Maverick. Genius. Poet. Rebel with several causes. Freddie Mercury is the eternal enigma. His billion-odd fans are testament to his charisma. Biographer Lesley-Ann Jones reveals the several layers to the mercurial showman: Aapro Farrokh Bulsara

"Instead of becoming a fat, bloated, self-important old queen, he was cut off in his prime and is preserved at that age for eternity. It's not a bad way to go." - Dr Cosmo Hallstrom, psychiatrist to the rich and famous, on hearing of the legendary showman's demise in 1991.

A file picture of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Rock group, Queen,
taken on September 18, 1984 during a concert at the Palais Omnisports
de Paris Bercy. Pic/ AFP

For most of Freddie Mercury's adult life, he believed that he was on the planet to entertain and engage his audience. The stage was his altar and he reveled in every moment on it. During Rock band Queen's finest hour at the LIVE aid concert in Wembley in 1984, a star was born and his name was Freddie Mercury.


Freddie Mercury: The Definitive Biography, Lesley-Ann Jones, Hachette
India, Rs 595. Available at leading bookstores.

Rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones' biography crisscrosses continents and complexities, while giving one a front-row view of the life of one of modern-day music's most enigmatic figures. Like his guru Jimi Hendrix, his short but eventful life met with a tragic end. Yet, while he was alive, he lit up the stage unlike any other. He was the true champion. In an email interview with Jones, The GUIDE attempts to unravel the man behind the showman.