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)
Summer in the City
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aye
Okay okay
Yeah
Queen Fi
It's a party in yo city and you can't get in
Ain't no party if you I'm here wit no Benjamins
Had to cut that cancer off was way too feminine
It's a party here tonight and you was not invited
Me and bitches in here wit me jus got reunited
We need some bottles in this bitch and we ain't bout to buy it
Need some fried chicken and some shrimp cause I ain't on no diet
Pass the joint cause this my joint I think it's time to light it
I'm really strapped now so I dare one of you hoes to try it
Y'all wanna hate on me so bad but I don't even buy it
You wanna tell me I look pretty you can't even hide it
I got one
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Niggas they all want the pussy
I think I got octopussy
Got him actin mushy
Cause I got that ushy gooshy
Call them promoters in yo city tell 'em all to book me
Aye
It's a party in yo city and you can't get in
Ain't no party if you I'm here wit no Benjamins
Had to cut that cancer off was way too feminine
Say he wanna party wit me he must love them stallions
Don't matter if it's paid off or it's financed bitch
Ima still get what I want cause Ima fine ass bitch yeah
We outside and you standing outside haa
We in a section nigga bitches mouth wide (ahhh)
Already brought my fan so don't come acting like a fan bitch
He think I'm foreign cause I know a little spanish
Go get that bag me and my bitches get it juntos
Boy drop that bag or we ain't talkin nigga punto
Don't want smoke wit me lil baby cause I'm real chill
Don't get yourself caught in a pickle I'm the real dill
On any beat I get to bussin I got real skill
Come kiss this ass oh did I mention that it's still real
It's a party in yo city and you can't get in
Ain't no party if you I'm here wit no Benjamins
Had to cut that cancer off was way too feminine
Say he wanna party wit me he must love them stallions
Must love them stallions
It's a party in yo city and you cant get in
No you can not get in
Why you hating outside of the club if you can not get innnnnn
The lyrics to Queen's song "Summer in the City" depict a lively and exclusive party happening in the city. The singer confidently expresses her presence at the party, emphasizing that it's a happening place and if you don't have money (Benjamins) or the right attitude, you can't get in. She dismisses negativity and haters, claiming that they can't deny her attractiveness and allure. The singer also asserts her power and ability to get what she wants, regardless of whether it's paid off or financed. She references her Spanish language skills and her group of friends, indicating that they are a force to be reckoned with. Ultimately, the message conveyed is that she is the life of the party, while those on the outside can only envy and hate.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a party in yo city and you can't get in
There's a lively event happening in your city, but unfortunately, you're not allowed to enter.
Ain't no party if you I'm here wit no Benjamins
Without a substantial amount of money, this gathering cannot be considered a true celebration.
Had to cut that cancer off was way too feminine
I had to eliminate a toxic presence from my life because they exhibited excessively weak and sensitive behavior.
Say he wanna party wit me he must love them stallions
If someone expresses interest in attending the party with me, it suggests they have a fondness for attractive and powerful individuals.
Me and bitches in here wit me jus got reunited
I have been reunited with my female acquaintances, and we are all present at this location.
We need some bottles in this bitch and we ain't bout to buy it
We require some bottles of alcoholic beverages for this gathering, and we have no intention of purchasing them ourselves.
Need some fried chicken and some shrimp cause I ain't on no diet
I desire both fried chicken and shrimp for my meal since I have no intention of restricting my diet.
Pass the joint cause this my joint I think it's time to light it
Please hand me the marijuana cigarette since I believe it's an appropriate moment to ignite it.
I'm really strapped now so I dare one of you hoes to try it
I am currently in possession of a firearm, so I strongly challenge any of you promiscuous individuals to engage with me.
Y'all wanna hate on me so bad but I don't even buy it
Many of you have a strong desire to express disdain towards me, yet I find it difficult to believe or accept your opinions.
You wanna tell me I look pretty you can't even hide it
Your desire to compliment my appearance is evident, and you're unable to conceal it.
I got one
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Niggas they all want the pussy
I possess multiple individuals who express a strong desire for sexual intimacy with me.
I think I got octopussy
Metaphorically, I believe I possess the ability to engage with many sexual partners simultaneously, resembling the abilities of an octopus.
Got him actin mushy
Cause I got that ushy gooshy
I've caused him to display overly emotional and affectionate behavior due to the fact that I possess a tantalizing and seductive allure.
Call them promoters in yo city tell 'em all to book me
Get in touch with the event promoters located in your city and instruct them to arrange bookings for my appearances.
Don't matter if it's paid off or it's financed bitch
It's of no importance whether something has been fully paid for or financed; either way, I possess the ability to acquire it.
Ima still get what I want cause Ima fine ass bitch yeah
I will always obtain my desires because I possess an attractive and remarkable appearance, expressing confidence in my abilities.
We outside and you standing outside haa
We are currently located outside the premises, while you remain positioned outside as well.
We in a section nigga bitches mouth wide (ahhh)
We have secured an exclusive area, and the individuals present are expressing shock or awe, resulting in open mouths.
Already brought my fan so don't come acting like a fan bitch
I've already brought my own fan, so don't attempt to approach me feigning excessive admiration.
He think I'm foreign cause I know a little spanish
Due to my knowledge of a small amount of Spanish, he mistakenly believes I am of foreign origin.
Go get that bag me and my bitches get it juntos
Make an effort to acquire a substantial amount of money, as my female acquaintances and I will also work towards this goal collectively.
Boy drop that bag or we ain't talkin nigga punto
If you don't release a significant amount of money, we will cease any communication with you, emphasizing the need for you to understand.
Don't want smoke wit me lil baby cause I'm real chill
You should avoid any confrontations or conflicts with me, as I possess a calm and relaxed disposition.
Don't get yourself caught in a pickle I'm the real dill
To avoid finding yourself in a difficult situation, it's best to recognize that I hold true authenticity and significance.
On any beat I get to bussin I got real skill
I possess genuine talent in rapping, as I am able to quickly and impressively perform on any musical composition.
Come kiss this ass oh did I mention that it's still real
Approach and kiss my buttocks if you haven't already noticed that it's truly authentic and genuine in nature.
Must love them stallions
They must have a strong admiration or preference for attractive and powerful women.
It's a party in yo city and you can't get in
There's an exciting celebration happening in your city, but unfortunately, you're unable to participate.
No you can not get in
I must emphasize that you are unequivocally not allowed to enter.
Why you hating outside of the club if you can not get innnnnn
I question why you're expressing negative feelings from outside the club when it's clear that you are not permitted to come inside.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Ashley Fify
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@1970sBestMusic
Jazz Funk Later called smooth jazz in the 1980s..
1970s:::Jazz funk,, Funk,,Soul by vocal groups,, Soul music by solo acts,,southern rock,,arena rock, ,soft rock,,pop..
country,,gospel went mainstream.crossed over and received more television and radio exposure.
Motown greats(Stevie Marvin and Smokey) had classic albums..
Philly soul,,Memphis sound Γ 2 with Stax and Al Green/Willie Mitchell.
Detroit saw more vocal groups have hits and success.
Once overlooked blues saw a resurgence and mainstream radio play.
.
FM radio and album sales changed the industry.
All time Greats recorded classics during the 1970s (not dismissing or diminishing 1960s music they created).
As the OP stated,the shift in 1970s music was swift,different and groundbreaking in all genres.
I point to Soul, Funk,R&B,Jazz, Jazz Funk and even Gospel (led by The Edwin Hawkins and The Edwin Hawkins Singers w/"Old Happy Day").
A beautiful time for music, music creators and music lovers!!
1970s best musical decade ever!
@rwyatt26
Although this song was sampled in a dozen hip hop classics, nothing beats the original. Respect to the masters!!!
@najee151
nemoran Yeah but it still doesnβt take away from the fact that this cover is a masterpiece... after all every artist is influenced by somebody
@sink7
bullshit compare to that
@KingCASONIII
john sebastian should get a least an honorable mention
@andreshernandez1180
I agree, the best version is the original by The lovinβ spoonful, Joe Cockerβs is great too, 2nd best.
@ifindoubtlove
Could we all agree on Lovin Spoonful being first? Who covers it best and even better than the orginal is all up to your personal taste. For my taste this version is one of the best ones. Does anyone know a blues version of this?
@paranormalmanor260
Orchestration in the 70s was so damned gorgeous.
@liljons6753
Cause it had to live most times
@Schlipperschlopper
Playback systems too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gSpiHk7bGI
@colenewaltersmusicandother9330
My favorite decade of music still to this day