Tomorrow marks the birthday of late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, and the birds and pigs of Angry Birds are rocking out in support of the annual charity event, Freddie for a Day.
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For three years in a row, Freddie for a Day has inspired people to don fake mustaches in Mercury’s honor. The event even has a store that sells T-shirts, accessories, and full-on costumes, helping fans have fun while raising awareness for a good cause. The Mercury Phoenix Trust has brought in more than $15 million in the fight against AIDS since 1992, one year after Freddie Mercury died of causes related to the disease.
The charity began when Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and band manager Jim Beach organized the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness after their friend’s death. The Mercury Phoenix Trust helped to distribute the funds they raised and continues to take an active role in other fundraising activities today.
Now Rovio and Bravado have joined in, releasing the video below and a limited-edition Freddie Mercury Angry Bird T-shirt that’s available on the Angry Birds and Bravado online stores.
“Freddie for a Day is such a great way to honor Freddie’s fun and flamboyant spirit while delivering an important message,” said Peter Vesterbacka, the chief marketing officer of Rovio, in an official statement, “and we’re delighted to be supporting them in our own Angry Birds style. Queen’s music has endured for a reason — because its creativity and contagious fun appeals to fans of all ages — and we’re happy to help keep Freddie’s memory and music alive for new generations of fans.”
Others have commemorated the date in the past, including Google, which created a special doodle last year.
