The band formed in London in 1970 after May and Taylor's former band Smile split after having released an album and single. Freddie replaced lead vocalist Tim Staffell, after the latter's departure from the original trio.
There was much deliberation as to what the band's name would be. May and Taylor had settled upon the Grand Dance, derived from a C.S. Lewis Trilogy of books Out Of The Silent Planet.
Ultimately, the band went with Queen, a name that was entirely Freddie's. Originally Roger and, especially, Brian did not like the name, though Mercury would eventually persuade them both that it was "right" for the band.
"Years ago I thought up the name Queen... It's just a name, but it's very regal, and it sounds splendid. It's a strong name, very universal and immediate. It had a lot of visual potential and was open to all sorts of interpretations. I was certainly aware of the gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it. "
- Freddie Mercury.
Queen went through several bass players before a young electronics major by the name of John Deacon arrived on the scene in January of 1971.
"Until John, it had been exploding bass player syndrome. If they musically worked they'd look all wrong, and if they felt all right they couldn't play. - Brian May.
This quite shy guy turned up with his immaculate Rickenbacker bass and immaculate amplifier, plugged in, and as soon as he started playing we realized it was right." - Brian May.
Later that year, the band was secured recording time at the newly built De Lane Lea studio, and used the opportunity to record several songs that would later appear on their debut album - Liar, Keep Yourself Alive, Jesus, and The Night Comes Down. The demo reel was passed around from producer to producer with little success, until a staff member of Trident records by the name of Roy Thomas Baker was introduced to the band by fellow Trident producer John Anthony. Baker dropped in to watch the band at work and, clearly liking what he heard, recommended Queen to his superiors.
It was eventually agreed upon that the fledgling band could record at Trident studios, though after already-established artists had finished their work, such as the likes of Elton John and David Bowie. Relegated to the wee hours of the morning to record the remaining tracks of their first album, the band nonetheless stuck it out until they reached their ultimate goal of "perfection".
Queen's self-titled debut album was released in 1973 and received little attention from the general public. They quickly followed it a year later with a second album, "Queen II" which also failed to generate much interest from music fans in Britain, despite the success of the album's single, Seven Seas of Rhye, which would reach #10 on the charts after the band's mimed appearance on Top of the Pops.
The band's second album was recorded with a higher budget than the first, and the band threw everything they had into recording it. Queen II was somewhat of a "concept album", split into "White Side" vs. "Black Side".
As was in their nature, the band pressed onward after the mediocre success of their first two albums, immersing themselves in a world-wide tour to promote Queen II. Queen played in America for the first time, as a support act for Mott the Hoople.
Sheer Heart Attack would be released later that year, focusing more on being accessible to listeners, than the grand and complex ideas of the previous two albums. The recording of their third album was met with some hardships, as May fell victim to a series of illnesses brought on by an infected inoculation, required for the band's rigorous touring schedule.
Sheer Heart Attack brought even more success for the band, with May's Now I'm Here and the song that would be the band's "turning point", the Mercury-penned Killer Queen, the latter of which would reach #2 on the UK charts.
During this time, the band began developing a huge following in Japan and witnessed their popularity for themselves when they visited the country, mainly in 1975, to promote their fourth and most famous album "A Night At The Opera", featuring the epic "Bohemian Rhapsody".
Queen's popularity grew steadily through the latter half of the 70s as they released hit album after hit album, reaching its peak in the mid-80s after their "Live Aid" appearance, and continuing into the early 90s before Mercury's untimely death on 24th November 1991. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS.
Over the course of their 30 year career, the band did sound tracks for two films ("Flash Gordon" and "Highlander"), released a string of live and studio albums, and had many many fans across the world.
In 1995, 4 years after Mercury's death, the band released the album "Made In Heaven". This album saw the surviving band members in the studio completing or reworking unused vocals, unreleased variations of Freddie solo material (a Queen version of "I Was Born To Love You" for example), and tracks where Brian and Roger added lyrics to flesh out a song ("Mother Love").
Queen have been on indefinite hiatus since 1997, when John Deacon decided to retire.
Several "Queen + ..." projects have been developed in the following years, a few of them mere remixes with no artistic involvement from the band. In 1999, a "Greatest Hits III" album was released. This featured, among others, "Queen + Wyclef Jean" on a rap version of "Another One Bites the Dust", a live version of "Somebody to Love" performed by George Michael, and a live version of "The Show Must Go On" performed live in 1997 with Elton John.
Brian May and Roger Taylor have performed together as Queen on several occasions (award ceremonies, charity concerts, and the like), sharing vocals with various guest singers. They have also recorded several covers of Queen's hits with guest vocalists, including "We Will Rock You" (first with Five and later Britney Spears, Beyonce, John Farnham and P!nk) and "We Are the Champions" (with Robbie Williams).
On the 14th of May 2002 the Queen musical 'We Will Rock You' opened in the Dominion theatre in London's 'West End'. A Musical about young people in the distant future who aren't allowed to listen to music not generated by computers. Various Queen songs are used in the story, played by a live band. This live band was supported by Brian May and Roger Taylor on the premiere evening.
At the end of 2004, May and Taylor announced that they would reunite and return to touring in 2005, with Paul Rodgers (founder and former lead singer of Free and Bad Company). Brian May's website also stated that Rodgers would be 'featured with' Queen as 'Queen + Paul Rodgers', not replacing Mercury. The retired John Deacon would not be participating.
Between 2005 and 2006 Queen + Paul Rodgers embarked on a world tour, the first leg in Europe and the second, Japan and then the US in 2006. On 15 August 2006, Brian May confirmed through his website and fan club that Queen + Paul Rodgers would begin producing their first studio album beginning in October, to be recorded at a "secret location". The album, titled The Cosmos Rocks, was released in Europe on 12 September 2008 and in the United States on 28 October 2008. Following the album the band again embarked on a tour through Europe, opening on Kharkiv's Freedom Square in front of 350,000 Ukrainian fans. The show in Ukraine was later released on DVD.
Queen and Paul Rodgers officially split up without animosity on 12 May 2009. Rodgers did not rule out the possibility of working together again.
Since 2012, Queen has been touring with Adam Lambert as the frontman.
More information about Queen + Paul Rodgers can be found on their last.fm page.
Official website: www.queenonline.com
Discography:
1.- Queen (1973)
2.- Queen II (1974)
3.- Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
4.- A Night at the Opera (1975)
5.- A Day at the Races (1976)
6.- News of the World (1977)
7.- Jazz (1978)
8.- The Game (1980)
9.- Flash Gordon (1980)
10.- Hot Space (1982)
11.- The Works (1984)
12.- A Kind of Magic (1986)
13.- The Miracle (1989)
14.- Innuendo (1991)
15.- Made in Heaven (1995)
Killer
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In her pretty cabinet
"Let them eat cake," she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Khrushchev and Kennedy
At anytime an invitation
You can't decline
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
To avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minor
Then again incidentally
If you're that way inclined
Perfume came naturally from Paris (naturally)
For cars she couldn't care less
Fastidious and precise
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Drop of a hat she's as willing as
Playful as a pussy cat
Then momentarily out of action
Temporarily out of gas
To absolutely drive you wild, wild
She's out to get you
She's a Killer Queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
You wanna try
The song "Killer Queen" by Queen and Ben Elton portrays a character of a high-class and sophisticated woman. The first verse mentions her elegance and luxury as she keeps her Moet et Chandon in a pretty cabinet and exclaims "let them eat cake" just like Marie Antoinette. She is not only beautiful but also smart as she has a built-in remedy for Khrushchev and Kennedy. She invites everyone irresistible with caviar and cigarettes and is well-versed in etiquette, which makes her "extraordinarily nice."
The second verse delves deeper into her unpredictable nature, which could be intimidating, yet alluring. She never stays in one place and changes her address frequently to avoid complications. During a conversation, she speaks like a baroness and seems to have it all. She met a man from China and went down to Geisha Minah, suggesting her adventurous side. Nevertheless, the song warns that she's a Killer Queen, who could drive anyone wild with her irresistible charm.
Line by Line Meaning
She keeps her Moet et Chandon
She enjoys the luxurious lifestyle and can afford to keep her champagne.
In her pretty cabinet
She adorns herself in beauty and utilizes her vanity to show off her wealth.
"Let them eat cake", she says
She is arrogant and flaunts her status, even if it means mocking those beneath her.
Just like Marie Antoinette
She compares herself to a similarly selfish monarch who was overthrown by those she mistreated.
A built-in remedy
She has a solution to any problem that arises, thanks to her wealth and influence.
For Khrushchev and Kennedy
She is so powerful that even political figures seek her out for her resources and connections.
At anytime an invitation
She has an open invitation to anyone wanting to be part of her extravagant lifestyle.
You can't decline
It is impossible to refuse her invitation or reject her influence.
Caviar and cigarettes
She indulges in expensive food and materials, regardless of the consequences.
Well versed in etiquette
She has been trained in the social graces and uses them to impress others.
Extraordinarily nice
She appears kind and gracious on the surface, but there is a darker, more selfish side to her personality.
She's a Killer Queen
She is a powerful, manipulative woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Gunpowder, gelatine
She is dangerous and explosive, capable of causing chaos and destruction.
Dynamite with a laser beam
She is a weapon, precise and powerful, ready to unleash destruction on anyone who threatens her.
Guaranteed to blow your mind
She is so impressive and intimidating that she can leave a lasting impact on anyone who crosses her path.
Anytime
She is always a threat, and can strike at any moment.
Recommended at the price
She is not afraid to use her wealth to get people to do what she wants.
Insatiable an appetite
She is never satisfied and always wants more, even if it means hurting others.
Wanna try?
She is tempting and enticing, but getting too close to her is dangerous.
To avoid complications
She is secretive and avoids any situation that could cause problems for her.
She never kept the same address
She is always on the move, never staying in one place for too long.
In conversation
She is charming and persuasive, able to manipulate people with her words.
She spoke just like a baroness
She adopts the manners and speech of the upper class to elevate her social status.
Met a man from China
She has connections all over the world, including with powerful people from other countries.
Went down to Geisha Minah
She is not afraid to explore different cultures and lifestyles.
Then again incidentally
She is not bothered by coincidences, and sees them as opportunities instead of obstacles.
If you're that way inclined
She is suggestive and alluring to those who share her values and desires.
Perfume came naturally from Paris (naturally)
She is so wealthy and worldly that she can obtain luxury goods without much effort.
For cars she couldn't care less
She is not materialistic when it comes to transportation, as long as she can get where she needs to go quickly and efficiently.
Fastidious and precise
She pays close attention to detail and is meticulous in her actions and decisions.
Drop of a hat she's as willing as
She is quick to act on her impulses and desires, without considering the consequences.
Playful as a pussy cat
She can be charming and whimsical when it suits her, but can quickly turn vicious if threatened or challenged.
Then momentarily out of action
She may have brief periods of inactivity or rest, but she is always planning and scheming behind the scenes.
Temporarily out of gas
She may have moments of weakness or fatigue, but she quickly regains her strength and power.
To absolutely drive you wild, wild
She is capable of exciting and thrilling people, but it often leads to chaos and destruction.
She's all out to get you
She is a predator, always hunting for her next victim, regardless of the harm it may cause.
You wanna try
She is daring and provocative, inviting others to experience the danger and excitement of being near her.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Freddie Mercury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Rayzzen11ttv
[Verse 1]
She keeps Moët et Chandon
In her pretty cabinet
"Let them eat cake," she says
Just like Marie Antoinette
A built-in remedy
For Khrushchev and Kennedy (Ooh, ooh)
At anytime an invitation
You can't decline (Ooh, ooh)
[Pre-Chorus]
Caviar and cigarettes
Well versed in etiquette
Extraordinarily nice
[Chorus]
She's a killer queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
(Pa-pa-pa-pa) Anytime
Ooh
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
[Verse 2]
To avoid complications
She never kept the same address
In conversation
She spoke just like a baroness
Met a man from China
Went down to Geisha Minah (Ooh, ooh)
(Killer, killer, she's a killer queen)
Then again incidentally
If you're that way inclined
[Pre-Chorus]
Perfume came naturally from Paris (Naturally)
For cars, she couldn't care less
Fastidious and precise
[Chorus]
She's a killer queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam
Guaranteed to blow your mind
(Pa-pa-pa-pa)
Anytime
[Guitar Solo]
[Bridge]
Drop of a hat she's as willing as
Playful as a pussycat (Ooh)
Then momentarily out of action (Ooh)
Temporarily out of gas (Ta-taaa)
To absolutely drive you wild, wild
She's out to get you
[Chorus]
She's a killer queen
Gunpowder, gelatine
Dynamite with a laser beam (Pa-pa-pa-ra)
Guaranteed to blow your mind
Anytime
Ooh
Recommended at the price
Insatiable an appetite
Wanna try?
You wanna try
@cookdbr5201
0% AutoTune
100% Talent
200% Hair
@karoll287
300% Triangle
@yumwel8467
400% jojo ref
@novadante1975
500% exploding cat
@Auugghughg
@@yumwel8467 😩 stoppppppp
@vernondouglas4425
1000% top comment on bohemian rhapsody
@uvgrv
Killer Queen has already touched this video.
@bobbylee2778
you could say this music video is the BOMB
@MrGREY-bs9lu
Should've used Bites the Dust.
@larenssx2710
omae wa mo touchideru