Thousands of Freddie Mercury fans gathered in Montreux, Switzerland, on Saturday to celebrate what would have been the legendary Queen singer's 80th birthday. The city, which was the location chosen by the musician to record much of his work, hosted this special commemoration.
The artist's bronze statue, erected in 1996 overlooking Lake Geneva, was the center of the celebrations. Admirers decorated the monument with balloons, flowers and various gifts, demonstrating the ongoing affection they feel for the artist decades after his death.
Freddie Mercury died in 1991, at age 45, due to complications caused by HIV/AIDS. Although more than three decades have passed since his death, his music continues to win over new generations of fans around the world.
