Mary Austinthe woman Freddie Mercury considered his “wife,” is about to receive a staggering sum of money following the sale of Queen’s music catalogue for an estimated $1.2 billion.
This agreement, made with Sony, assures Austin, 73, of a payment of nearly USD 237 million.
Since the iconic singer’s departure in 1991, Mary has been the main heir to her estate. Initiallyshe received half of Mercury’s assets, and later got another 25% after the musician’s parents died.
Besides, continues to receive 18.75% of the revenue generated by Queen Productionsthe company that manages the band’s catalogue and distributes profits among the surviving members: Roger Taylor, John Deacon and Brian May.
A crucial role in Mercury’s legacy
Although he does not maintain frequent contact with the other members of the band, Mary Austin plays vital role as trustee of the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a foundation created in honor of Freddie Mercury that works to raise funds and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This charity reflects Austin’s commitment to Mercury’s legacy and his fight against the disease.
Mercury and Austin’s relationship began in 1970, when he had just arrived in London from Zanzibar with dreams of becoming a renowned musician.. The couple lived together and became engaged in 1973. However, three years later, Mercury confessed his sexual orientation to her, which ended their romantic relationship but not their deep friendship.
In a past interview, Austin recalled the moment of revelation: “He said, ‘I think I’m bisexual.’ I said, ‘I think you’re gay.’ And we didn’t say anything else. We just hugged each other.” Mercury continued, referring to her as his “wife” until the end of his life, highlighting the strength of their bond.
Who is Mary Austin, the Great Love in Freddie Mercury’s Life?
Mary Austin is known as the great love in Freddie Mercury’s life.She met the singer before he rose to fame with Queen, the band whose history has been revived with the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
Austin was with Mercury until his last days, when he died at the age of 45 due to bronchial pneumonia caused by AIDS.. She is also the only person who knows the whereabouts of Mercury’s ashes, hidden according to his wishes to avoid interference from fans.
Coming from a humble family in south London, Mary was working in a fashionable clothing store when she met Mercury. He was 24 years old and she was 19. Mercury, a recent graduate in Art and Graphic Design, was starting his musical career. Shortly after meeting, the couple moved into an apartment in Kensington together, and In 1973, Mercury proposed to her. Although the wedding never materialized, their relationship endured in a different way.
As Mercury’s career took off, he spent more time away from home, and the couple grew apart. During an argument, Mercury confessed to Austin that he was bisexual.Although their physical relationship ceased, their bond of love and friendship continued. Mercury made sure to keep Austin close by, buying him an apartment close to his own and finding him a managerial role in the band.
Even though Austin married and had two children, then separated and formed another relationship, she was always involved in Mercury’s life. She was the first person to whom Mercury confessed that he had AIDS, demonstrating the trust and unwavering affection they shared.
Maria Camila Salas V
DIGITAL SCOPE EDITORIAL
TIME
