Mary Austin: The Unbreakable Love of Freddie Mercury
Mary Austin, the woman often referred to as the love of Freddie Mercury’s life, played an immeasurable role in his journey as an artist and as a human being. Although not a household name like her legendary counterpart, Mary’s impact on Freddie’s life was profound, shaping his career, love life, and ultimately, his legacy.
Born on March 6, 1951, Mary Austin was introduced to Freddie Mercury during the early 1970s when she was just 19 years old. Their bond grew quickly, as they shared a deep connection that transcended romantic love. Their relationship, which lasted six years, was an unconventional one to say the least. Despite being engaged to each other, Freddie soon realized that he was attracted to both men and women, leading to their breakup.
However, their romantic separation did not sever the unbreakable bond they had formed. In fact, it was during this time that Freddie Mercury revealed his true orientation to Mary Austin, stating, “You’re my common-law wife, and I will always love you ’til I die.” Those words would define their relationship for the rest of their lives.
Mary Austin was instrumental in Freddie’s artistic development as well. She provided him with a sense of stability, serving as his confidante, advocate, and muse. Moreover, she encouraged Freddie to explore his musical talent and supported his relentless pursuit of a career in music. Mary was there every step of the way, from the early days of their relationship when they would write songs together, to watching him skyrocket to fame as the lead vocalist of the iconic band Queen.
One of the most poignant expressions of Freddie’s love for Mary can be found in the lyrics of “Love of My Life,” released in 1975. The song, written by Freddie as a tribute to her, captures the depth of their connection and the profound impact she had on his life. In the lyrics, he sings, “You