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Band reviews: Queen

The moment Freddie Mercury crooned that deep-seated question that has defined one of Britain's most captivating bands, "Who wants to live, forever?" audiences followed him down to darkest corners of human longing. Thousands of Highlander fans would be hard pressed to find the essence of Queen not at the center of the cult hit. Very few music groups can claim this level of recognition. And it is highly unlikely that there will ever be a group that grips its audience the way Queen has through out the decades.

From their self titled album to Made in Heaven, Queen has redefined rock and roll. Their distinct sound has made them legends in the industry. Their music shows classical roots and the then up-and-coming technology. With an iconic front man in Freddie Mercury, the cosmos aligned for this super group. The great thing about this group is they never allowed rock and roll conventions at the time to define who they were, in sound or style. In 2002, Queen became one of select British groups, including the Beatles to receive their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Queen's appeal stemmed from the eclectic ensemble. The most popular line up was Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor, and Freddie Mercury. Purists will say that this is the only Queen. Even though the surviving band members have reassembled the group since Freddie Mercury's death with Ben Elton and Paul Rodgers as front men. Brain May has played with many bands throughout the years including Meatloaf and the Foo Fighters. He still tours with Roger Taylor as Queen. John Deacon has retired from the music business, but still proudly recognizes his involvement with Queen.

Mr. May is a giant in the guitar world, born to a craftsman and accomplished musician, he began his music education with the piano. But he soon found that he preferred the guitar, and set about finding the sound he related too. He studied at the Imperial College in London majoring in astronomy. Music was still his passion. He has been quoted as saying, "I'm a much better musician than astronomer. I think the world got the right choice." He formed a group called "Smile" that lead to the discovery of Roger Taylor.

Mr. Taylor tried his hand at guitar, but just didn't have the touch. So he pursued the drums. "I picked up a guitar and found it very difficult and I sort of graduated to drums because I found them very easy - I suppose it was a case of natural aptitude," he is quoted saying. When he met Brian May in 1968, they performed


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Band reviews: Queen

  • 1 of 4

    by Sarah Afshar

    I think Queen is one of the most diverse bands I have ever come across, if not the most diverse. In fact, if I had to choose

    read more

  • 2 of 4

    by B. Thomas Cooper

    Band Reviews: Queen

    It's difficult for me to imagine seventeen years could have passed since the death of Queen vocalist Freddie

    read more

  • 3 of 4

    by B.W. Harold

    The moment Freddie Mercury crooned that deep-seated question that has defined one of Britain's most captivating bands, "Who

    read more

  • 4 of 4

    by Raven Storme

    There have been many bands that have graced the stage, but none could be compared to the grace and power of Queen. Formed

    read more

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