In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Brian May opened up about a pivotal moment in the early days of Queen, specifically related to Freddie Mercury’s relationship with Mary Austin. The discussion arose as part of the conversation surrounding the reissue of Queen’s debut album, Queen I, in a special box set. The set includes previously unseen photos, demos, outtakes, and a variety of personal memorabilia, including a photo taken in Freddie Mercury’s flat in London on March 17, 1973.
Reflecting on the photograph, May shared that it was taken during one of the band’s first proper photo shoots, which took place at Freddie’s flat, where he was living with Mary Austin at the time. May recalled how the photo shoot was carefully curated to exude a period glamour, with much of the wardrobe sourced from Biba, a trendy store in Kensington, where Mary worked as the manageress. He admitted, “We got everything we could together that we thought would exude this kind of period glamour.”
May then revealed an interesting detail about his own relationship with Mary Austin, recalling that he had initially asked her out. However, Freddie Mercury later expressed an interest in her as well. “I actually asked Mary out at a certain point,” May said. “And then Freddie went, ‘Oh, is she with you? I’d like to ask her out.’ I said, ‘I think you should because we’re only friends really.’ And the rest is history.”
This exchange set the stage for Freddie’s deep and enduring bond with Mary. Despite Freddie later revealing his sexuality and living with other partners, he maintained that his connection with Mary was unique and irreplaceable. In a 1985 interview, Freddie Mercury famously said, “All my lovers asked me why they couldn’t replace Mary, but it’s simply impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary, and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me.”
After Freddie’s death in 1991, he left most of his fortune, including his mansion in Kensington and all of his belongings, to Mary Austin. She kept these items for over 30 years before selling them in recent years, but her importance in Freddie’s life was never in doubt. The enduring nature of their relationship remains one of the most poignant aspects of Freddie’s legacy.
