Other Great Metal Influences, Part 5; Queen

        Wayne: I think we'll go with a little Bohemian Rhapsody gentelmen.
        Garth: Good call.

Yes, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is one of the greatest rock songs of all time, always finishing in the top ten in any given rock countdown list and on many occasions, reaching number one. In the 70s, Queen were a dominant force in rock music combining a hard rock sound with operatic style vocals and harmonising. The string of successful albums and singles throughout the era bear testimony to their brilliance.

There is little I can say that hasn't already been said about this band. I can only reflect on my own memories as a teenager in the late 1970s hearing their now classic songs, "Killer Queen," "Somebody to Love" and my personal favourite, "We Are the Champions." Of course, there are many other songs I can name here as well. I couldn't help not liking their music, even though back then I was suspicious of Freddie Mercury's sexual orientation. This was during my days as a staunch born again Christian. However, the singer did little to disguise it with his wild stage outfits. I still have memories of the candy striped hot pants.
Apart from Mercury, one thing I have to point out is guitarist Brian May. Not so much in Britain, but definitely in America, he is a very underrated guitarist. His riffs were groundbreaking and can be heard in the playing of many metal guitarists he has come to influence since.

Freddie Mercury- vocals, piano

Brian May- guitars

John Deacon - bass

Roger Taylor- drums

Like many of the act mentioned before, Queen were also know as a great live act. Unfortunately for me, I never had the pleasure of seeing them live. Back then, I never could afford such things and I thought it wasn't what Jesus wanted. But that's another story. Although I never saw a live Queen concert, I did own their album "Live Killers" which gave me an insight to what they would have been like in concert. It made more regretful of not having seen them.

Although many might not want to admit it, Queen was a major influence on the metal of the 80s and beyond and their presence can still be felt today.

Next post: T-Rex

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