Freddie Mercury first met Jim Hutton in London’s gay club Heaven in the mid ’80s. While the Queen icon’s first flirtation was rebuffed — Hutton later recalling how he told the singer to “sling his hook” when he offered to buy him a drink — 18 months later their paths crossed again. At that point, they began dating and would go on to have a seven-year relationship before Mercury’s tragic death.
In an unearthed interview with his friend, journalist David Wigg, Mercury opened up about his relationship with boyfriend, saying he had finally found what he had been looking for.
While he was careful not to name Hutton, or to confirm that it was a gay relationship he was referring to, the legendary Queen frontman gushed: “I’m very happy with my relationship at the moment. I couldn’t ask for better.
“I’ve finally found a niche that I was looking for all my life,” he continued. “I don’t have to try so hard, I don’t have to prove myself. I’ve got a very understanding relationship.
“I wanted a kind of genuine tranquil after the storm,” Mercury admitted, commenting on how he had become caught up in the public’s perception of him in his personal life.
READ MORE: HEARTBREAKING REVELATION ABOUT FREDDIE MERCURY’S DEATH
In addition to Hutton, his ex-girlfriend Mary Austin, personal chef Joe Fanelli, PA Peter Freestone and Dave Clark of The Dave Clark 5 took shifts by his bedside to ensure he was never alone.
Three years after Mercury died, Hutton appeared on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast to share his memories of his love, calling the final days of his life “excruciating”.
“It never really sank in to me, up to the last two weeks, that he was dying,” the hairdresser said.
“I think I really carried on my normal work just to keep myself occupied. I didn’t want to go absolutely crazy thinking about it all the time.”
Hutton also revealed one of Mercury’s doctors had told him the singer wouldn’t have received such good care if he’d been in hospital rather than at home with them.
Recalling the moment the singer passed away, he added: “I wouldn’t say he died in my arms, but I was there when I died.”
Hutton was found out he was HIV positive the year before Mercury died.
He passed away in 2010 after suffering from cancer.