Mercury and me

by Tim Wapshott and Jim Hutton

Book Overview

The relationship between Freddie Mercury and Jim Hutton evolved over several months in 1984 and 1985. Even when they first slept together, Hutton had no idea who Mercury was, and, when the star told... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0747521344
• ISBN13: 9780747521341
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Length: 211 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 0.9" x 4.4"

Customer Reviews

a touching story of Jim's and Freddie's relationship

Of all the books written about Freddie Mercury's life, of which I have many, I regard this one as perhaps the most heartfelt. Some might say Jim betrayed Freddie's trust in him by writing this, but I don't see it that way. You could tell Jim's love for Freddie ran very deep, and he made it blatantly clear it was Freddie's personality he was attracted to, not his fortune and/or fame. They enjoyed a wonderful 7 years together at Garden Lodge filled with the fondest of memories, which Jim chronicles in this book. This is not a tell-all book to exploit a rock star's memory for monetary gain. It's a very sincere account by a man who truly loved Freddie Mercury the person, not Freddie Mercury the rock star. I too found myself wondering why Mary Austin suddenly turned on Jim and the rest of the Garden Lodge staff and promptly kicked them out. My theory is that Mary harbored resentment towards Jim because Freddie's final years were spend loving him instead of her. I think she never got over being a jilted lover, as it were. At any rate, back to the book. Not to sound cliche, but I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. It's a shame this book is no longer in print, because it's such a wonderful read and a must-have for even the most casual of Freddie Mercury fans. Some might say it's a modern-day Cinderella story -- the wealthy rock star and the humble gentlemen's barber, but it runs a lot deeper than that. It's a story about two people who loved each other heart and soul regardless of their backgrounds. In sickness and health, in the best and worst of times, Jim was right by Freddie's side, and his devotion never wavered even once. If that's not true love, then I don't know what is!

Freddie was the Greatest Performer the world has seen

I couldn't put this book down. It is revealing. It does share intimate details. It does show the faces of Freddie. It does chronicle his deteriorating condition due to AIDS. It does show the not too flattering behavior of Freddie's inner-circle after his death. Would Freddie have wanted seven years of his life spilled out to the public in printed words? Probably not. Yet, I believe he would have understood Mr. Hutton's need to share this most important and wonderful part of his life with the world. I, for one, appreciate the work he put into this book, including the beautiful candid pictures of Freddie. It must have taken great effort to recall some of the more trying times. It is obvious from reading Mr. Hutton's account of Mary's behavior why this book was criticized by some for its revelations. However, he was very flattering towards her character preceding Freddie's death. Therefore, I believe if his account was false or based on anger towards Freddie's Will, he would have painted a different picture of her throughout the entire book. A super book for those who want to know what Freddie was like and how his illness affected him and those close to him. It was written in a very warm, affectionate, and honest manner.

the truth is here

having read this title numerous times i can confirm this to be the most compelling book written on the late mercury.the author Jim Hutton mercurys lover and best friend accounts for their life together.Hutton a wise and sincere man can hold his head high for this superb title.From their first meeting in a gay bar to mercurys untimely death and the aftermath of loosing his lover and being ousted from the inner circle hutton has given his account before the hacks gave theirs.Although now out of print if you should come across this title buy..buy..buy.A momentous title you wont put down and will become a treasure to own.Well done Jim hutton on this title Mercury and me.you have touched so many with your account of your lover and best friend..kind regards Jim Payne.

People call it "cheesy", but it should be BACK IN PRINT

After I have read this book, I was angry with people, who either dismissed this book as Jim Huttons's weepy-cheesy attempt to make a quick buck from FM's death, or who ran Hutton down for "breaking confidentiality", by telling the TRUTH in this book. Both of those groups of poeple are COMPELETELY WRONG. Firstly, I, too, found this book a bit weepy in style, but later I realized that it was through no fault of Hutton's, but rather book's editor (Tim Wapshott, if my memory serves my right, who has a general tendency towards "over-dramatizing" things). Publishers, no doubt, also wanted a weepier version, so that people would be willing to buy a book from an unknown man. As for Hutton's atttempt to make money, let me remind you that while FM was alive nobody (public and fans) ever knew, who FM's "husband" was, much less his name...Hutton did not flash in front of the cameras (unlike some lovers of today's celebrities). So, it is unfair to say that Hutton tried to profit with this book. Instead, this book should be seen as his attempt to channel his grief towadrs something positive and to express his own feeings. I, personally, thank him for this book. Obviously, being an honest person, he did not idealize FM in his memories and THAT IS WHAT I LIKED BEST! . Let's also not forget that Hutton himself is affected with HIV, so it is good that we have this book to read, before it is too late. Secondly, people, who were offended by this book's intimate details, well... SORRY, but this is who FM was... not some angel, but a real person with his ups and downs, 100% gay man, who lived with another man, died from a painful decease, and had other things to think about (his past, his relation to God, his family, his loved ones) than his fans or press, while he was sick. I was especially touched by the last part of the book, where Hutton says something like.... "/for lovers/ not to waste time on stupid arguments and misunderstandings, because the day will come and it is gonna be too late...instead, just listen to your hearts, etc." I think it is a beautiful message, and that we could all learn something from Hutton/FM example.

The most personal and realistic perspective of Freddie yet!

Finally a revealing side of Freddie that isn't polished and "starry-eyed".I've been a Queen fan for years and have always been captivated by his stage persona.This is the first and only time I have read about Freddie in the context of an everyday life.This book shows the personality behind the voice.A man that is flawed and driven. Insecure yet in control.No true Queen fan could resist this one!