Bohemian rhapsody

Queen frontman Freddie Mercury was a prolific writer, an introverted empath, and an iconic musician. His band stands as among the world's most successful of all time, with record sales topping million worldwide. Queen's two-night run at London's Wembley Stadium in '86 is still universally perceived as standing among the most unforgettable live rock events in history.

To celebrate Mercury's outsized life, Stacker compiled a list of 25 elements from his biography that many fans don't know.

From working as a baggage handler at Heathrow airport to hiding his HIV diagnosis from the public until just before his death, Mercury's life was filled with adventure, publicity, and perhaps above all a clear duality.

The freddie mercury story: who wants to live forever where to watch

He was both flamboyant and shy; outspoken and intensely private. He had two remarkable relationships, one with Mary Austin and one with Jim Hutton, both complicated and both long-term. Hutton was with Mercury for seven years before the star's death; Austin, Mercury's first serious re