The Reason Freddie Mercury Refused Medication To Hasten His Death

It is a widely accepted fact that Queen is among the most successful rock acts in music history. Formed in 1970, the band released several albums, which later became rock classics. With their musical achievements and influential sound, they achieved phenomenal international success.

Among the Queen members, the one who was often under the spotlight with his remarkable musical talent was Freddie Mercury. Along with his four-octave vocal range and unique singing skills, Mercury also defied the conventions of a rock frontman with his flamboyant persona and theatrical stage performances.

On November 24, 1991, Mercury sadly passed away at the age of 45, but he left an epic legacy behind, which is still alive today. However, it was later revealed that the singer refused medication to depart from this world in a shorter time. Let’s learn about his sufferings and why he decided to do such a thing.

Freddie Mercury Had AIDS, But He Kept It A Secret

As you already know, Freddie Mercury died due to complications from AIDS. Back in the 1980s, he started to show the symptoms of the disease. In October 1986, Mercury had his blood tested for HIV/AIDS. Although his partner Jim Hutton stated Mercury was diagnosed in late April 1987, the musician claimed he tested negative in an interview.

Following that, Mercury started to appear less on stage, and Queen went on a hiatus from touring. On February 18 at the 1990 Brit Awards, Mercury made his final appearance on stage with Queen to collect the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Although rumors were circulating about him, Mercury denied the stories and kept his health status private even from those closest to him. According to the director of the music video for ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives,’ Mercury never wanted to talk about the disease to not put any burden on others.

The director of the music video, Rudi Dolezal told People:

“AIDS was never a topic. We never discussed it. He didn’t want to talk about it. Most of the 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.'”

Although he had HIV, Mercury didn’t want to stop making music. Instead, he came to the studio when he could and continued working to focus on work rather than the illness. In June 1991, he concluded his career with Queen and retired to his home in Kensington, West London.

Freddie Mercury Wanted To Hasten His Death

Back in those times, Mercury’s former partner Mary Austin regularly visited his house to look after him. Before his death, the musician began to lose his sight and was in such a bad condition that he could not leave his bed. According to Mary Austin, this was the reason why he refused medication and wanted to hasten his death.

As reported by a Freddie Mercury fan page, Mary Austin told OK! Magazine:

‘It was Freddie’s decision to finally end it all. He chose the time to die. He knew it was coming. The quality of his life had changed so dramatically and he was in more pain every day. He was losing his sight. His body became weaker as he suffered mild fits. It was so distressing to see him deteriorating in this way.

One day he decided enough was enough and stopped all the medical supplements that were keeping him going. The overwhelming thing for me was that he was just so incredibly brave. He looked death in the face and said, ‘Fine, I’ll accept it now – I’ll go.’ But it was peaceful and he died with a smile on his face.’

On November 22, 1991, Mercury called Queen’s manager Jim Beach to prepare a public statement. The following day, he released the statement to confirm he was HIV positive. Only 24 hours after issuing the statement, the iconic musician died at his home at the age of 45.

As the sad news surfaced, everyone felt devastated, including his close friends, family, and band members. Although it is unknown whether the medication would help Mercury at that stage, the musician thought it was best not to suffer anymore.