV. The Mirror 141 01:36:32,000 --> 01:36:42,000 TRUE Prenter sold his story to the Sun newspaper for £32,000. He provided photos of Mercury with various lovers and told the world about his lifestyle, and how much he feared AIDS. The Mirror 142 01:37:38,000 --> 01:37:48,000 FALSE Mercury was actually reticent about Live Aid, and the band weren't that disconnected after Mercury did his solo thing. Taylor recalls, 'I don't think Freddie really wanted to go solo... when it came down to actually doing a solo album, he did sort of miss us'. Both May and Taylor appeared on Mercury's first solo single. Ultimate Classic Rock 143 01:38:00,000 --> 01:38:10,000 FALSE-ISH Prenter did talk publically about Mercury being afraid to be alone, but there's no record of him using racist slurs against him. The Mirror 144 01:38:25,000 --> 01:38:35,000 FALSE Queen had numerous meetings about their status as a group, whether they were breaking up or not. They didn't ever actually break up, though. Days of Our Lives 145 01:40:23,000 --> 01:40:33,000 FALSE Queen had numerous meetings about their status as a group, whether they were breaking up or not. They didn't ever actually break up, though. Days of Our Lives 146 01:40:48,000 --> 01:40:58,000 FALSE Queen had numerous meetings about their status as a group, whether they were breaking up or not. They didn't ever actually break up, though. Days of Our Lives 147 01:41:10,000 --> 01:41:20,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury did tell Beach about his diagnosis before he told the rest of the band, but it was later on. Days of Our Lives 148 01:41:40,000 --> 01:41:50,000 TRUE-ISH The band members didn't share songwriting credits for an entire album until 1989's 'The Miracle'. Louder 149 01:41:50,000 --> 01:41:56,000 TRUE-ISH May and Taylor have both said that Prenter was 'a very, very bad influence upon Freddie', and on the band. They didn't want him around. Mercury did fire Prenter eventually, but it wasn't until 1986. Ultimate Classic Rock The Mirror 150 01:42:48,000 --> 01:42:58,000 TRUE The line-up had been published and every ticket sold before Queen agreed to join in last-minute. The biggest names in music were all performing. Days of Our Lives 151 01:43:14,000 --> 01:43:24,000 FALSE The band were actually very much together and very-well rehearsed by time Live Aid came around. They had released 'The Works' in 1984 and had been touring, with the last tour date just eight weeks before Live Aid. Mercury was actually reticent to do Live Aid, but was persuaded by Geldof. Rolling Stone Days of Our Lives 152 01:43:54,000 --> 01:44:04,000 TRUE The FDA approved the first ever blood test to screen for HIV in 1985. Abbott 153 01:44:24,000 --> 01:44:34,000 TRUE Mercury lived in fear of contracting HIV, particularly after his friends and lovers started to die from AIDS. The Mirror 154 01:44:34,000 --> 01:44:37,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury did have an AIDS test in 1985, although the results were negative. He was tested again in 1987, when he recieved his positive diagnosis – later than shown in the film. Rolling Stone 155 01:45:11,000 --> 01:45:21,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury did have an AIDS test in 1985, although the results were negative. He was tested again in 1987, when he recieved his positive diagnosis – later than shown in the film. Rolling Stone 156 01:45:54,000 --> 01:46:04,000 Unknown Nobody knows what happened at those appointments. 157 01:46:30,000 --> 01:46:40,000 TRUE-ISH In the film there's the suggestion that this cough was part of Mercury's declining health due to AIDS. In reality, he did have a sore throat during Live Aid rehearsals, and performed against his doctor's advice. But it was just a throat infection. Days of Our Lives 158 01:46:44,000 --> 01:46:54,000 TRUE BEACH did know about Mercury's diagnosis before the band did. Mercury told him, but asked him to keep it secret. Days of Our Lives 159 01:46:54,000 --> 01:47:02,000 FALSE Mercury didn't confirm his diagnosis to his bandmates until 1989, not 1985 as shown in the film. Although they had worked it out for themselves much earlier. Rolling Stone Days of Our Lives 160 01:48:59,000 --> 01:49:09,000 TRUE When Mercury told the band he had AIDS, he insisted that he didn't want it discussed further, he just wanted to ignore it and make music until 'I fucking well drop'. That was the only direct conversation they ever had about it. The band were all devastated. Rolling Stone Days of Our Lives 161 01:49:23,000 --> 01:49:33,000 TRUE-ISH There's some great footage of Mercury doing vocal warmups, although not from Live Aid day. Queen MTMD 162 01:49:51,000 --> 01:50:01,000 TRUE Geldof was broadcast live several times throughout the concert, pushing for donations. He did swear during one of them, which was all very exciting for the folks at the BBC YouTube The Mirror 163 01:50:36,000 --> 01:50:46,000 FALSE In the film, this is the second time they met. In reality, the second time they met was at Heaven nightclub in London – the same spot as their first meeting. The first time, Hutton turned down a drink from Mercury. A year and a half later, just before Live Aid, he accepted the same offer. Vanity Fair 164 01:52:32,000 --> 01:52:42,000 Unknown We don't know if Mercury ever introduced Hutton to his parents. He never came out to them, though. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 165 01:53:22,000 --> 01:53:32,000 Unknown We don't know how Austin felt about Hutton, although there are rumours of hostility between them in later years. However, Austin has said she was relieved and euphoric to finally see Mercury living his sexuality freely. Freddie Mercury The Untold Story 166 01:53:42,000 --> 01:53:52,000 Unknown We don't know what Mercury thought of Austin's lovers. 167 01:54:11,000 --> 01:54:21,000 TRUE-ISH The PA limiters were switched so that Queen's performance would be louder, but this was done by Queen's sound engineer, not Beach. Days of Our Lives 168 01:54:38,000 --> 01:54:48,000 TRUE Mercury owned the stage the moment he stepped out, making 'the world his stadium' Days of Our Lives New York Times 169 01:54:48,000 --> 01:54:57,000 TRUE Almost seven hours in, Live Aid had raised just £1.2 million, and Geldof was sorely disappointed. Wikipedia 170 01:56:34,000 --> 01:56:44,000 TRUE Mecury did open Queen's section sitting at the piano, playing Bohemian Rhapsody. He even adjusted a knob like in the movie. The audience sang along, 'as if this was what they had waited for all day'. Rolling Stone 94.3 The Drive 171 01:56:44,000 --> 01:56:48,000 TRUE-ISH Mercury was very close to his mum. She always came to see Queen when they played nearby. She always supported his musical endeavors. Mercury can be seen blowing a kiss to the camera as he sings the 'Mama' ballad at Live Aid, although we don't know if it was to his mother. Ultimate Classic Rock 94.3 The Drive 172 01:57:06,000 --> 01:57:16,000 TRUE-ISH Hutton did watch the Live Aid performance from backstage. We don't know if Austin and her boyfriend were with him. Vanity Fair 173 02:00:26,000 --> 02:00:36,000 TRUE The crowds went wild for 'Radio Ga Ga', slapping their hands overhead and pumping their fists. Rolling Stone 174 02:01:14,000 --> 02:01:24,000 TRUE Mercury launched into his famous 'ay-oh!' call and response, determined to reach every person watching. Attitude 175 02:04:00,000 --> 02:04:10,000 TRUE-ISH Geldof, pumped up by Queen's amazing performance, gave a shouty interview full of profanities, calling for donations. After his outburst, donations increased to £300 per second. Wikipedia 176 02:08:19,000 --> 02:08:29,000 TRUE Mercury's stage-craft and energy that night became legendary, with many calling it one of the best live performances in history. May has said it was the greatest day of their lives. Elton John told them, 'You bastards, you stole the show!' Rolling Stone 177 02:08:29,000 --> 02:08:36,000 TRUE He died at his Kensington home in Nov 24th, 1991, having made a public statement revealing his battle with AIDS the day before. Ultimate Classic Rock 178 02:08:36,000 --> 02:08:44,000 TRUE Mercury and Hutton were together for almost seven years, and lived together at Mercury's home. He and Austin were close until his last day, and he left his mansion to her. Pink News 179 02:08:44,000 --> 02:08:51,000 TRUE Mercury had a traditional Zoroastrian cremation. Pink News 180 02:08:51,000 --> 02:08:58,000 TRUE In its five-week stand, it sold almost a million copies. It was the only single to become Christmas Number One on two separate occasions, and was voted the nation's favourite number one single of the past 60 years in 2012. Official Charts 181 02:09:00,000 --> 02:09:10,000 TRUE The Mercury Phoenix Trust has so far provided $17 million to projects in 56 countries. Mercury Phoenix Trust 182 02:14:18,000 --> 02:14:28,000 - 183 02:14:29,000 --> 02:14:33,000 Original Data Provided By: Omid Kashan, DM, David McCandless Karl Webster, Dr Stephanie Starling Subtitles Compiled By: BreadCodes