Peter Freestone was a friend and PA to the late Freddie Mercury. He gave an emotional interview on British TV show Lorraine. Freestone talked about the friendship with legendary Queen’ s frontman, but he also included a very valuable message.
Freddie Mercury died in 1991 at the age of 45 after contracting AIDS-related pneumonia. Peter, whom Freddie called Phoebe, revealed that the singer knew his disease would eventually kill him.
Peter Freestone: “He knew it was coming, this is the thing. He decided two weeks before the end he would have no more drugs that were keeping him alive. He was in control, although the disease was killing him.” Former PA also said that Freddie Mercury was a warm person who would do anything for his friends.
Freestone explained that his job was to make Freddie’s life easier. “I paid the bills, I did the shopping, I answered the phone things like that so he could create the music. He had the hard job he made the music. I had the easy job, I spent the money.”
Friend/assistant was part of the Bohemian Rhapsody movie. “That was it, just to give little hints to how Freddie Mercury would have reacted to a situation. Also before with the pre-production making sure they got exactly the right cup and saucer, you don’t realise how much detail goes into making one of these films.”
64-year-old Peter Freestone devoted his life to educating young people about HIV and AIDS. He explained how AIDS “still kills” and is “never mentioned”.
The legend of Freddie Mercury and his legacy will outlive us all. And it’s almost heartwarming and heartbreaking to hear that he was a great person. Not just a rock icon. And Mary Austin confirmed Freestone’s word. Former girlfriend and Freddie’s best friend said: “It was Freddie’s decision to finally end it all. He chose the time to die.” He died, but he will live forever.