Early Life and Education of Freddie Mercury: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Freddie Mercury, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Freddie Mercury was a British singer and songwriter, globally recognized as the lead vocalist and pianist of the rock band Queen. Celebrated as one of rock's greatest singers, he possessed a four-octave vocal range and a flamboyant stage presence. Mercury's theatrical style defied rock frontman conventions, significantly influencing Queen's artistic direction and solidifying his status as an iconic performer.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

September 1946: Freddie Mercury's Birth

In September 1946, Freddie Mercury, originally named Farrokh Bulsara, was born. He later became the lead vocalist and pianist for the rock band Queen.

September 1946: Birth of Farrokh Bulsara

On 5 September 1946, Farrokh Bulsara, later known as Freddie Mercury, was born in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

1946: Mercury's Birth in Zanzibar

In 1946, Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar to Parsi-Indian parents.

1949: Birth of Jim Hutton

In 1949, Jim Hutton was born.

1952: Birth of Sister Kashmira

In 1952, Freddie Mercury's younger sister, Kashmira, was born.

1954: Sent to St. Peter's School

In 1954, at the age of eight, Freddie Mercury was sent to study at St. Peter's School, a British-style boarding school in Panchgani near Bombay.

February 1963: Return to Zanzibar

In February 1963, Freddie Mercury moved back to Zanzibar and joined his parents at their flat.

1964: Family Fled to England

In 1964, Freddie Mercury and his family fled to England from Zanzibar to escape the revolution.

1964: Family's Flight from Zanzibar

In 1964, Freddie Mercury's family fled the Zanzibar Revolution and moved to Middlesex, England.

June 1969: Registered as a UK Citizen

On June 2 1969, Freddie Mercury was registered as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies after his family had emigrated to England.

1969: Graduation from Ealing Art College

In 1969, Freddie Mercury graduated from Ealing Art College with a diploma in graphic art and design.

1969: Meeting Mary Austin

In 1969, Mary Austin, met Freddie Mercury through guitarist Brian May.

December 1976: End of romantic relationship with Mary Austin

In December 1976, Freddie Mercury told Mary Austin of his sexuality, which ended their romantic relationship. Mercury moved out of the flat they shared, and bought Austin a place of her own near his new address of 12 Stafford Terrace, Kensington.

1979: Mercury acquires a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

From 1979 until his death, Freddie Mercury, who never drove, was chauffeured around London in his Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow.

1981: Mercury comments on rock stars influencing the world

In 1981, Freddie Mercury told Melody Maker that rock stars should leave shaping the world to politicians, citing John Lennon as an exception due to his intellect and magic.

September 1982: Mercury possibly exhibits early HIV/AIDS symptoms.

In September 1982, Freddie Mercury possibly exhibited early HIV/AIDS symptoms, visiting a doctor in New York City to check a white lesion on his tongue before Queen's final American appearance on Saturday Night Live.

1985: Relationship with Jim Hutton begins

In 1985, Freddie Mercury began a long-term relationship with Irish-born hairdresser Jim Hutton.

1985: Mercury dedicates solo album to his cats

In 1985, Freddie Mercury dedicated his solo album Mr. Bad Guy to his cat Jerry, as well as Tom, Oscar, and Tiffany, expressing his love for cats and their lovers.

October 1986: Newspapers report Mercury's HIV test

In October 1986, British newspapers reported that Freddie Mercury had been tested for HIV/AIDS at a Harley Street clinic, though he claimed to be healthy.

April 1987: Mercury's AIDS diagnosis

In late April 1987, Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS, according to his partner, Jim Hutton. Around the same time, Mercury claimed in an interview that he had tested negative for HIV.

September 1987: Mercury celebrates his 41st birthday in Ibiza

In September 1987, Freddie Mercury celebrated his 41st birthday at the Pikes Hotel in Ibiza, Spain, with a large party attended by 700 people, including a cake in the shape of Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. The celebration occurred after he contracted HIV.

1987: Diagnosis with AIDS

In 1987, Freddie Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS.

1989: Reconciliation with Kenny Everett

In 1989, with their health failing, Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett were reconciled.

1990: Hutton tests HIV-positive

In 1990, Jim Hutton tested HIV-positive and continued to live with Freddie Mercury, nursing him during his illness.

May 1991: Filming of "These Are the Days of Our Lives" music video

In May 1991, Freddie Mercury, visibly thin, filmed his final scenes for the music video "These Are the Days of Our Lives", with the topic of AIDS never discussed openly during filming.

Loading Video...

June 1991: Mercury retires from work with Queen

In June 1991, after finishing his work with Queen, Freddie Mercury retired to his home in Kensington, West London.

November 1991: Mercury prepares a public statement about his illness

On 22 November 1991, Freddie Mercury called Queen's manager Jim Beach to prepare a public statement about his AIDS diagnosis, which was released the following day.

1992: Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness

In 1992, a tribute concert was held at Wembley Stadium in Freddie Mercury's honor to benefit AIDS awareness.

2011: Google Doodle for Mercury's 65th Birthday

In 2011, for what would have been Freddie Mercury's 65th birthday, Google dedicated its Google Doodle to him, featuring an animation set to his song, "Don't Stop Me Now".

Loading Video...

September 2017: Norwegian Air Painted Aircraft with Mercury's Portrait

In September 2017, the airline Norwegian painted the tail fin of two of its aircraft with a portrait of Freddie Mercury to mark what would have been his 71st birthday.

May 2018: The Advocate discusses Mercury's bisexuality

In May 2018, The Advocate discussed Freddie Mercury's bisexuality, noting his affairs with men and his description of Mary Austin as 'the love of his life'.