FREDDIE MERCURY - What He Left Behind: The Story of What Happened after the death of Freddie Mercury Kindle Edition

After reading other books on Freddie's life and career, this one sort of burrowed into my thoughts provoking a different aspect on Freddie and a more revealing look at his "support" system at Garden Lodge. David Evans and Peter Freestone do not shy away from the realities of stardom and subsequently real life. To me, it sounds as if they wanted to go as far as they dare in writing this book, but then leave us readers to read between the lines. Regarding the aftermath of Freddie's untimely passing, I too would have been devastated by the " see saw" events that took place by a couple of Freddie's closest friends. It is clear that there is no way that Freddie would have wanted the confusion and back stabbing that ensued over the house/property and contents. Understandably, the property was in probate and it was instructed that all who resided there leave but the way it was executed was cruel and callous. All who lived at the property (Jim,Joe and Peter) who dedicated their lives looking after Freddie, found it difficult to locate and retrieve some of their possessions to leave with them. I understand the position Mary must have been in and obviously was very overwhelming for her, but it would have been more humane to allow for a more easier transition and less stress for all. Freddie would have never assumed the sort of chaos that followed from his will. He would have never wanted his "family" to struggle with each other over housing or possessions. It is a fact that each of them had an emotional and physical tie to the place so this change was a terrible blow but I do believe it could have been handled differently. The "happy" side to all this is that Peter Freestone continues to promote education amongst the population on Aids awareness that is strangely lacking in high schools these days despite the fact that it still kills. I am content to know that Peter decided to do something good and worthwhile with Freddie's legacy and Freddie would be proud of him.

I found this book interesting in laying out what happened to those closest to Freddie Mercury after his death, especially his caregivers. The loyalty and devotion these friends/caregivers showed toward Freddie demonstrate the kind of human being Freddie was and the caliber of those he allowed into his inner circle. My only criticism is that the story was too short. For me, more of Freddie is never enough.

Wonderful offering, as usual, by Freddie’s PA and friend, Peter “Phoebe” Freestone. His 3 books (including the cookbook of Freddie’s favorite dishes) offer an intimate insight into a much loved, worshipped, and greatly missed human being and legend. Peter’s books offer an insight into Freddie’s mind yet never really betray nor exploit his (Freddie’s) most personal moments. Some have written that this book is disjointed but Phoebe writes as an artist- scattered yet always coming back to the original point. It’s how I think as well.Thank you, Phoebe, for keeping Freddie’s spirit alive.Rock on. 🤘🏽

This book left me sad. I guess it should be somewhat sad since it details what happened after Freddie died & that was a huge loss to the world, including the author.Peter Freestone has a lot of theories about Freddie’s life but I am not so sure he gets it all right. Freestone clearly loved Freddie. He was, however, an employee. That is one sad thing about Freddie’s life is that he seemed to surround himself with employees, especially when he became ill.This book does provide some details about what took place with Freddie’s estate & the people around him. Most of it is just dreadfully sad & I have a feeling Freddie wanted to spread joy & happiness in the world, not sadness. I wish I hadn’t read it. I will counter it with watching Freddie at his height on the Wembley 86 concert. Forever young, strong and a gift to the world.

Thank you Mr Freestone for once again writing a wonderful book and a big thank you to you, Joe and Jim for all you did for Freddie thru out the years. The 3 of you were truly devoted to him unlike some. You WERE real family to him. Also Mr. freestone thank you for carrying on his legacy to this day...

I don't think this book was very well written. It skipped all over the place. In my desire to learn more about Freddy Mercury and Queen, I did learn a little, but not very much.

Let's see, Peter lived in Garden Lodge-on Freddie's dime. He traveled all over the world-on Freddie's dime. He partied like a rock star-on Freddie's dime. Freddie paid off Peter's mortgage. Peter inherited more money than most people will ever see, got his salary for over 3 months after Freddie died, than got 'minimum' severance (and complains about it) and his biggest reaction to his friend's death is that the gravy train stopped? That he had to move with only 3 months notice? That the cats got taken care of better than he did?Worst of all, he continues to throw stones at Mary Austin. She loved Freddie long before he became rich and famous-would Peter have been around if Freddie hadn't had money? She supported him financially and emotionally for years-could anyone else at Garden Lodge make that claim? She knew his demons and still loved him and helped him fight his drug use. Can Peter say that? There is a huge difference between accepting someone's weaknesses and exploiting them. Is Peter even capable of understanding that Freddie was close to Mary not out of guilt but out of gratitude? That she had believed in him and that he knew that if he lost everything, she alone would still be with him, still love and encourage him, still stand with him against any challenge? Just as she always had-she alone has not violated his memory, never written books and rarely given interviews, made no attempt to violate his privacy. Freddie called her his 'only friend'-not Peter or even Jim Hutton, whom he certainly cared for. He even called Mary his wife. Clearly, he wanted her to have Garden Lodge for herself and her children.Sorry, Peter, you got a lot more than you deserved.