by Raven Storme

Created on: July 11, 2008

There have been many bands that have graced the stage, but none could be compared to the grace and power of Queen. Formed in 1970, out of London, members Brian May, renowned singer Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, set the world on fire with years of decadence.

Between 1970 and 1997, Queen has released a total of fifteen studio albums, which most have had at least more than one top fifty chart topping singles. Another example of the fantastic legacy of Queen would be the overwhelming amount of awards received throughout their career. In 1980 alone, they were awarded at the Canada Juno awards hthe best group, Best International Single for Another One Bites the Dust, and best International Album for The Game. Record World USA dubbed Queen as the top Male Group, Top Producer, Top Disco Crossover. Dick Clark awarded Queen with USA Best Band. Circus Magazine closed off the kudos with awarding them 2nd best Group in the USA, #1 Live Show, 1# Album for The Game, and #1 single for Another One Bites the Dust. Quite honestly the proof is in the pudding, and all you have to do is google Queen and the awards read like dictionary of declorations.

Queen as a band have shown no limitations in talent, mixing both hard rock, opera, and pop, among many musical styles. In the begining Queen acheieved little success with their first two albums self titled Queen and Queen II, but by 1974 after releasing Sheer Heart Attack, and the famed A Night at the Opera, that paved the way to celebratory fame.

Freddy Mercury undoubtedly could be considered one of the most powerful vocals in rock and roll, and with over a hundred remakes his music is still alive and well today. Unfortunately he died in 1991, leaving Queen without the heart and soul of one of the most famous rock bands of all times. Since the death of Freddy millions upon millions have been raised in his honor to support the ever long fight against A.I.D.S. Freddy Mercury has beed inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he has also earned a coveted gold star on the Hollywood Walk of fame!

With hit tracks like Under Pressure, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Queen Killer, among a plethora of chart topping titles, Queen are still one of the most played bands of all time. Whether it is on the silver screen, such as in Waynes World most hilarious rendition of Bohemian, or on stage live with the hit musical We Will Rock You, Queen is still rocking across the world long after their breakup in 1997, due to Freddy's untimely death.

Musically Queen utilized both a hard rock grit of distortion laden guitar, and the soulful keyboard styling which was a one of many trademarks of this epic rock group. Hollywood for years have been employing the musical genius of Queen from the classic fantasy Highlander, to the most played song of all time We Will Rock You.

Queen has truly been a historical gift and I urge anyone who has never listened to take the time to listen to every album. The lyrics will inspire and move you, and sometimes even bring you to tears, but no matter whether you heed my advice or not, Queen will live for ever.

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