Freddie was born "Farookh Bulsara" in Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. He got the nickname Freddie while he was in
school, and later changed his last name to Mercury (after the messenger of the gods) when Queen was getting started. When
Freddie was eight, he was sent to St. Peter's boarding school, near Bombay. It was during his time there that the headmaster
of the school realized that Freddie had musical talent and suggested piano lessons to his parents. He was also involved in the
school theater and choir. It was at this school that Freddie formed his first band, the Hectics.
In 1964 Freddie's family moved to England due to political unrest in their country, and in 1966, he enrolled in Ealing College
of Art to study graphic illustration. While at that school, he met fellow student Tim Staffell who introduced him to his band
Smile. Watching Smile made Freddie realize that he really wanted to be in a band himself, so after he finished his diploma in
graphic art and design, he joined a band called Ibex, taking over lead vocals from their guitarist.
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