Freddie Mercury celebrated by fans on 80th birthday

Fans and family members gathered in Montreux, Switzerland, to celebrate what would have been the 80th birthday of Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the rock band Queen. Thousands of supporters traveled from around the world to honor the singer at his bronze statue overlooking Lake Geneva, wearing flamboyant costumes inspired by his iconic stage presence.

During the festivities, Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, joined the commemorations, appearing on stage to cut a commemorative cake. The event also highlighted the singer's complex heritage; born Farrokh Bulsara in Stone Town, Zanzibar, to a Parsi family, his life was shaped by migrations from Africa to India and eventually to the United Kingdom.

In addition to the public celebrations, the anniversary coincides with the release of a new book, ‘Freddie Mercury: A Life in Lyrics,’ by Mary Austin, a close confidante of the singer. The book offers a personal look at his life through his handwritten lyrics and previously unseen images. The legacy of Queen continues to be preserved in Montreux at the former Mountain Studios, which now serves as an exhibition space for fans.