How did Freddie Mercury contract AIDS? What to know about the Queen leed singer's last days? The exact circumstances of how Mercury was infected with HIV are unknown, but the virus was spreading through New York City's gay community in the late 1970s and early '80s. This lines up with when Mercury was often visiting nightclubs and bars, and having one-night stands.
By 1982 he was starting to show symptoms of being infected already, and by 1984 he had the first appearance of possible KS (Kaposi Sarcoma) on his body, which he thought was bruising to start with, until more started to appear on his body and face - hence the thicker makeup, and later covering of his legs, and areas where they were.
Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in late April 1987. For him to have full blown AIDS by 1987, and with average HIV incubation period it means he could have been infected as far back as 1976-1978. As to ‘who’ infected him with HIV (not AIDS), most probably there were several people who exposed him to the virus over the years, and he may well have been re-exposed to the virus more than once by the same person/people. Upon returning from a tour in 1976 he told Mary Austin that he thought he was bisexual. After which Freddie began to spend more time in New York and explore that side of his sexuality having numerous one night stands with men, as well as with some women.
We know Freddie was hanging around with a Russian called Nicolai at this time, who was ‘very’ promiscuous and who would later go on to die from - apparently -the same strain of HIV/AIDS as Kenny Everett. Kenny and Freddie both slept with Nicolai, and shared several lovers with each other, and Nicolai. So, Mercury was probably infected in New York during one of his early visits to the US.
Jim Hutton was the ‘husband' of the late Freddie Mercury for seven years before the legendary Queen singer died of Aids in 1991. He and Freddie first met in a gay nightclub in 1983. Jim moved into Garden Lodge and became Freddie's gardener. Hutton lived with Mercury for the last six years of his life, nursed him during his illness, and was present at his bedside when he died.
On 22 November 1991, Mercury called Queen's manager Jim Beach over to his Kensington home to discuss a public statement, which was released the following 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. On the evening of 24 November 1991, just over 24 hours after issuing that statement, Mercury died at the age of 45 at his home in Kensington. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.
In 1994, Hutton released a book entitled ‘Mercury and Me’, a memoir of his relationship with the famed singer. Within the book, Hutton shared details of his relationship with Mercury as well as some never before seen candid photos of both himself and Mercury together. In 1990, Hutton was diagnosed with AIDS and dealt with it until his death. On New Year's Day in 2010, Hutton died at the age of 60 from lung cancer.
Freddie Mercury was the iconic lead singer of one of the biggest bands in the world. He never wanted to have an in-depth discussion about his sexuality with the public. However, it was well known that this icon of rock had had relationships with both men and women. At one point he claimed to be bisexual, but he may have been a gay man who got involved with members of the opposite sex because he was trying to survive - and build a career - in a very homophobic world.
Released in 2018, the movie Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Mr. Robot's Rami Malek as Mercury, follows the rise of Queen leading up to their legendary Live Aid performance in 1985.
Following the movie's release, Queen's music saw a resurgence in popularity decades after their last studio album. The group's song "Bohemian Rhapsody" shot from 87th place globally on Spotify the day before the movie's release to 15th one week later, and it hit the Billboard 100 for a third time.
Queen's Best Songs:
1. The Show Must Go On
2. Bohemian Rhapsody
3. Don't Stop Me Now
4. Under Pressure
5. Killer Queen
6. Who Wants To Live Forever
7. I Want To Break Free
8. Fat Bottomed Girls
9. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
10. Somebody To Love
11. We Will Rock You
12. We Are The Champions
13. Another One Bites The Dust
14. A Kind Of Magic
15. Radio Ga Ga
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