With a new introduction by Jim Hutton’s co-writer Tim Wapshott, this ebook edition of ‘Mercury and Me’ is the complete story of rock's tenderest loving odd couple. Includes more than 50 full-colour private photographs. 'Mercury and Me: The Updated Edition' is also available in the USA and Canada (and Japan) as a new black cover paperback and a large print, large format paperback, both published to honour the anniversary of the legendary singer's death. The relationship between Freddie Mercury and Jim Hutton evolved over several months in 1984 and 1985. Even when they first slept together Hutton had no idea who Mercury was, and when the star told him his name it meant nothing to him. Hutton worked as a barber at the Savoy Hotel and retained his job and suburban lodgings long after first meeting the showman legend. Hutton finally moved in with Mercury and later also worked humbly as his gardener. Hutton was never fully assimilated into Mercury's jet-setting lifestyle, nor did he want to be, but from 1985 until Mercury's death in 1991 he was closer to him than anyone. He knew all Mercury's dearest chums including the other members of Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, Kenny Everett, Peter Straker and, of course, the legendary opera diva Montserrat Caballé. Ever-present at the countless Sunday lunch gatherings and opulent parties, in stark contrast Hutton also tenderly nursed Mercury through his terminal illness, often held him through the night in his final weeks, and was with him as he died. No one can tell the story of the last few years of Mercury's private life - the ecstasies and the agonies - more accurately or honestly than Jim Hutton.