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)
Teo Torriatte
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
The same moon shines
The same wind blows
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Be not gone
Though I'm gone
A new life grows
The blossom knows
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
Be not gone
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Hear my song
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
The nights grow long
But dreams live on
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
Dream on
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
When I'm gone
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
Oh be strong
Don't turn your heart
We're all
You're all
For all
For always
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
The lyrics to Queen's song "Teo Torriatte" speak of a love that will continue even after one person is gone. The first two stanzas talk about how even though the singer may no longer be physically present, they will still be connected through the shared experiences of the world, like the moon shining and wind blowing. The lyrics implore the listener to not forget about the singer after they are gone, and to always remember the warmth and connection they shared. The chorus talks about a desire to stay together and not lose the lessons learned from their love, even as time passes.
The Japanese lyrics that follow the chorus roughly translate to "Let's go on like this," and describe holding each other tightly and imparting cherished teachings to one another, all while in the peaceful night under a shining light. The song concludes with a reminder that others may view their love as foolish, but they should remain strong and continue to hold onto each other.
"Teo Torriatte" was the first song sung entirely in Japanese by Queen. It was released in 1977 on their album "A Day at the Races." The song was written by guitarist Brian May, who was inspired to write the song after the band's tour in Japan in 1975, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds and were impressed by the country's culture.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm gone
Even if I die, please do not think I have forgotten you.
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
I will always remember you, just like how the moon and wind remains constant.
The same moon shines
The moon that shines upon you also echoes upon me too.
The same wind blows
The wind that brushes against your cheeks also whispers into my ears.
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Both of us will always have that connection, and time is a mere illusion.
Be not gone
Please do not leave me alone, I need you to remember me.
Though I'm gone
Even after I am no longer alive, my presence will be felt through the flowers that I've touched and in my soul's continuance.
It's just as though I hold the flower that touches you
Our connection will always be there, even when I'm not physically present.
A new life grows
There's so much more out there, and life continues to grow and thrive.
The blossom knows
Just like how a flower blooms, life will continue to move along, with or without me.
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
You will always have a special place in my heart that nobody else can replace.
Let us cling together as the years go by
Through love and understanding, we can stay connected as time goes on.
Oh my love, my love
My affection for you knows no bounds.
In the quiet of the night
When all is still, and nobody else is around, we can still remain connected.
Let our candle always burn
Our love is a light, one that will never diminish or fade.
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Through our experiences together, we will never forget what we've gained from them.
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Let us continue forward with the same energy, as our hearts beat as one.
Aisuruhito yo
My beloved, I love you.
Shizukana yoi ni
In the stillness of the night.
Hikario tomoshi
Illuminated by light.
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Embrace the precious lessons we have learned.
Hear my song
Listen to my message, even when I am not here.
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
Keep me alive in your memory as somebody who loved you dearly.
The nights grow long
Time does not stop, and the future may feel uncertain.
But dreams live on
Through imagination and hope, we can continue to live our lives in a meaningful way.
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
We can still stay together, as our love transcends physical limitations.
Dream on
Keep dreaming, and never give up on your passions.
When I'm gone
People may not understand our bond, and they may criticize it.
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
The world may not comprehend what we share, but it is meaningful to us.
Oh be strong
Have courage and hold onto our love, even when things get hard.
Don't turn your heart
Do not let your love fade away, as it is precious and irreplaceable.
We're all
We are all human, and our love is a universal feeling that touches us all.
You're all
Whether I am physically here or not, my love for you will continue to touch everyone you encounter.
For all
Our love is inclusive, and it pours out to everyone who needs it.
For always
Our love will span across time, defying death and transcending physical limitations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Harold May
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-gh5od4tm7v
4０年以上前からクイーンを聴いている日本の男性です。
当時 福岡の九電記念体育館でのコンサートも行きました。
当初、日本の女性ファンの支持が圧倒的に多く大袈裟ではなく
日本から世界に羽ばたいたといえるグループであったと思います。
手をとりあってを初めて聴いた時にはメンバーが本当に
日本を愛してくれていることにうれしくて涙が出ました。
そして昨年、この神聖なる曲を東京オリンピックで聴いた時には
感動して再び涙が止まりませんでした。
映画 ボヘミアンラプソディがヒットしクイーンの歌が世代を超えて
受け入れられたことは自分自身が若い頃からクイーンの曲を聴いて
ファンであったことが間違いではなかったんだと確信できました。
@keisukekondo9147
[Japanese part]
手を 取りあって(Teo torriate)
このまま 行こう(konomama iko)
愛する人よ(Aisuruhitoyo)
静かな 宵に(Shizukana yoini)
光を ともし(Hikariwo tomoshi)
愛しき 教えを 抱き(Itoshiki oshieo idaki)
It's a great, incredible song!! Queen forever!!
@ToypooKaraoke
When I'm gone
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
The same moon shines
The same wind blows
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Be not gone
Though I'm gone
It's just as though I hold the flower that touches you
A new life grows
The blossom knows
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
Be not gone
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Hear my song
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
The nights grow long
But dreams live on
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
Dream on
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
When I'm gone
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
Oh be strong
Don't turn your heart
We're all
You're all
For all
For always
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
@Kiki_marine
Japanese fan here - just wanted to comment that the Japanese lyrics in this song is inexplicably gentle, sophisticated and beautiful. Not exactly the “modern” words we would use in daily life, but more like those of a quiet prayer. Thank you, Queen.
@lovemrj4ever
Beautiful
@elcacahuate7l979
Ow, that's actually so wholesome, thank you for sharing!
@thomacitalesarlley4030
Beautiful and emotional to me
@water9892
what does it mean?
@syntec1418
@water it's the same as the chorus you hear in English (let us cling together as the years go by, oh my love, my love ect) just in Japanese
@user-jg9nh6vb2l
手を取り合ってこのままいこう
愛する人よ
静かな宵に光を灯し
愛しき教えを抱き
日本人でも、こんなに美しい歌詞は簡単に紡ぐことは出来ない。
クイーンがどれだけ日本に感動を受けてくれたか、どれだけ日本を愛しているかを伝えるために、本当に心を込めて作ってくれたのだと思うと涙が止まらない。
クイーンは永遠です。
@Ayumu0104
東日本大震災が起きた時に、この曲がラジオやテレビにながれてて、とてもQueenにはとても感謝しています。i love you
@user-gh5od4tm7v
4０年以上前からクイーンを聴いている日本の男性です。
当時 福岡の九電記念体育館でのコンサートも行きました。
当初、日本の女性ファンの支持が圧倒的に多く大袈裟ではなく
日本から世界に羽ばたいたといえるグループであったと思います。
手をとりあってを初めて聴いた時にはメンバーが本当に
日本を愛してくれていることにうれしくて涙が出ました。
そして昨年、この神聖なる曲を東京オリンピックで聴いた時には
感動して再び涙が止まりませんでした。
映画 ボヘミアンラプソディがヒットしクイーンの歌が世代を超えて
受け入れられたことは自分自身が若い頃からクイーンの曲を聴いて
ファンであったことが間違いではなかったんだと確信できました。
@caiofb1988
おめでとう、私の友人！
日本ではどうなっていますか？