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)
Modern Times Rock 'N Roll
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The old bop is gettin' tired need a rest
Well you know what I mean
Fifty eight that was great
But it's over now and that's all
Somethin' harder's coming up
Gonna really knock a hole in the wall
Gonna hit ya grab you hard
Well I hope that big new baby's gonna come along soon
You don't know it could happen any ol' rainy afternoon
With the temp'rature down
And the juke box blowin' no fuse
And my musical life's feelin'
Like a long Sunday School cruise
And you know there's one thing
Every single body could use
Yeah listen to me baby
Let me tell you what it's all about
Modern times rock and roll
Modern times rock and roll
Get your high heeled guitar boots and some groovy clothes
Get a hair piece on your chest
And a ring through your nose
Find a nice little man who says
He's gonna make you a real big star
Stars in your eyes ants in your pants
Think you should go far
Everybody in this bum sucking world's
Gonna know just who you are
Look out
Modern times rock and roll
The lyrics to Queen's song Modern Times Rock'n'Roll speak about the state of rock and roll music in the late 1970s. The first verse talks about how the old rock and roll scene is getting tired and that something harder is coming up that will knock a hole in the wall. The song speaks about how musicians and fans alike are waiting for this new, harder form of rock and roll to come along and take over the scene. The chorus tells everyone to get ready for modern times rock and roll.
Line by Line Meaning
Had to make do with a worn out rock and roll scene
We had to deal with a rock and roll scene that has been overused and boring.
The old bop is gettin' tired need a rest
The previous style of rock and roll is exhausted and requires a break.
Well you know what I mean
I'm sure you understand what I'm saying.
Fifty-eight that was great
The rock and roll scene of 1958 was enjoyable.
But it's over now and that's all
The scene of 1958 is finished and cannot be brought back.
Somethin' harder's coming up
A new, more challenging style is on its way.
Gonna really knock a hole in the wall
It's going to make a significant impact on the rock and roll industry.
Gonna hit ya grab you hard
The new style is going to grab your attention forcefully.
Make you feel ten feet tall
It's going to make you feel confident and empowered.
Well I hope that big new baby's gonna come along soon
I'm hoping that a significant new style emerges soon.
You don't know it could happen any ol' rainy afternoon
The emergence of the new style could happen at any moment.
With the temp'rature down
During a dull or uninspiring time.
And the juke box blowin' no fuse
With no outstanding or memorable songs to play.
And my musical life's feelin'
My passion for music is currently at a low point.
Like a long Sunday School cruise
It feels like a monotonous and uneventful experience.
And you know there's one thing
There's one thing that would improve my experience.
Every single body could use
Everyone in the world would benefit from this thing.
Yeah listen to me baby
Pay attention to what I'm saying.
Let me tell you what it's all about
Allow me to explain what this new thing is.
Modern times rock and roll
It's a new, fresh style of rock and roll for modern times.
Get your high heeled guitar boots and some groovy clothes
Dress in a flashy and fashionable style that complements the new style of rock and roll.
Get a hair piece on your chest
Embark on more daring fashion choices, such as chest hairpieces for men.
And a ring through your nose
Stand out by wearing a nose ring.
Find a nice little man who says
Find someone willing to help further your career.
He's gonna make you a real big star
He will be instrumental in launching you to stardom.
Stars in your eyes ants in your pants
You're filled with ambition and eagerness to succeed.
Think you should go far
You have the potential to make a significant impact with your talent.
Everybody in this bum sucking world's
Everyone in this tired and uninspiring world.
Gonna know just who you are
You will become a well-known and recognized figure due to your success in the new rock and roll scene.
Look out
Watch out for the new wave of rock and roll that's coming your way!
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@waynememorial3746
Freddy = clearly was THE DRAMA QUEEN - And LOVED TO BE PUBLIC !
+
John = was the "normal Guy" who looked like he would prefer
drinkin beer & playin darts in a pub instead performing bass on stage.
-
Roger = Was THE BAD ASS PUNK - and seemed to be
happier playin drums for The Who or the Stones or AC / DC !
+
And BRIAN = Always looked like he thinked : Why don't let those
three stupids not let Me & my "Red Lady" make all the Music Alone !
-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But , YES STEPHEN ! = Roger mostly was THE ONLY ONE who played
"Straight 4 / 4 in time" - and the other three were SWINGING AROUND HIM !
-
He was = more Drummer than bass player !
*
@arkantika6881
♍♌♋♌
Had to make do with a worn out rock and roll scene
The old bop is gettin' tired need a rest
Well you know what I mean
Fifty eight that was great
But it's over now and That's all
Somethin' harder's coming up
Gonna really knock a hole in the wall
Gonna hit ya grab you hard
Make you feel ten feet tall
Well I hope this baby's gonna come along soon
You don't know it could happen any ol' rainy afternoon
With the temperature down
And the jukebox blowin' no fuse
And my musical life's feelin'
Like a long Sunday School cruise
And you know there's one thing
Every single body could use
Yeah listen to me baby
Let me tell you what it's all about
Modern times rock and roll
Modern times rock and roll
Get you high heeled guitar boots and some groovy clothes
Get a hair piece on your chest
And a ring through your nose
Find a nice little man who says
He's gonna make you a real big star
Stars in your eyes and ants in your pants
Think you should go far
Everybody in this bum sucking world
Gonna know just who you are
Look out
Modern times rock and roll
Songwriters: Roger Meddows Taylor
@stephenlisson1994
We always talk about Freddie, Brian and Roger, when we mention the band Queen and rightly so. However John's bass.....what can I say. BRILLIANT!!!!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!
@dsanket9273
For real...
@crystalhwang9568
That's right!
@waynememorial3746
Freddy = clearly was THE DRAMA QUEEN - And LOVED TO BE PUBLIC !
+
John = was the "normal Guy" who looked like he would prefer
drinkin beer & playin darts in a pub instead performing bass on stage.
-
Roger = Was THE BAD ASS PUNK - and seemed to be
happier playin drums for The Who or the Stones or AC / DC !
+
And BRIAN = Always looked like he thinked : Why don't let those
three stupids not let Me & my "Red Lady" make all the Music Alone !
-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But , YES STEPHEN ! = Roger mostly was THE ONLY ONE who played
"Straight 4 / 4 in time" - and the other three were SWINGING AROUND HIM !
-
He was = more Drummer than bass player !
*
@soledadhernandez8538
Yes!!! John deacon was so underrated,it’s upsetting that much people didn’t pay much attention to him before he left queen, I wish people gave him the same attention they gave the other members.
@verena9911
thats why i love roger... HAVE U EVER SEEN A DRUMMER WHO'S HOTTER THAN THE SUN WHO CAN SING LIKE THIS? i think not
@katijokinen7521
And when he dressed like women HE STILL LOOKED GOOD! I WANT LOOK LIKE ROGERINA
@francogiacche.
Ringo in paperback writer video.
@shivainwonderland
True that
@larissanascimento1035
Roger is unique!
His Voice Is Totally Rocker! combines a lot with heavy metal the high-pitched voice is the plus in this song