Mary Austin to Release Freddie Mercury’s Unseen Lyrics and Personal Archives in New Book

More than three decades after Freddie Mercury’s passing, a treasure trove of his unreleased creative work will finally be shared with the world. Mary Austin, the legendary Queen frontman’s former fiancée and lifelong confidante, has confirmed the release of a new archival book titled A Life in Lyrics, set to be published on September 1, 2026, by HarperCollins.

Timed to coincide with what would have been Freddie’s 80th birthday, the book promises to offer an intimate look into the heart and mind of one of music’s most iconic creatives.

Unreleased Lyrics, Abandoned Songs, and Never-Before-Seen Drafts

For over 30 years, Freddie’s handwritten notes, lyric drafts, and aborted song ideas remained untouched in his London home — the house he left entirely to Mary Austin upon his passing in 1991.

Among the discoveries are:

• Alternate lyrics to “Bohemian Rhapsody”
• Unfinished verses from “Don’t Stop Me Now”
• Previously unknown song ideas never taken to the studio
• Entire songs that exist only on paper — never recorded or heard by the public

These pages, scribbled across loose sheets, notebooks, and scraps of paper, show Freddie not as the polished icon on stage, but as the restless writer behind closed doors.

Mary Austin: Opening the Door to Freddie’s Creative World

Mary described the emotional moment she began exploring the archives in 2023:

“These papers had lain undisturbed and unseen for over thirty years,” she said.
“As I turned each page, memories were stirred — conversations, laughter, and the quiet moments that shaped his songwriting.”

She added that her goal is to honor Freddie’s creative spirit, offering context, anecdotes, and small portraits of their shared life alongside the material. The book will also feature photographs from Freddie’s private collection, adding a personal layer fans have never seen before.

A Legacy Preserved With Care

Mary Austin’s decision to release these archives follows the headline-making auction of many of Freddie’s personal belongings in 2023. Notably, Freddie’s sister Kashmira reportedly spent £3 million to keep key items within the family collection.

Now, with A Life in Lyrics, fans will not just see Freddie Mercury the performer — but Freddie the poet, the meticulous craftsman, the playful creator, and the man who poured emotion into every word he wrote.

A Gift for Fans Around the World

“Freddie’s songs continue to bring happiness and solace to so many,” Mary said.
“I hope that by sharing these manuscripts now, with fresh insights and glimpses into our life together, I can illuminate the remarkable creative force behind the music.”

Publication Details

• Title: A Life in Lyrics
• By: Mary Austin, featuring Freddie Mercury’s personal archives
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release Date: September 1, 2026
• Formats: Hardback, Ebook, and Audiobook

For fans of Freddie Mercury and Queen, this release promises to be more than a book — it’s a rare invitation into the private world of a musical genius, curated by the one person he trusted most.

In the quiet pages of A Life in Lyrics, the voice of Freddie Mercury will sing once more — not from the stage, but from the handwritten dreams he never meant for the world to see… until now.