<B>“A must-read for any Mercury, Queen, or rock fan…a truly intimate portrait” (<I>Hollywood Reporter</I>).</B><P>As the frontman and lead vocalist for the iconic band Queen, Freddie Mercury is often recognized for his unmatched songwriting skills and flamboyant showmanship. But despite his worldwide fame, few people really knew the man behind the glittering façade.<P> <P>Now, more than twenty years after his death, those closest to Mercury are finally opening up. Author and rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones delves deep into Mercury’s decadent and promiscuous life after spending years interviewing the flamboyant star and his inner circle of family members, band mates, long-term lovers, close friends, and music industry insiders. What emerges is an intimate and complicated portrait of this rock ’n’ roll legend, providing new insight on topics such as Mercury’s relationship with long-time girlfriend Mary Austin, his dangerous and pleasure-seeking excesses, and Queen’s meteoric rise to fame.<P> <P>Sympathetic yet not sensational and based on more than a hundred interviews with key figures in his life, <I>Mercury</I> is the definitive account of Freddie Mercury’s legendary life in the spotlight and behind the scenes.