Queen

British rock band Queen formed when Brian May, Roger Taylor and Freddie Bulsara met while studying in London. Taylor later introduced his friend Mike Grose as bassist, and the four-piece began playing shows under the George Orwell-inspired name 1984. But this title didn’t quite seem right for the glamorous fun they were extolling with their glossy rock. So, Bulsara came up with the suggestion of calling themselves Queen, and he would re-emerge with the rock moniker of Freddie Mercury.

During the first three shows, they harked back to the early days of British rock ‘n’ roll and played covers by the likes of Cliff Richard and The Shadows. In this short space of time, they managed to attract the attention of producer John Anthony. However, he felt that the bass sound was wrong for the band. Grose got wind and went his own way, eventually leaving the door open for John Deacon.

When their demo of ‘Keep Yourself Alive’ began making waves, promoter Ken Testi set up a deal for the fledgling band with Trident. Then things strangely ran aground. Their live shows were lacking, so they decided to spend more time at the studio. It was here that they witnessed David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars, and it became clear that they were lacking the pizzazz to make a big push. After this pivotal moment, they decided to chuck the kitchen sink at recording and wove pop, prog rock, heavy metal, classical and good old pomposity into the mix.

While their self-titled debut in 1973 might not have been an immediate success, and issues with Trident would later force the band to move to Elektra, the framework was in place for the band to launch themselves. By 1975, they released A Night at the Opera and the transcendent single, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, held the top spot in the UK charts for nine weeks and proved integral in launching MTV.

Now, after humble beginnings, they remain one of the biggest selling bands of all time. In fact, they have sold an estimated 300 million records and been pried at as the subjects of biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody. Much of this success is underpinned by Freddie Mercury’s charismatic and trailblazing ways. Reams have been written about his sexuality, but it was the bold way he openly addressed the subject of HIV that drew attention.

While the excesses of his lifestyle might be questionable, his integrity and grace in handling the struggles he faced were illuminating. When he passed away in 1991 at the age of 45, a vigil was held in the streets by adoring fans. His lifetime friend, and former girlfriend, Mary Austin received the bulk of his fortune and is the only person who knows where his ashes remain.

May would later comment: “This man [Freddie Mercury] truly possessed the greatest voice in the history of rock. Journalists, culture experts and analysts have already made several hundred comments on this topic and nothing can be added here.” Queen truly were a transcendent outfit.