Happy Birthday Freddie

Freddie Mercury with daffodil. Photo by Joe Stevens.

Happy birthday to spectacular Queen front man Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara on this day in 1946 in Stone Town, Tanzania. As plants go, Freddie is most often associated with the daffodil, (Narcissus spp.). One of his most famous quotes is, "I am as gay as a daffodil, my dear," confronting not only questions about his sexuality but also that the word "daffodil" was used as a homophobic slur. The daffodil appeared in the lyrics and video for "I'm Going Slightly Mad," (Innuendo, 1991; a still from the video above shows him in a bed of daffodils). Above, a much younger Freddie is pictured holding a daffodil as part of a shoot with rock photographer Joe Stevens in 1974. Photo used with permission.