At the conclusion of the Some Kind Of Magic Tour in August of 1986, Roger Taylor noted that Freddie seemed more fatigued then normal and he sensed that Freddie knew something was wrong. When the official AIDS diagnosis came in 1987, he gathered his band mates together, told them of the diagnosis and of his desire to keep this a private matter. In the words of Brian May, “As soon [as] we realised (sic) Freddie was ill, we clustered around him like a protective shell. We were lying to everyone, even our own families, because he didn’t want the world intruding on his struggle. He used to say, ‘I don’t want people buying our fucking records out of sympathy.’ We all became very close. We grew up a lot.” When asked about the future of the band, Freddie responded “We’re going to make records until the day I fucking die.”
This proved largely true as Queen no longer performed but continued to record and make videos through the late 80’s and into the early 90’s. In 1990, he made his final public appearance, joining Queen to collect the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.
Despite persistent rumors that Freddie had AIDS, fueled by Queen’s abrupt retirement from touring, Mercury would deny these saying he was merely “exhausted” and that the band had quit touring only because he didn’t want to look “ridiculous” as an aging rock star “prancing about” on stage. Still, his increasingly gaunt appearance, coupled with the death of two of his former lovers from AIDS, lead to the continued conjecture.
Unable to walk and nearly blind, Freddie began refusing his medication, taking only his painkillers. Finally on November 22, 1991, he summoned the band’s manager saying it was time to finally make his illness public. A statement was prepared and was released on the next day.
“Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors, and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue.”
A little over 24 hours after this statement was released, Freddie died with Mary Austin and his lover, Jim Hutton by his side. He was only 45 years old. Mercury was one of the first celebrities to die from AIDS and his death helped raise awareness about this terminal, yet preventable, disease.
He was given a Zoroastrian funeral and his body was cremated.
Queen did a tribute concert at Wembley Stadium and it was decided the band would carry on with a different singer. Deacon refused to perform without Mercury and left the group after the tribute concert. Queen still continues to perform and record and Freddie remains one of the most revered and influential performers of all time. He has become the legend he longed to be, indeed.