Thursday, May 7, 2015

Killer Queen

Of all the ultimate bands of classic rock, these guys pass the test. Loud, rambunctious, eccentric, and all-around fun, these 'Killer Queens' are one of the most iconic bands in all of classic rock history and recognized worldwide.

Once again, London has produced some of the most talented musicians the world of classic rock has seen. At the turn of the decade in 1970, artists Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon clashed to create the eccentric and unique band known as Queen. Combining hard rock, glamour rock, and electrifying vocal harmonies in each of their songs - most of which are widely known and highly praised - Queen captivated audiences inside and outside of their mother country during only the first ten years of playing together. One of their first international concerts was played in Brazil, where they officially established themselves as the musically and vocally gifted group that they are recognized as today. 

Most intriguing, however, is Queen's unique style and performance geared towards their audiences. In any picture of the band, the quartet will be found wearing eclectic, attention-grabbing clothes and styling bold hairdos that reflect their crafty blend of pop, rock, and vocal sounds that are incorporated into their songs. Queen's never-before-seen theatrical performances and presentation set them apart from the rest. 

Among their most famous songs, all of which I adore and have a blast singing along to, include "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975), "We Are the Champions" (1977), "We Will Rock You" (1977), "Fat Bottomed Girls" (1978), "Under Pressure" ft. David Bowie (1982), "Another One Bites the Dust" (1980), "Somebody to Love" (1976), "I Want to Break Free" (1984), "Bicycle Race" (1978), "You're My Best Friend" (1975), "Killer Queen" (1974), "Radio Gaga" (1984), "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (1980), "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" (1976), and "It's a Hard Life" (1984). Although I've listed more than a dozen of their hit songs, I honestly believe that they all deserve recognition because of their impact on entertainment in both the United States and England. In movies, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is often featured. In front of the cameras, the Muppets perform  a spoof of "Under Pressure". In commercials, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" highlights what's not to love about a product. In fact, amid my many cherished memories at college football games spent at The Orange Bowl, I can recall sitting on the plastic orange seats, stamping my feet and clapping my hands to the irresistible beat of "We Will Rock You" (or We Will Rock 'U', as perceived by the Canes); the British performers' occult vocals would ring out into the stands and vibrate through the concrete bleachers facing the field. Queen's punch-in-the-gut intensity and ear-drawing music continues to be a hit at sporting events. 

Unlike many of the bands discussed earlier in this blog, Queen managed to maintain their lineup for the two decades that they played together. Moreover, the band's theatrical creativity can be seen seen in something as simple as their album titles, such as A Night at the Opera (1975) and hit song "The Show Must Go On" (1991, Innuendo). Ironically, 1991 was also the year that lead singer Freddie Mercury passed away as a victim of AIDS. Nonetheless, the remaining members finished off yet another album, Made in Heaven, in 1995, marking the end of their significant and dynamic career. In addition to creating a new blend of rock that appealed to the masses, Queen succeeded so far as to perform in South America on numerous occasions and to serve as invited guests at grand events and venues. They were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.


1986: Queen performs at Wembley Stadium in London, England


As a side-note, every single one of Queen's songs ignites a burning desire in me to see them in concert, solely because their style and music is so much fun to watch and listen. Though no longer a complete set, Queen continues to make appearances sparsely around the world. Oddly enough, Queen and Adam Lambert will perform together in none other than South America soon, which shows the band's continued interest in the art of live performances.

To delve deeper into the Queen's castle, check out their website.



1 comment:

  1. Man this has gotten me interested in these bands going to have to find some music that they made <.<

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