Every aspect of Freddie Mercury's life seemed to be a performance; from the outrageous costumes, the extravagant style on stage and the elaborate theatre of his music videos, he was a consummate professional entertainer who seemed to love the spotlight and thrive in it like few have done before or since. So it's a real novelty to see him in a more down to Earth environment.
Seen here applying makeup backstage before a concert on their hugely successful 'A Day at The Races' tour in 1977, there's something almost reassuring about seeing arguably the greatest front man of all time in a thready dressing gown, surrounded by tea towels and plastic takeaway cups. It turns out he was as human as the rest of us after all - until someone handed him a microphone.