The frontman of legendary band Queen was known for operatic vocals, over-the-top performances, and fanciful costumes, but Freddie ... white tank top, like the iconic Live Aid concert. Mercury ...

About 1,500 items from Freddie Mercury's London home will be displayed in exhibitions around the world before being auctioned on Sept. 5 Kimberlee Speakman is a digital writer at PEOPLE.

He had stripped his look to the bare essentials — white tight jeans ... rest of us played okay, but Freddie was out there and took it to another level.” Mercury was indeed a born ringmaster.