Born on the 5th September 1946, Freddie Mercury left a legacy of incredible music and incredible performances.

Mercury was an incredibly private person, but occasionally he would explain something of his personal philosophy in a TV or press interview. Here are some of the most revealing quotes that give us more insight into Freddie Mercury, the man.

1. “I think Queen songs are pure escapism, like going to see a good film – after that, people can go away, and go back to their problems.”

2. “A lot of people slammed “Bohemian Rhapsody”, but who can you compare that to? Name one group that’s done an operatic single.”

   To Circus magazine, March 1977

   

   Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

3. “I have to win people over, otherwise it’s not a successful gig. It’s my job to make sure people have a good time. That’s part of my duty. It’s all to do with feeling in control.”

4. “Rock and roll has a very wide spectrum and you can do anything you want in it.”

   To Radio 1990, February 1984

   

5. “I look back at myself, and think oh my God, how could I have done that, wearing black nail varnish, the long hair and the make-up… but everybody grows out of it.”

6. “I’m just a musical prostitute, my dear. I’m just me.”

   1984 TV interview

   

7. “I like to ridicule myself. I don’t take it too seriously. I wouldn’t wear these clothes if I was serious.”

8. “I don’t want to keep playing the same formula over and over again, otherwise you just go insane. I don’t want to become stale. I want to be creative.”

   To NME, June 1977

   

9. “A song can mean anything. But I’m a true romantic and a very loving person, and I think that comes out in my songs.”

10. “A concert is not a live rendition of our album. It’s a theatrical event.”

    To Circus magazine, March 1977

    

11. “I’m very emotional; I think I may go mad in several years’ time.”