Queen (London, 1970) is a pop and rock band.
Brief history
The group was originally formed by
- Freddie Mercury - singer, piano
- Brian May - singer, guitarist
- Roger Taylor - drums, singer
- John Deacon - guitarist
The band achieved success in 1975 with the song "Bohemian Rhapsody".
About 300 million records sold.
In 1991 Freddie Mercury died and in 1997 died John Deacon.
Best albums
- 1974 Queen II
- 1974 Sheer Heart Attack
- 1975 A Night at the Opera
Most famous songs
- 1975 Bohemian Rhapsody
- 1989 Show Must Go On
- 1990 Living On My Own
- 1984 I Want to Break Free
- 1984 Radio Ga Ga
The Queen's story
Formation and Early Years (1970-1973):
Queen was formed in 1970 when guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, who were members of a band called Smile, teamed up with Farrokh Bulsara, later known as Freddie Mercury, a flamboyant Parsi singer with an unparalleled vocal range. Later that year, bassist John Deacon joined to complete the lineup.
The band chose the name "Queen" – a name suggested by Mercury for its strong, regal quality and universal appeal.
Their early music combined a range of influences, including rock, opera, and progressive styles.
Initial Success (1974-1975):
Queen released their self-titled debut album in 1973 but really started gaining attention with their 1974 album "Queen II." The album's single, "Seven Seas of Rhye," became their first hit.
"Sheer Heart Attack" (1974) brought even greater success, with hits like "Killer Queen."
Global Stardom (1975-1980):
1975's "A Night at the Opera" is often considered Queen's magnum opus. This album featured "Bohemian Rhapsody," an operatic rock suite that became one of the most famous songs in rock history. The song stayed at the number one spot in the UK for nine weeks.
Success continued with albums like "A Day at the Races" (1976) and "News of the World" (1977), which included anthems like "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions."
By the late 1970s, Queen was a global phenomenon, known for their grandiose live shows and Mercury's charismatic stage presence.
Experimentation and Continued Success (1980s):
The band experimented with a variety of musical styles in the 1980s, including disco ("Another One Bites the Dust"), rockabilly ("Crazy Little Thing Called Love"), and synth-pop ("Radio Ga Ga").
They performed at 1985's Live Aid, and their 20-minute set is often hailed as one of the greatest live performances in rock history.
Freddie Mercury's Illness and Death (1991):
Mercury was diagnosed with AIDS in the late 1980s, but he kept his condition private. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued to record with Queen.
Their final album with Mercury, "Innuendo" (1991), included hits like "The Show Must Go On," a testament to Mercury's resilience in the face of his illness.
Freddie Mercury passed away on November 24, 1991. His death brought worldwide attention to the AIDS epidemic.
Post-Mercury Years (1990s-2000s):
The remaining members organized the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992, which featured a slew of prominent artists.
They collaborated with various artists for performances and recordings but did not release a new studio album until "Made in Heaven" in 1995, which featured tracks Mercury had recorded before his death.
Brian May and Roger Taylor, with guest musicians, occasionally performed as Queen + [Guest Artist], like Queen + Paul Rodgers from 2004 to 2009.
Recent Years (2010s-2020s):
Adam Lambert began performing with May and Taylor as "Queen + Adam Lambert" in 2011, and they've toured extensively since then.
The 2018 biographical film "Bohemian Rhapsody" reignited interest in the band and their story. Rami Malek, who portrayed Freddie Mercury, won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.
Queen's music has left an indelible mark on the world of rock and beyond. Their legacy is a testament to their unique sound, unwavering originality, and the unparalleled talent of each member.
Queen 
Brian May
