Ealing Stories: Freddie Mercury

Cheering up a vile March morning with a tale from the Ealing Stories archives...

I rewatched Bohemian Rhapsody the other day and loved it SO MUCH I thought I'd dedicate today's post to the iconic Freddie Mercury, frontman of Queen, a true rock legend with roots right here in Ealing! From his early days at 22 Gladstone Avenue in nearby Feltham (where there's a blue plaque) to his time at Ealing College of Art, Freddie's connection to our borough runs deep.

Born Farrokh Bulsara on the island of Zanzibar, his transformation into the iconic Freddie Mercury began amidst the vibrant streets of London. At Ealing Art School (UWL’s predecessor institution, on St Mary's Road), he crossed paths with future Queen bandmates, Brian May and Roger Taylor, setting the stage for the legendary music that would follow.