songs that soundtracked the AIDS crisis: queen’s “there are the days of our lives”
The early 1990s were a pivotal era in popular culture, significantly marked by the escalating AIDS epidemic. For Queen, one of the most celebrated rock bands of the 20th century, the impact of AIDS was deeply personal.
By the release of “Innuendo,” Queen’s fourteenth studio album, Queen had established itself as one of the world’s most iconic and enduring rock. With a string of hits and groundbreaking albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the band had garnered a reputation for its eclectic musical style, theatrical performances, and Mercury’s charismatic stage presence.
However, this was a period of transformation and challenge for the band. Mercury’s declining health due to AIDS complications, though a closely guarded secret until near the end of his life, became a subject of speculation and media scrutiny, reflecting the stigma and fear surrounding the disease at the time.
Released in the US on September 5, 1991, on Mercury’s 45th birthday, “These Are The Days of Our Lives” served as the 4th single from “Innuendo.” Written by band member Randy Taylor, the song evokes a melancholic sense of nostalgia and longing for days gone.
The accompanying music video for “These Are the Days of Our Lives,” released as his health deteriorated, featured a frail Mercury and accentuated the song’s emotional impact. It was one of the last times Mercury appeared on camera, making the video a haunting yet graceful farewell from the beloved artist.
In the closing scene of the music video, Mercury delivers the line, “I still love you,” with a direct gaze into the camera, and for many, it felt like a personal message from him.
Freddy Mercury’s death on November 25, 1991, marked the end of an era for Queen and the music world. His loss also brought significant attention to the AIDS crisis and played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering a more compassionate public discourse.
“These Are the Days of Our Lives” is a testament to Freddy Mercury’s profound impact on music and his ability to connect with audiences through his artistry and humanity. The song remains beloved in Queen’s discography, symbolic of their reach, impact, and legacy.