The hidden story of chronic impacts of infection. Those who followed Queen’s career sometimes noticed how…

The hidden story of chronic impacts of infection. Those who followed Queen’s career sometimes noticed how Freddie Mercury’s live performances deteriorated after 1982. The band toured in 1984 and 1986 (for the last time). Something wasn’t right on those tours. 1/5 https://t.co/FGJxzpHrCF

They were of course hugely successful and lauded tours. But objectively, musically, Mercury had changed. Some estimate Mercury contracted HIV in 1982, during the band’s world tour. Listening to Mercury perform between 1980-1982 is a revelation. 2/5

Full of energy, hitting lots of high notes. But the 1984 and 1986 tours were different. Still lots of amazing performances. But Mercury sounds much more tired. And that higher range is nearly always missing. 3/5

For years I’d attributed that shift to him ageing. But it was only 2-4 years since the 1982 tour. He was only 39 on their final 1986 tour, still a young man. I now wonder if he was battling the impacts of HIV infection. Of course, 5 years later, he was dead. 4/5

This is the seductive trap of chronic infection. Life seems to go on as normal, even for years. But in the long-term, it kills you. And that long term can be only a handful of years. It’s not a good idea to live with viruses. /end