When Freddie Mercury passed away in November 1991, the world lost one of the greatest performers in rock history. Known for his flamboyance, charisma, and extraordinary vocal range, the Queen frontman left behind an unstoppable legacy.
But while millions expected a grand send-off to match his larger-than-life persona, his funeral was a far more intimate and understated affair.
Held at the West London Crematorium, the private service was attended only by close family and friends, with two Parsee priests presiding. A single red rose adorned his coffin in a simple yet striking tribute.
Among the mourners were those who had been closest to him in both his personal and professional life. His partner Jim Hutton, ex-girlfriend and confidante Mary Austin, and his family were present, as well as Queen bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.
Elton John, one of Mercury’s dearest friends in the music world, also attended, alongside a small group of colleagues and trusted companions who had shared in his private world.
The ceremony reflected Mercury’s Parsi heritage and Zoroastrian faith, with traditions observed under the guidance of the priests. Unlike the large public tributes that followed in the weeks and months after, this farewell was deliberately kept modest, focusing on respect, privacy, and the people who had truly known him best.
What made the farewell even more special, however, was the music chosen to accompany the ceremony – or the three songs that played during the service.
1. Precious Lord, Take My Hand – Aretha Franklin
The service began with a gospel classic, performed by the incomparable Aretha Franklin. Known for its themes of comfort and guidance, Precious Lord, Take My Hand set a solemn tone for the beginning of the farewell. The choice seemed fitting and personal, seeing as Freddie adored Franklin, often citing her as one of his greatest vocal inspirations.
2. You’ve Got a Friend – Carole King
Midway through the service, Carole King’s timeless ballad You’ve Got a Friend was played. The song’s message of loyalty and enduring companionship reflected Freddie’s closest relationships, especially his lifelong bond with Mary Austin, to whom he left the majority of his estate. At a time when his private circle had shielded him through illness and public scrutiny, this song played as a tribute to the unwavering support that defined his final years.
3. D’amor sull’ali rosee – Giuseppe Verdi (performed by Montserrat Caballé)
The farewell concluded with an operatic aria sung by Montserrat Caballé, Freddie’s beloved collaborator and friend. Together, they had recorded the 1988 album Barcelona, a daring fusion of rock and opera. Caballé’s performance of Verdi’s D’amor sull’ali rosee was soaring, emotional, and dramatic, and served as a reminder of Freddie’s passion for music beyond rock.