We live next to Freddie Mercury’s house – we love the fans who visit… but part of the property has completely changed
NEIGHBOURS of Freddie Mercury’s former home say they love his legions of fans but miss a shrine that has been removed.
The Queen front man died of AIDS aged 45 in 1991 and since then fans have travelled from across the world to pay their respects at his old house in London.
They left flowers and would scribble words of love on the wall and door of the property in Kensington, West London, turning it into a shrine.
However the shrine is now gone, and the fan tributes are no more.
Graffiti-proof paint is now also covering the wall.
One neighbour told The Sun they miss the shrine and the fans it would attract.
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She said: "I think it’s a shame that all the writing and things are gone because it made it look really amazing and special and was a nice way for people to celebrate him.
"Now you wouldn’t know it was his old house really."
The neighbour said Freddie's fans tried to put notes over the perspex barrier but these were quickly removed, too.
But she sympathised with the owner, adding: "I think that she found it quite expensive having to keep on sorting it out so that’s probably why but it’s definitely a shame."
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Another neighbour said they also miss the shrine but said the charm is still there on special occasions.
He explained: "It’s so nice on anniversaries and on his birthday because you see people dressed up like Freddie and they bring candles and even sing.
“Usually there are about 10 to 20 people singing which is really cool."
Sally Davies, who is retired and in her late 60s, also welcomes the dedicated fans who make a "pilgrimage" to the site.
Another neighbour said: "He was such an influential person, I would love to see it turned into a museum or something."
Mary Austin - who dated Freddie - inherited the home after his death.
The Sun contacted Mary Austin for comment.
