06 September 2023 , 17:02
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Brian May has penned a touching tribute to late fellow Queen musician Freddie Mercury on what would have been his 77th birthday.
The 76-year-old curly haired guitarist is an original member of legendary rock band Queen, which was formed in 1970 with Freddie as the frontman. The group went on to become cart topping stars the world over - but tragedy struck in 1991 when Freddie died at the age of 45 of health complications caused by HIV.
Queen has continued to release music and tour with Brian joined by fellow member Roger Taylor and with the act fronted most recently by American glam rock singer Adam Lambert. Tuesday would have been Freddie’s 77th birthday and Brian marked the day by sharing a poignant message about his late friend.
Taking to Instagram, Brian shared an archive photograph of Freddie practicing guitar on the edge of a stage. The musician - who has hinted Queen may soon retire - wrote an emotional post where he explained he has been thinning off and missing his late friend.
Brian May paid tribute to Freddie Mercury on what would have been his 77th birthday and as his worldly belongings went up for auction (Getty Images)Brian wrote: “Inescapably thinking so much about Freddie in these strange days. At the time this photo was taken I’m sure it didn’t seem very important to see Freddie’s fingers dancing on my own home-made guitar. Now it summons up waves of affection and great memories. He is so missed.”
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He went on to reference the fact that Freddie’s personal belongings are currently being auctioned in London as the contents of his home have been put up for sale 32 years after his death. And the thought of Freddie’s belongings being snapped up and shipped to new owners all over the world seemed to be a difficult thing for Brian to process.
He continued: “Tomorrow while I’m speaking passionately to Welsh farmers about cows and badgers and bovine TB, Freddie’s most intimate personal effects, and writings that were part of what we shared for so many years, will go under the hammer, to be knocked down to the highest bidder and dispersed forever.”
Brian added: “I can’t look. To us, his closest friends and family, it’s too sad.”
When Freddie died, he left a large number of his possessions to his former fiancée, Mary Austin, who has also lived in his former home, Garden Lodge, in London since he died. Mary has now engaged legendary auction house Sotheby’s to help sell off all his possessions to the highest bidder - with furniture, art, costumes and clothes all up for grabs.
It seems 72-year-old Mary’s own mortality has prompted her to sell off Freddie’s old possessions. She told the BBC earlier this summer: “I need to put my affairs in order. The time has come for me to take the difficult decision to close this very special chapter in my life."