Freddie Mercury statue unveiled in Balatonszemes, Hungary

A full‑body bronze statue of Queen front‑man Freddie Mercury was unveiled in the lakeside village of Balatonszemes, marking the third public Mercury monument worldwide after installations in Montreux, Switzerland and South Korea. The ceremony, attended by local mayor Zsolt Iváncsics and Mercury’s former personal assistant Peter Freestone, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Queen’s first Hungarian concert and the long‑standing Queen camp that has grown into a festival.

Sculptor Kocsis András Sándor explained that the work aims to portray Mercury beyond the stage persona, which has sparked mixed reactions online over the likeness of the face. Critics compare the statue’s features to other Hungarian figures, while supporters note its growing popularity among tourists and fans.