Queen

by Ray Tedman

This illustrated history of Queen, one of the most unique rock bands of all time, is the fourth volume in a new series of rock photography books drawn from the archives of Rex Features, London’s premier picture library for the performing arts. Flamboyant frontman Farrokh Bulsara—better known as Freddie Mercury—bassist Tim Staffel, guitarist Brian May, and drummer Roger Taylor were collectively known as Queen, a band that literally invented "stadium rock." Mixing and clashing an outrageously eclectic set of influences—the close harmonies of the Beatles, the guitar pyrotechnics of Jimi Hendrix, the heavy sound of Led Zeppelin, and the glamour of David Bowie—Queen found a winning formula by channeling this strange cocktail through the charisma of Freddie Mercury. The result was a seemingly endless string of hits in the 70s, on into the 80s. Freddy Mercury also achieved solo success, but in 1991, his career was tragically cut short by AIDS. Interest in Queen, however, has never waned, and this photographic history of the band will be welcomed by all fans.

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2005