Happy birthday to the late singer, mustache icon, and flamboyant rock god Freddie Mercury. Friends of the artist often described him as sensitive and kind, but the Queen frontman wasn’t shy about flaunting himself on stage and playing up to a crowded stadium. While Mercury’s lyrics revealed a sensitive, emotional side, he was the rare example of a musical artist who could be as positive and upbeat as he could be moody. On Mercury’s birthday, we’ve gathered some of his most high-vibe quotes for those moments you’re really feeling yourself or need a little inspiration.
“I don’t want anybody to make it easy for me, which I like, because I’m a survivor. I want to work hard for it.”
“I’m a flamboyant person. I like to live life. I certainly work hard for it, and I want to have a good time. Don’t deny me that. It might not come again and I want to enjoy myself a little.”
“I don’t want to keep playing the same formula over and over again, otherwise you just go insane. I don’t want to become stale. I want to be creative.”
“I don’t like to explain what I was thinking when I wrote a song. I think that’s awful, just awful. When I’m dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance.”
“The most important thing, darling, is to live a fabulous life. As long as it’s fabulous, I don’t care how long it is.”
“I am a manipulator of life.”
“I think I’m totally original. I’m sure there are many people who see themselves in me, but that’s to them. I’m me, basically, and that’s how I like to be.”
“The bigger the better; in everything.”
“I dress to kill, but tastefully.”
“I won’t be a rock star. I will be a legend.”
“I like to be surrounded by splendid things.”
“I want to lead the Victorian life, surrounded by exquisite clutter.”
““Excess is part of my nature. Dullness is a disease. I really need danger and excitement. I’m never scared of putting myself out on a limb.”
“You either have the magic or you don’t. There’s no way you can work up to it.”
“I always knew I was a star And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me.”