Mary Austin opened a silver trunk in her attic containing original handwritten lyrics by late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, according to an interview published by The Guardian. The case, packed in the mid-1980s and left untouched for nearly 40 years, held drafting sheets for iconic tracks including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Killer Queen,” and “We Are the Champions.” Austin, who inherited half of Mercury’s estate and his house following his death in 1991, recounted her decades-long relationship with the singer ahead of an auction of his personal belongings at Sotheby’s.
Unlocking Decades of Private Archives
According to The Guardian, Austin initially packed the silver trunks in the 1980s because sorting through Mercury’s personal items proved too painful. When she finally opened one of the cases in 2022, the emotional weight forced her to shut it immediately. She eventually enlisted her two sons and Sotheby’s to sift through the contents.
Did you know? Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin met in 1970 when Mercury was running a clothes and textile stall in Kensington Market in London after graduating from his graphic art and design degree, and Austin was a friend of Brian May’s.
The Unusual Bond Between Mercury and Austin
Austin and Mercury maintained a close relationship that spanned over three decades, transitioning from romantic partners to lifelong confidants. After meeting in London, the pair moved into a little later together and split the rent. Mercury informed Austin that he thought he was bisexual, and she told him she thought he was gay, leading to the evolution of their relationship into a deep alliance that lasted until his death.
- 1970: Mary Austin and Freddie Mercury meet in London through mutual friends, including Queen guitarist Brian May.
- 1971: The couple moves in together in London.
- 1975–1976: Mercury tells Austin he thinks he is bisexual, and later they navigate his changing relationships.
- 1991: Mercury passes away at 45.
- 2023: Austin consigns Mercury’s personal belongings and lyric sheets to Sotheby’s for a public auction.
Controversy and Public Reception of the Estate Sale
According to reporting from The Guardian, the decision to auction Mercury’s personal collection drew criticism from portions of the band’s fan base, who accused Austin of hoarding items or profiting from the late singer’s legacy.
Pro Tip: For fans and researchers studying Queen’s songwriting process, primary source documents like the manuscript for “Bohemian Rhapsody” offer insight into Mercury’s work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mary Austin to Freddie Mercury?
Mary Austin was Freddie Mercury’s close friend, former partner, and the person he regarded as the one person in the world he could wholly trust.
What happened to Freddie Mercury’s personal items?
Did Freddie Mercury write a song about Mary Austin?
Who inherited Freddie Mercury’s house?
According to The Guardian, Mercury’s house belongs to Mary Austin, and she has lived in it for more than 30 years.
What Lies Ahead for Garden Lodge and the Archive
With the Sotheby’s auction concluded and the publication of Freddie Mercury: A Life in Lyrics by Mary Austin, Austin has continued her life. Freddie Mercury: A Life in Lyrics by Mary Austin is out now.
Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the preservation and auction of rock history? Share your perspective in the comments below, explore our archive for more in-depth music retrospectives, or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on legendary artist legacies.
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