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Tuesday, 5 September 2006, 08:13 GMT 09:13 UK

In pictures: Freddie Mercury memories

Freddie Mercury, "I was born to love you" video, 1985. Simon Fowler. © Queen Productions Ltd.

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Freddie Mercury, who was the lead singer and main songwriter of Queen, died aged 45 from an Aids-related condition in 1991. He would have turned 60 on 5 September 2006.

Freddie Mercury & Elton John, House of Commons, London 1980. (© Richard Young)

Freddie Mercury & Elton John, House of Commons, London 1980. (© Richard Young)

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Freddie Mercury was one of the pop world's most glamorous figures with a reputation for lavish living and high-profile friends like Elton John.

Freddie Mercury, Queen Video Shoot, London 1986. (© Richard Young)

Freddie Mercury, Queen Video Shoot, London 1986. (© Richard Young)

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He still provokes controversy - a planned 60th birthday celebration in his birthplace of Zanzibar brought criticism from local religious groups.

Freddie on stage at Live Aid. Neal Preston. © Queen Productions Ltd.

Freddie on stage at Live Aid. Neal Preston. © Queen Productions Ltd.

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Queen's performance at Live Aid in 1985 in front of over 70,000 people was voted the world's greatest rock gig in a music industry poll.

Freddie Mercury & Monserrat Caballe. Ibiza Festival, Spain 1987. (© Richard Young)

Freddie Mercury & Monserrat Caballe. Ibiza Festival, Spain 1987. (© Richard Young)

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Mercury's duet with opera singer Monserrat Caballe was the theme to the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Sadly, he died before they could perform together at the Olympics.

Freddie on stage, Queen's a kind of magic tour, 1986. © Denis O'Regan

Freddie on stage, Queen's a kind of magic tour, 1986. © Denis O'Regan

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Although an iconic live performer, Queen worldwide album sales are estimated to have exceeded 150m.

Freddie on stage, 1977. © Denis O'Regan

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During over 20 years of performing, Freddie was known almost as much for his flamboyant personal style as his music.

Freddie wearing his crown, Queen's a kind of magic tour, 1986. © Denis O'Regan

Freddie wearing his crown, Queen's a kind of magic tour, 1986. © Denis O'Regan

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Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs runs from 8 September to 17 November at Proud Central, London.

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Related to this story:
Zanzibar angry over Mercury bash (01 Sep 06 | Africa )

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