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)
Seven Seas Of Rhye
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I descend upon your earth from the skies
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Bring before me what is mine
The seven seas of rhye
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counsellors
I stand before you naked to the eyes
I swear that you'll be mine
The seven seas of rhye
Sister I live and lie for you
Mister do and I'll die
You are mine I possess you
I belong to you forever
Storm the master marathon I'll fly through
By flash and thunder fire I'll survive
Then I'll defy the laws of nature and come out alive
Then I'll get you
Be gone with you, you shod and shady senators
Give out the good, leave out the bad evil cries
I challenge the mighty titan and his troubadours
And with a smile
I'll take you to the seven seas of rhye
The lyrics to "Seven Seas of Rhye" by Queen are a call to action from a powerful, otherworldly being. The lines "Fear me you lords and lady preachers / I descend upon your earth from the skies" communicate that this entity should be revered and followed. The creature demands possession of something referred to as "the seven seas of rhye" and warns that those who do not comply will have their souls commanded. The lyrics are aggressive and speak to the desire for power and control. The second verse addresses politicians and powerful leaders, with the singer warning that they will destroy anyone who dares to break their trust. The singer also speaks of living and dying for someone, and belonging to them forever. The final verse speaks of challenging a titan and bringing listeners to the desired destination.
Overall, the lyrics create a vivid image of a powerful entity demanding control and dominance over others. The use of otherworldly imagery and fantastical settings adds to the overall sense of dramatic flair and grandeur in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Fear me you lords and lady preachers
Listen up, religious leaders and powerful people, for I am a force to be reckoned with
I descend upon your earth from the skies
I am coming down to Earth, ready to assert my power over you mortals
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Those who doubt me will face consequences, for I have control over your very souls
Bring before me what is mine
Give me what I deserve and what I claim as rightfully mine
The seven seas of rhye
This is what I desire, these seven seas hold my priority
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counsellors
Listen closely, advisors and colleagues, for I have a message for you
I stand before you naked to the eyes
I am vulnerable and exposed, and I trust that you will not take advantage of me
I will destroy any man who dares abuse my trust
If you betray me, I will make sure you suffer the consequences
I swear that you'll be mine
I promise that if you stay loyal to me, you will be rewarded
Sister I live and lie for you
My sister, I am committed to you and I will do anything for you
Mister do and I'll die
I will do whatever you ask, even if it means risking my life
You are mine I possess you
I am possessive of you and expect you to be mine alone
I belong to you forever
I am dedicated to you, forever and always
Storm the master marathon I'll fly through
I am ready to break through any obstacles and challenges, no matter how difficult
By flash and thunder fire I'll survive
I will face any danger and come out alive and victorious
Then I'll defy the laws of nature and come out alive
I am not bound by conventional rules, and will persevere against all odds
Then I'll get you
I will come for you, and you will be mine
Be gone with you, you shod and shady senators
I reject corrupt and deceitful politicians, for they have no place in my world
Give out the good, leave out the bad evil cries
We can achieve prosperity and harmony by promoting goodness and positivity
I challenge the mighty titan and his troubadours
I am not afraid to take on the most powerful and influential figures
And with a smile
I face the challenge with confidence and positivity
I'll take you to the seven seas of rhye
Join me, and we will go on an adventure to the seven seas that I cherish so much
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FREDDIE MERCURY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bluebell3720
This was recorded after that
71 they were making a demo in de lane lea studio for sound testing their studios
Recorded 5 songs
Keep yourself alive,night comes down,king rat,jesus and liar
Roy came in and put a word in with trident
Seven seas was partially recorded for their first album released in 73 recorded 72
Full song on the next album released 74
It was their first single to be on the top ten uk
Same year another Freddie song killer queen off their third album got to no 2 uk
@Rita-kk7lq
Fear me you lords and lady preachers
I descend upon your earth from the skies
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Bring before me what is mine
The seven seas of rhye
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counsellors
I stand before you naked to the eyes
I will destroy any man who dares abuse my trust
I swear that you'll be mine
The seven seas of rhye
Sister I live and lie for you
Mister do and I'll die
You are mine I possess you
I belong to you forever
Storm the master marathon I'll fly through
By flash and thunder fire I'll survive
Then I'll defy the laws of nature and come out alive
Then I'll get you
Be gone with you, you shod and shady senators
Give out the good, leave out the bad evil cries
I challenge the mighty titan and his troubadours
And with a smile
I'll take you to the seven seas of rhye
@QueenFanka
~~~~♫♫♫ ~~~~
Fear me you lords and lady preachers
I descend upon your earth from the skies
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Bring before me what is mine
The seven seas of rhye
~~~~♫♫♫ ~~~~
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counsellors
I stand before you naked to the eyes
I will destroy any man who dares abuse my trust
I swear that you'll be mine
The seven seas of rhye
~~~~♫♫♫ ~~~~
Sister I live and lie for you
Mister do and I'll die
You are mine I possess you
I belong to you forever
~~~~♫♫♫ ~~~~
Storm the master marathon I'll fly through
By flash and thunder fire I'll survive
Then I'll defy the laws of nature and come out alive
Then I'll get you
Be gone with you, you shod and shady senators
Give out the good, leave out the bad evil cries
I challenge the mighty titan and his troubadours
And with a smile
I'll take you to the seven seas of rhye
~~~~♫♫♫ ~~~~
@bluebell3720
Especially when it was their first single to ever chart!
Their first tv appearance
But wasn't important to inc?
Uk no 10 in 74
Later in the year Freddie had his second hit with killer Queen at no 2 uk
Again tv appearance
I feel they're playing down a lot of Freddie achievements and contributions
I saw a clip of killer Queen from the film
Just Freddie being a diva and 'above the waist'
Wtf?
@harmonyferrington4647
Lets be honest..
This song is SO under rated but SOOOOO AMAZING!!
All Queen songs are amazing, but this one is so beautiful (once again, like all Queen songs)
But I can't stop listening to my Queen's <3
R.I.P Freddie Mercury/ Farrokh Bulsara. You are greatly missed, and still known as my, and our Queen forever <3
@Matt-rq1gq
Fear me you lords and lady preachers
I descend upon your earth from the skies
I command your very souls you unbelievers
Bring before me what is mine
The seven seas of rhye
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counselors
I stand before you naked to the eyes
I will destroy any man who dares abuse my trust
I swear that you'll be mine
The seven seas of rhye
Sister - i live and lie for you
Mister - do and I'll die
You are mine i possess you
I belong to you forever
Storm the master-marathon I'll fly through
By flash and thunder-fire I'll survive
Then I'll defy the laws of nature and come out alive
Then I'll get you
Be gone with you - you shod and shady senators
Give out the good, leave out the bad evil cries
I challenge the mighty titan and his troubadours
And with a smile
I'll take you to the Seven Seas of Rhye.
@anttipinta8510
Fun Theory: ”Seven seas of rhye” is a Freddie’s and his sister Kashimira’s imaginary place where they played when they were young. So Freddie did this to honour Kashimira.🎤🕊
@liomoli
his sister’s name is kashmira..
@anttipinta8510
@@liomoli ik now but back then i thought he’s name was kara :D
@shamelessrepair5975
Cute
@kshitijmalve1463
ohh that's why he says, sister..... I'll live and lie for you ?
nice to know
@filter021
Wasn't he supposed to write a book about this story?
@helloperson6431
This is one of queen's best songs
@wlliamyguneban3771
Connor Burke coul
@THEMONSTER-mo2ih
Their first appearance on the charts in the UK (number 10!)
@lizziehetharia
Agree