MORE FREDDIE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Highlights of this day in history: Jack Ruby fatally shoots Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas;
Charles Darwin publishes theory of evolution;
Hijacker known as D.B. Cooper parachutes out of plane with ransom money;
Queen's Freddie Mercury dies. (Nov. 24) AP

WTYV.com - Today in History - In 1991, Queen singer Freddie Mercury died of complications from AIDS at his home in London. He was 45. He had sent out a statement confirming rumors that he had AIDS only two days before his death.

VH1 CLASSIC ROCK RADIO REPORT
In 1991…Queen’s Freddie Mercury revealed he was suffering from AIDS. The singer died two days later. [USA]

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
 In 1991, rock singer Freddie Mercury (left) died in London at age 45 of AIDS-related pneumonia..

THE YORKER
12 Days of Movember: Freddie Mercury 
24 November 2013 by Courtney Garner

The iconic frontman of Queen and his killer moustache form the next of our 12 days of Movember. Farookh Bulsara, commonly known by his stage name Freddie Mercury, was the talented lead vocals and pianist at the forefront of Queen, but also the man behind a legendary moustache.

A talented singer, songwriter and pianist, Freddie was artistic and musically innovative. He once approached his bandmates and told them he was going to write an opera, despite knowing nothing about opera. This flighty idea later became the 1975 Bohemian Rhapsody, a massive commercial success which stayed at number one in the charts for nine weeks, and is almost always featured on Queen's greatest hits.

Freddie was vocally gifted, with powerful vocals over a four-octave range, but also adaptable. He performed consistently on Queen's earlier, progressive tracks, and later, more radio-friendly hits. Officially one of the world's best-selling musical artists, Queen has released a staggering total of eighteen number one albums, and consequently Freddie achieved the lasting status of a rock legend. Despite his death, the power of Freddie's tash lives on. The Mercury Phoenix Trust sell Freddie-esque moustaches and encourage fans of the look to dress up as 'Freddie For A Day' in the name of AIDS charities.

Freddie was not just a talented musician, but also a notoriously flamboyant and fascinating stage persona. The outlandish catsuits, characteristic moustache, and wild dancing are part of Freddie's widespread appeal as a stage performer. Even David Bowie comments, "of all the more theatrical rock performers, Freddie took it further than the rest”. During a gig Freddie once commented on his own moustache, “I know people hate it, I don't give a f**k”. A comment which gives an insight into Freddie's rock star attitude and perhaps something to remember if you are sporting a similarly daring moustache this Movember.