On February 18, 1990, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury made his final public appearance at the Brit Awards when he and his bandmates accepted the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. His brief appearance came on the heels of unending rumors about his health, which tabloids helped circulate in the late 1980s. By 1990, they had reached a fever pitch.
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Nevertheless, Mercury denied the rumors about him having HIV or AIDS. When he went on stage at the Brit Awards with his bandmates, Mercury’s message to the public was still that he was in good health. In hindsight, it’s tragic just how untrue that appears based on his physical appearance alone.
Freddie Mercury Makes His Final Public Appearance
Queen guitarist Brian May delivered an acceptance speech on behalf of the entire band during the 1990 Brit Awards, making frontman Freddie Mercury’s final public appearance a quiet one. The visibly gaunt Mercury held the award as May spoke, briefly saying, “Thank you, goodnight,” into the microphone as they walked off stage. Despite his frail appearance, Mercury appeared in relatively good spirits, walking out on stage with a wave.
In 1990, rumors about the singer’s health were running rampant. Past lovers and tabloids helped fuel the flames of speculation during a time when there was a deep stigma around HIV and AIDS. Because of this and his desire for privacy, Mercury denied the rumors, as did members of his inner circle. Mercury finally confirmed his AIDS diagnosis in late November 1991. He died the following day at his Kensington home.
His statement read: “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.”
The Singer Never Dwelled On His Illness
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was just as private about his illness with his close friends and colleagues as he was with the public. Even when his condition had deteriorated rapidly, Mercury remained devoted to his craft and relationships. Austrian director Rudi Dolezal, who worked on Mercury’s final music video for Queen drummer Roger Taylor’s “These Are The Days Of Our Lives,” recalled the frontman’s immense bravery in the face of his disease.
“AIDS was never a topic,” Dolezal told People. “We never discussed it. He didn’t want to talk about it. Most people didn’t even 100 percent know if he had it, apart from the band and a few people in the inner circle. He always said, ‘I don’t want to put any burden on other people by telling them my tragedy.’”
Photo by Tom Wargacki/WireImage
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