Talk:Freddie Mercury/Archive 9

Vocal range
Excuse me, but I have never heard of any human being having a four-octave vocal range, not even Ella Fitzgerald in her prime.

Such claims are characteristic of fanatical followers or promoters of a given singer, e.g., Mariah Carey.

As Hume said of miracles, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. 2604:2000:150:415A:CC2E:546D:9F1A:47A5 (talk) 05:54, 23 July 2019 (UTC)


 * Wikipedia does not exist to prove or disprove anything. Wikipedia reports what independent reliable sources say. We don't prove whether the Earth is flat or spherical. Independent reliable sources say it is spherical, so Wikipedia says it is spherical.


 * The article says he had a "four-octave vocal range" and cites sources for that. If the sources cited do not say that, please explain. If you feel the sources do not meet the criteria to be "independent reliable sources" (outlined at WP:IRS), please explain. If you have independent reliable sources that directly contradict this statement, please provide those sources. - Sum mer PhD v2.0 19:41, 23 July 2019 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 20 August 2019
Change: "Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara; 5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991)[2] was a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen"

To: "Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara; 5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991) was a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, of Indian-Parsi descent".

Source/citation: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8828994/Freddie-Mercurys-family-tell-of-singers-pride-in-his-Asian-heritage.html https://www.bbc.com/news/av/entertainment-arts-45973637/farrokh-bulsara-the-indian-heritage-of-freddie-mercury https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-freddie-mercury-race-religion-name-change-20181102-story.html https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2018/11/05/i-often-think-about-freddie-mercury-formative-years-india-rami-malek.html https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/music/story/freddie-mercury-india-parsi-bohemian-rhapsody-queen-birth-anniversary-lifest-339268-2016-09-05

The article in its current form intends to circumvent questions of the artist's ethnic origins, which are in fact well-documented, including in the remaining sections of the article itself. Such an omission seems ethically questionable. Schuberto (talk) 21:18, 20 August 2019 (UTC)


 * Not done. I think your suggestion would sound clunky, and create a problem of poor writing style. Mercury's ethnic background was not something he brought to the fore in his career. Binksternet (talk) 21:23, 20 August 2019 (UTC)

"Alfred Mercury" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has asked for a discussion to address the redirect Alfred Mercury. Please participate in the redirect discussion if you wish to do so. Utopes (talk / cont) 17:04, 16 March 2020 (UTC)

"Alfred Bulsara" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has asked for a discussion to address the redirect Alfred Bulsara. Please participate in the redirect discussion if you wish to do so. Utopes (talk / cont) 17:30, 16 March 2020 (UTC)

Logo designer?
Should Mercury be included in the category "Logo designers?" He did design the Queen logo.MagicatthemovieS (talk) 20:58, 18 March 2020 (UTC)MagicatthemovieS
 * No. Just because someone designs "a" logo, doesn't make them a "logo designer". People added to that category, that's their profession, not just because made one. - FlightTime  ( open channel ) 20:59, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 21:11, 26 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Madame Tussauds Amsterdam - Freddy Mercury.jpg

Semi-protected edit request on 25 May 2020
Please change the sentence in the introduction part " Having studied and written music for years, he formed Queen in 1970 with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor" into " Having studied and written music for years, he formed Queen in 1970 with guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor, and recruited bass player John Deacon as the final member of the band in 1971".Because the four of them make the band complete. Reliable source: http://www.queenonline.com/john_deacon (Not long after, on 1 March 1971, John Richard Deacon became the fourth and final member of Queen)Cmeng1006 (talk) 16:06, 25 May 2020 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. — Tartan357   ( Talk ) 16:43, 25 May 2020 (UTC)
 * From your source In October of 1970, John went to see a performance by a new band called Queen. DonQuixote (talk) 17:38, 25 May 2020 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 20 June 2020
Freddie Mercury should be added to the "Bisexual musicians" category in Wikipedia ("Category:Bisexual_musicians"), there are at least 8 references to his bisexuality (both sourced from Mercury himself as well as those close to him) in the "Personal life" section of this article. Wokeupsleepy (talk) 18:19, 20 June 2020 (UTC)
 * Pictogram voting comment.svg Note: Is this a "defining characteristic"? For example, to take something else, a lot of people are of x or y religion without that being notable or defining. Is this the case with his sexuality? RandomCanadian (talk / contribs)  18:40, 20 June 2020 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 04:37, 7 July 2020 (UTC)
 * Wax sculpture of Freddie Mercury.jpg

Genre addition
I believe that pop and classical crossover should be added to Mercury's genre listing because of his solo albums. JJPMaster (talk) 14:26, 24 August 2020 (UTC)

Hands up for John Deacon
At the article it says that Freddie Mercury formed Queen with Brian May and Roger Taylor. I really respect the silence of John Deacon, but anyway he was part of Queen. In YouTube, even at the official channel, John Deacon has been ignored. Don't do the same in Wikipedia, please: Freddie Mercury formed Queen with Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon. Alternatively: Freddie Mercury formed Queen with Brian May and Roger Taylor, with John Deacon joining later as the bass player. Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by 171.97.99.135 (talk) 14:21, 5 November 2020 (UTC)


 * The article clearly states that Deacon joined them later.--Shantavira|feed me 13:15, 22 January 2021 (UTC)

Read Lesley-Ann Jones book called 'Bohemian Rhapsody', it has the correct information about John Deacon. — Preceding unsigned comment added by MeredithErin17 (talk • contribs) 00:17, 7 March 2021 (UTC)

Genres
I believe that more genres need to be added, such as Opera and Funk/Dance/Disco. He made an Opera album and he made Hot Space and Mr. Bad Guy, which had somewhat of a Dance/Disco influence. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Historybufffanatic2005 (talk • contribs) 23:44, 27 March 2021 (UTC)

"Just over three octaves"
Chris PTR, the article states that Mercury's range was "just over three octaves". How is something that is more than three not four? That's the clarification required. It may be an issue with the terminology of the article, but it still requires clarification. Chaheel Riens (talk) 08:21, 2 May 2021 (UTC)
 * Chris PTR, please further explain your logic here.
 * If a musical span is greater than three octaves, then it meets the criteria for four octaves. Not a full four octaves I grant, but it is still a four octave range. If this is not the case, then the wording needs to be changes to clarify this discrepency.
 * You've been asked to discuss it here - please do so.
 * Anything more than a three octave range is a four octave range. It's not that complicated, is it?  Chaheel Riens (talk) 18:59, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

No, that isn't correct. The point is not an issue of "complication" but "precision." See Number line. Many people make a similar counting error when celebrating new centuries or new millennia. There is no "zero" year, as "0" is a single dividing point between negative and positive numbers (or, in the calendar analogy, between BCE and CE, or between BC and AD). Year one is from t=0 to t=1. When the "1" line is crossed, year 2 begins, and continues until t=3. The first century ended at the end of 31 December 100. The second century began 1 January 101. Accordingly, the new millennium began 1 January 2001, and the current decade began 1 January 2021.

Using number line notation and considering "0" as the base line note (relative pitch doesn't matter), one has at least a one octave range if and only if one can sing the note at "0" and the note at "1." If one can't, one has "less than an octave range." If one can sing the note at "0" and some note above the note at "3"--but can't reach the note at "4," then one has "over a 3 octave range." When one can sing the note at "0" and the note at "4," only then does one have "a 4 octave range."

Using your stated logic, anyone who is over 6' tall is 7' tall (unless, of course, they are over 7' tall); obviously, there are people barely over 6' tall, 6' 1", 6' 6", 6' 11"; none of them are 7' tall. 3.1 is greater than 3 but isn't 4. 3.5 is greater than 3 but isn't 4. 3.99 is greater than 3 but isn't 4.

The statement, "If a musical span is greater than three octaves, then it meets the criteria for four octaves," is incorrect. To sing an octave in western music, one must be able to sing any given note and the note 12 semitones, 100 cents, or a full diatonic scale above it. The term "four octave range" implies four full octaves.

My sincerest apologies if my explanation seems excessive; I have no intention of being condescending or malicious towards you. I just wanted to be accurate and thorough. Peace.
 * Not at all. This is exactly why I asked for clarification.  I am not a particularly musical person, which is why it seemed confusing to me - and it did not seem unlikely to others.  The original responses were unhelpful and did not clarify the reasoning, hence my request again for clarification.  Useful to know, and I've learned something today, but it actually seems a bit moot as the section in question has since been removed anyway...  Chaheel Riens (talk) 11:00, 12 May 2021 (UTC)

Top 25 needs updating
"This article has been viewed enough times in a single week to appear in the Top 25 Report 2 times."

This is outdated as this article has been in the Top 25 a lot more than twice. Can someone update the Top 25 to reflect all of Mercury's appearances in the Top 25? --NoTribbleAtAll (talk) 20:33, 10 June 2021 (UTC)

Citation Needed, I think
I think if the article is claiming he's one of the greatest singers in rock music (second sentence in the article), that statement needs to be backed by a citation. Otherwise, it seems like uncritical fandom (I'd add the tag myself, but of course, the article is locked so nobody can change it, in the encyclopedia that supposedly anybody can edit.) 139.138.6.121 (talk) 21:18, 22 June 2021 (UTC)

Lloyd Webber/ Jses Christ Superstar quote
The quote as written is misleading and suggests Lloyd Webber was talking about the original casting of his musical, when in fact the quote was said decades after Mercury's death. I amended the line to give context of the year and that it was when he was recasting the musical, but the amendment was reverted to the misleading version. OUR-BOY-FLYNN (talk) 01:37, 30 June 2021 (UTC)

Past tense/age
The opener says “is” instead of “was” and makes no mention of his date of death. It also lists his current age as 75. This would make anyone opening this article believe Freddie is still alive. 173.75.234.227 (talk) 20:26, 7 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the note. It's been fixed. The editor who made the change has been blocked. SchreiberBike &#124; ⌨ 21:57, 7 February 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 2 March 2022
The comma in this sentence in the intro paragraph of the page is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.

“Mercury defied the conventions of a rock frontman, with his highly theatrical style influencing the artistic direction of Queen.”

The comma after frontman should be removed. honestly the best way to say this is rewritten below but whether you take my rewrite or not the comma is grammatically wrong.

My suggestion:

Mercury defied the conventions of a rock frontman with his highly theatrical style that influenced the artistic direction of Queen. 2601:6C1:300:8E20:414E:DFE:F56D:8B0 (talk) 06:49, 2 March 2022 (UTC)
 * ✅ Good improvement. Thank you. SchreiberBike &#124; ⌨ 17:04, 2 March 2022 (UTC)

Misquoted biography
This states that his biography stated he showed signs of associating with someone who had HIV (and quotes an article that contains the supporting quotation) but that’s not what it says: he says he showed signs associated with having recently been infected himself: “ while appearing on Saturday Night Live, he began exhibiting some symptoms associated with someone recently infected with HIV. ” 2A00:23C7:C682:AB01:3CC2:DCCF:B002:37B4 (talk) 08:11, 27 March 2022 (UTC)

Family
Hello, I have long been interested in the question, what date and in what year were the children and grandchildren of Freddie Mercury's sister - Kashmira born? Sorry for disturbing. Happy day to you! Чёрт, который Дамир (talk) 07:55, 3 April 2022 (UTC)

Picture in Lede
Is that really Freddie Mercury? It doesn't look anything like him, at all. Valgrus Thunderaxe (talk) 05:08, 13 May 2022 (UTC)

Top 25 Report totals need updating
It is seriously out of date. "This article has been viewed enough times in a single week to appear in the Top 25 Report 2 times". Since Freddie made the yearly report three times (2018, 2019, and 2021), I'm pretty sure Freddie made significantly more appearances on the Top 25 report than twice. --92.22.212.168 (talk) 22:00, 18 May 2022 (UTC)

First signs of infection
There is evidence in the linked article that he had sex with someone recently infected with aids. The article provides evidence that he saw a doctor while showing some signs of aero conversion. 92.40.199.120 (talk) 21:31, 15 August 2022 (UTC)

There is NO evidence (word omitted from previous note in error) 92.40.199.120 (talk) 21:32, 15 August 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 4 September 2022
This line in the section 'Sexual Orientation' is incorrect: Homosexual acts between adult males over the age of 21 had been decriminalised in the United Kingdom in 1967 The 1967 Act only applied to England and Wales - NOT to the United Kingdom. Homosexual acts were not decriminalised in Scotland and Northern Ireland until 1980 and 1981 respectively.

I suggest that the line should be changed to: Homosexual acts between adult males over the age of 21 had been decriminalised in England and Wales in 1967 80.229.29.220 (talk) 18:53, 4 September 2022 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. - FlightTime  ( open channel ) 18:56, 4 September 2022 (UTC)

Documentary
I can't find a lot of sources on the documentary Freddie Mercury: The Final Act but I just got around to watching the recording I made and was surprised not to find anything. If there aren't sources Wikipedia would find acceptable then the only place for the documentary would be this article, but I feel more detail on the documentary should be here than. While this person correctly moved my contribution to the "‎Importance in AIDS history" section, which seems logical since the documentary seemed to be more about AIDS than anything else, I think more detail is necessary. Changes in wording from what I added were acceptable but my sources said, "It includes interviews with May and Taylor, Gary Cherone, Roger Daltrey, Joe Elliott, Lisa Stansfield, Paul Young and concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith as well as Mercury's sister Kashmira Bulsara. Performances from the concert include Elton John, George Michael and David Bowie" and that it was "produced by Dan Hall and directed by James Rogan."— Vchimpanzee  •  talk  •  contributions  •  16:12, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

I see that the section goes into a lot of detail about the concert. At least it should be stated that the documentary includes a number of performances from the concert. I don't have a source but Elizabeth Taylor was in it.— Vchimpanzee  •  talk  •  contributions  •  16:17, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 4 October 2022
In the box to the side it says that Freddie died in 1991 but in the article itself it says he died in 1992 which is a problem since I’ve gotta have a death date in my project 207.195.80.154 (talk) 16:01, 4 October 2022 (UTC)


 * Pictogram voting comment.svg Note: The article states that his death was in 1992 in the infobox, lead, and . dudhhr talk contribs (he/they) 16:04, 4 October 2022 (UTC)
 * Oops, meant to say 1991. dudhhr talk contribs (he/they) 16:04, 4 October 2022 (UTC)
 * Mercury died on 24 November 1991. I'm unable to locate any mention of his death in 1992 in the article.  Where there was any doubt, the multiple citations in the article could be used to resolve them.  General Ization  Talk  16:07, 4 October 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 27 November 2022
Under instrumentalist it states 'as a young child from India'. He grew up on an island off east Africa in the Indian ocean, however he is now from India as the sentence implies. 2601:407:C601:4140:804E:A30E:E5D3:B0ED (talk) 22:50, 27 November 2022 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. ― Blaze WolfTalkBlaze Wolf#6545 22:58, 27 November 2022 (UTC)

Eldest should read elder if there are two children
Suggest the changing of eldest boy to elder boy as Mary Austin seems to have just the two children Chempert (talk) 11:40, 8 January 2023 (UTC)

Freddy Mercury
His nationality was Persian not British. He was born in Zanzibar a trading post for Persia. 2607:FB91:E4E:125D:945A:7B18:6249:3211 (talk) 11:31, 13 July 2023 (UTC)


 * Do you have any reliable sources that support this claim? ... disco spinster   talk  13:26, 13 July 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 25 August 2023
In the section "PERSONALE LIFE", sub-section "RELATIONSHIPS", second paragraph, there is a typo mistake. Please change "28-room" to "8-room". Pasqualedf (talk) 12:09, 25 August 2023 (UTC)


 * ✅ changed to "8-bedroom" to eliminate ambiguity. Xan747 ✈️ 🧑‍✈️ 22:21, 25 August 2023 (UTC)

Full name and birth name
What was Mercury's full legal name? The lead sentence appears to read that he was born "Farrokh Bulsara", and legally changed his name to "Freddie Mercury". Despite this, there appears only to be information on the article about him changing his surname. Under the Early life section, it reads that "he legally changed his surname, Bulsara, to Mercury". I can't see any info on the article about him changing his first name from "Farrokh" to "Freddie", only that this is the nickname he went by. Per MOS:FULLNAME, his legal name should be listed first. As far as I can tell, this is "Farrokh Mercury", so this is what should be listed. I'm not opposed to displaying "Farrokh "Freddie" Mercury" to avoid any confusion, but his full name should be listed first, not in brackets under "born". The lead sentence should read "Farrokh "Freddie" Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara; 5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991) was a British singer..."

Thoughts? Strugglehouse (talk) 11:19, 27 August 2023 (UTC)

Early Life - Kensington Market
After the sentence, 'Following graduation, Mercury joined a series of bands and sold second-hand Edwardian clothes and scarves in Kensington Market in London with Roger Taylor.' the following information should be added:

After Freddie’s shop unit closed in 1971 he remained in Kensington Market working for Alan Mair as his full time shop manager selling hand made boots. He remained there until 1974 selling boots to many rock stars including David Bowie.

Verification can be found below:

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/freddie-mercury-a-world-of-his-own-crazy-little-things-2/freddie-mercurys-much-worn-boots-1970s

https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2023/freddie-mercury-a-world-of-his-own-on-stage/freddie-mercurys-platform-boots

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/aug/07/freddie-mercury-clothes-champions-sothebys-sale

https://ednews.net/en/news/culture/335288-the-freddie-mercury-you-didnt-know Profileseven (talk) 03:20, 26 October 2023 (UTC)

Seeming grammar error
In the Other Friendships section of his personal life the sentence, "Both Mercury and Curry were also close friends with Peter Straker, with Straker…" is presented. I think the second "with straker" is a mistake and unnecessary Surfingtheinterweb (talk) 04:12, 5 November 2023 (UTC)
 * It was not a mistake, but it was an awkward construction. The second "with Straker" referred to the fact that Straker was a frequent diner with Mercury.  I have improved the structure of the sentence.  General Ization  Talk  04:21, 5 November 2023 (UTC)
 * I see now . Thanks for clarifying the sentence Surfingtheinterweb (talk) 04:31, 5 November 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 14 November 2023
Change in the Phrase "English boarding school in India" to "St. Peter's Boarding School Panchgani, India"

Sources: Ssuhails (talk) 10:05, 14 November 2023 (UTC)
 * Pictogram voting wait blue.svg In progress: An editor is implementing the requested edit. Awhellnawr123214 (talk) 23:19, 23 November 2023 (UTC)

British???
Why is the introduction only stating he is British? Couldn't it be more accurate to say Zanzibari British? RickyBlair668 (talk) 13:54, 25 November 2023 (UTC)


 * No it wouldn't. See MOS:ETHNICITY ― Blaze WolfTalkblaze&#95;&#95;wolf 13:56, 25 November 2023 (UTC)

Instruments played
Instruments played needs to be amended. Freddie also played guitar. I just watched him play it for the Live Aid show at Wembley for Crazy Little Thing Called Love. 2603:7080:BC46:C100:28A8:A403:F940:1BF (talk) 03:43, 13 December 2023 (UTC)


 * main instruments says that the infobox should only include the instruments that the musician is known for. Freddie is not generally known as a guitarist. ... disco spinster   talk  14:46, 13 December 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 13 March 2024
Freddie wasn't British so can you change it from that to Persian as he was of Indian Parsi decent and was born in Zanzibar! 92.11.249.21 (talk) 22:09, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Not done: Closing duplicate request. PianoDan (talk) 22:38, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 13 March 2024
Freddie wasn’t British he was of Indian Parsi decent (Persian), he was born in Zanzibar 92.11.249.21 (talk) 22:10, 13 March 2024 (UTC)


 * Sorry for doing it twice, it didn’t show the other comment I made so I wasn’t sure if it worked 92.11.249.21 (talk) 22:12, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Not done: Per MOS:CITIZEN, we list people by where they were a resident when they became notable. PianoDan (talk) 22:40, 13 March 2024 (UTC)

Sexuality
The way you discussed Mercury's sexuality is a bit odd, because even though you talk extensively about his relationships with multiple genders, the tone when you talk about the possibility of his bisexuality is dismissive, like they're rumours. Has anyone researched more? Hecate360 (talk) 10:49, 28 September 2023 (UTC)


 * Are you dumb? He came out as bisexual when he announced that he was partners with Jim Hutton or whatever his name was 196.15.207.98 (talk) 17:21, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
 * Language. Freddie never came out as anyone and his early relationships with women may as well be a sign of closeted homosexuality, not bisexuality. I think it would be better to identify him as just an LGBT person, not gay or bisexual, because we don't know his identity. The Terrible Mutant Hamster (talk) 20:01, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
 * A birthday party full of garishly dressed homosexuals and transvestites. Could a message be any clearer? During his years in Munich from 1979 to 1985, according to companions, he lived himself out openly in the gay nightlife scene, and went through an intense relationship with Winfried "Winnie" Kirchberger, among others. --Rio65trio (talk) 20:33, 24 October 2023 (UTC)
 * I agree, its difficult to label people who haven't (as far as I know) actually confirmed anything. I was just pointing out the language of this section was strange because they seemed to act like he was definitely gay. Hecate360 (talk) 05:28, 27 October 2023 (UTC)
 * I agree. They made his confirmed bisexuality out to be a rumor when he wrote in his own biography that he's bisexual. He also had relationships with women after "going gay" (see also: Barbara Valentin and the first hand accounts of them being caught in bed together.) Additionally, they left out the key wording of "I'm bisexual" when he came out to Mary. It makes it seem like he came out as gay and that's why the relationship ended. Overall needs revising 2600:1700:F91:8D60:D987:D315:2B38:12C3 (talk) 17:39, 20 December 2023 (UTC)
 * Excuse me, but Freddie's bisexuality is not confirmed. "First hand accounts" are gossip. The only reliable sources about his sexuality are statements of his friends, including his ex-girlfriend Mary Austin. If I am not mistaken, they agree that he was gay. The Terrible Mutant Hamster (talk) 14:37, 9 February 2024 (UTC)
 * It is best not to discuss this. I believe it is pointless to discuss a person's sexual preferences who is not even living. It is sensible to write about other areas of Mr. Mercury's life.Click here to know my name (talk) 12:06, 15 March 2024 (UTC)