Who are ‘Queen’?
Queen, a British rock band, was formed in 1970 in London by the lead vocals Freddie Mercury, guitar vocals, Brian May, drums vocals, Roger Taylor, and bass, Roger Taylor. The initial works from the rock band were mainly influenced by hard rock, metal rock, and progressive rock. Later, the band gradually stepped into more radio-friendly and conventional works by executing different styles, such as pop-rock and arena rock.
The style and influence of music on the band
Queen was highly focused and influenced the British rock acts of the early 1960s and 1970s, like the Kinks, the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, David Bowie, Yes, Cream Led Zeppelin, the Who, Slade, and Genesis. They were inspired and have constantly admired singers who come from rock and roll, such as Elvis Presley and Little Richard. Along with these rock and roll singers, the band is inspired by the gospel singer, namely, Aretha Franklin too!
May and Taylor before the formation of Queen
May and Taylor had performed together in the band “Smile” before forming “Queen.” Freddie was a fan of Smile and encouraged a lot to experiment with things and techniques in music while performing. He was the one who suggested the name “Queen” to the band and joined in 1970.
Queen band’s 1977 album News of the world
Queen band’s 1977 album News of the world featured two popular releases, “We are the champions” and “We will rock you”, that have turned into official anthems at sporting events. The band was popularly known as one of the biggest stadium rock bands worldwide. Also, their compilation album in 1981 of the greatest hits became the best-selling album in the United Kingdom. It was certified as ‘nine times platinum’ in the United States.
Mercury’s last performance with “Queen.”
Mercury gave his last performance with Queen in 1986 August at England’s Knebworth. He took his last breath in 1991 due to bronchopneumonia, related to AIDS and its complications in 1997. After this incident, Taylor and May toured under the band “Queen+” in 2004. Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert were the vocalists who accompanied them.
Awards and ‘Fame’
The popular band “Queen” received an award for their extraordinary contribution to British Music, namely, the “Brit Awards.” In 2001, they were also added to the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” As each of the members composed a hit song, individually, in 2003, their names made it to the “Songwriters Hall of Fame.” The band was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for their outstanding and superb song collection from the British Academy of composers, songwriters, and authors in 2005. Last but not least, and most importantly, the band received the Grammy lifetime achievement award!
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