Freddie Mercury (5 September 1946 – 24 November 1991) was a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range.

The band’s guitarist Mike Bersin said: “Freddie had no money, so he only had one outfit.

He always wore this T-shirt with a belt and trousers and before crashing out for the night, would take them off and fold them ever so neatly so they’d be perfect for the morning.

“At the time we thought it was a southern thing… ‘OK, men in the north don’t do that but men in the south do.’”

But Freddie was already a showman, he knew appearances mattered. Testi recalled that when Freddie got out of the van at the first gig, he automatically checked his hair and clothes in any available reflection.

After a slightly wobbly start on stage, Freddie warmed up and found his confidence.

Fellow Ibex member John ‘Tupp’ Taylor said there was a moment when Freddie became the great showman: “I thought, ‘F**k, yes! This is what we want.’”

Freddie was finally on the road to fame and such a fortune that he’d never need to wear the same outfit the next day ever again…

Sources:

• https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1214112/Freddie-Mercury-did-THIS-every-night-when-he-undressed-BEFORE-he-was-famous
• https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/freddie-mercury-death-home-aids/