Carl Lender, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Freddie Mercury is a Type 3
Theatrical performances and unique stage presence. Mercury's live performances were known for their theatricality, with elaborate stage designs, costumes, and dramatic lighting. He would interact with the audience, strut around the stage, and engage in various antics that made him stand out as a performer. He knew what the fans wanted, and he was very skillful at being able to provide it.
Ambition and drive, even in the face of medical issues. Mercury’s talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft helped Queen become one of the most successful rock bands in history. Despite being diagnosed with a vocal node in 1981, Mercury continued to perform live and record by using corticosteroid treatments to alleviate the problem. He was also diagnosed with AIDS, but continued to work passionately on music, producing the albums "Innuendo" and "Made in Heaven." He worked tirelessly in the recording studio, sometimes completing sessions while sitting in a wheelchair. Freddie's drive to create music prevailed until he passed away in 1991.
Posture. Mercury had a strong, commanding stage presence. He often exhibited an upright, confident posture during performances, with his chest out and head held high. His body language conveyed energy, power, and charisma and was heavily influenced by the energy of his audience.
Demeanor. Freddie Mercury's demeanor was a mix of flamboyance, self-confidence, and expressiveness. He was an animated and captivating performer who engaged with the audience and demonstrated a wide range of emotions through his facial expressions, gestures, and body movements. Offstage, Mercury was known to be more private and reserved, but still carried an air of self-assurance and charm (this is also indicative of his 4 Wing).
Success-focused. Mercury was constantly in pursuit of success and recognition. He was always striving to create hit songs, groundbreaking music videos, and unforgettable live performances.
High standards and relentless work ethic. Mercury held himself and his bandmates to high standards, pushing them to continually innovate and produce groundbreaking music. During the making of "Bohemian Rhapsody," Mercury required his bandmates to work grueling hours and sing complex harmonies. According to producer Roy Thomas Baker, he pushed the band to record the famous operatic section with more than 180 overdubs, insisting on perfection.
Freddie Mercury quotes that show he is a Type 3
"I won't be a rock star. I will be a legend."
"We're a very expensive group; we break a lot of rules. It's unheard of to combine opera with a rock theme, my dear." (this quote is also indicative of his 4 Wing)
"I always knew I was a star. And now, the rest of the world seems to agree with me."
"The most important thing is to live a fabulous life. As long as it's fabulous, I don't care how long it is."
"I like to be surrounded by splendid things."
"I'm just a musical prostitute, my dear."
"If I lost everything tomorrow, I'd claw my way back to the top somehow."
"We're the Cecil B. DeMille of rock and roll, always wanting to do things bigger and better."
"I'll do anything for success."
"You can be anything you want to be, just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be."
"I'm a shooting star, leaping through the sky like a tiger defying the laws of gravity."
"You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man. And that's the most bitter type of loneliness, success has brought me world idolization and millions of pounds. But it's prevented me from having the one thing we all need. A loving, ongoing relationship."