Mercury and Me

By: Jim Hutton, Tim Wapshott

Narrated by: Patrick Moy

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 him his name, it meant nothing to him. Hutton worked as a barber at the Savoy Hotel and retained his job and his lodgings in Sutton, Surrey, for two years after moving in with Mercury, and then worked as his gardener. He was never fully assimilated into Mercury's jet-setting lifestyle, nor did he want to be, but, from 1985 until Mercury's death in 1991, he was closer to him than anyone and knew all Mercury's closest friends: the other members of Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, and Phil Collins, to name a few.

Ever present at the countless Sunday lunch gatherings and opulent parties, Hutton has a wealth of anecdotes as well as a deep understanding of Mercury's life. He also nursed Mercury through his terminal illness, often held him throughout the night in his final weeks, and was with him as he died. No one can tell the story of the last few years of Mercury's private life‚ the ecstasies and the agonies‚ more accurately or honestly than Jim Hutton.

©2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Well I just still miss Freddie

I read a couple of other books about Freddie along with this one. I thought this one might give me some additional insight. It did a little. He certainly was bigger than life and had a dynamic personality. This is one of the saddest stories every told about one of the most talented people on earth. I hope he knows I think about him everyday. Sincerely.

Ending Wasn't One I - or Freddie - Would've Wanted

...by that I mean while the book's ending was extremely well done, Freddie would likely be livid with Mary's betrayal of those to whom he was closest, especially Jim.

I absolutely LOVED this book. There was just enough detail to envision every scene, from the fabulous ones through the final, devastating ones. The thought of Jim playing with the kitties while locked outside Garden Lodge in the dark, for many nights after Freddie died, broke my heart.

The narrator was the best I've heard for any audiobook I've ever had. His voice was so gentle, just how I'd imagine Jim's, and Freddie's was spot on. When he spoke in an American accent like Joe in the Pruning chapter I actually got to wondering: "What IS this narrator's TRUE accent?!" It was Irish, of course, but the accents were so hauntingly real, I was beside myself. I hope this narrator is an actor in real life; that is some exceptional talent.

Mary was one spiteful shrew, and her treatment of Jim implies not only a deep-seeded jealousy, but a betrayal of what Freddie would've wanted. It seemed like some torturous way to shoo away the things about Freddie that he valued so dearly, yet she resented. She did not do justice to his wishes, and karma will take care of that. Freddie, however, should've been more specific in his will.

This book was a fascinating look inside the private life of a flamboyant playboy, through the eyes of his real true love. I'd only have wished they'd have met sooner so that Jim could've shared more time with Freddie. Jim seemed so humble, almost meek, yet clearly accepting of what Freddie would've wanted at practically all times. I'm thankful the true ending of Freddie's life was both documented and shared. I hope Jim was compensated well for its rights in 1995, though he was long past his own expiry date when this book was made public in 2019, as a true glimpse inside the last 7 years of Freddie's life - released while the movie Bohemian Rhapsody was hitting theaters. Another way to take advantage of such a close, personal relationship between Freddie and Jim.

I HIGHLY recommend this book - whether you're seeking insight into Freddie's final years - through the eyes of his truest lover, a Queen or Mercury fan, or researching the devastating effects and certain death of HIV once it becomes AIDS - before anyone understood the importance of t-cell counts and what we know now.

Listen to this audiobook; I don't believe that reading it would've nearly done to it the justice of which the narrator was able to portray. Heartbreaking yet spectacular.

Very sweet...

A sweet kind story about Freddy and Jim. The story was kind and open. the good and bad. I highly enjoyed.

Perfect reading for this by Moy.

Very well told story.

Jim Hutton seems sincere and not interested in exploiting has relationship with Freddie Mercury and any Sensational way.

Jim Hutton is Bitter

Freddie was a very private person. Jim shares intimate details that Mercury would never want shared. He even says where he believes his ashes are even though he knows Freddie did not want that known. He makes Mary out to be the bitter one. From what I hear all three men working there knew Mary was going to inherit the house. Freddie even made sure they had somewhere to go. Jim even says in the book he bought him a place in Ireland. I don't even believe it was up to Mary to give them notice to leave. But they were given three months which is very generous. They were all unemployed after the death so they could not have afforded the upkeep of the place anyway.
I find the narrator's voice and accent very soothing. Makes up for the lies in the story.

Freddie Mercury story

I very much enjoyed listening to this audiobook about Freddie Mercury. I was interested to listen to it after seeing the movie about Queen. This book is written from the narrative of Freddie's partner and discusses their many years together. It is different than the movie as this is from the perspective of his lover, Jim Hutton.

Very good.

Such a sad way he and the others were treated by Mary and her people. She should be ashamed. Was definitely not her place .

Best Freddie bio!

I enjoyed this book so much. Jim’s perspective of his and Freddie’s life together was very emotionally written. I actually listened to it twice. Back to back!

Beautiful and Heartbreaking

This is the story of one of the greatest loves, how it started, how it ended, and the betrayal that came after the end.

Excellent reading, marvelous Love story

It was a joy to know the story between Jim & Freddy. It was all about love & companion.