Queen for the Day!

By Michelle Renee April 22, 2023

The Queen Star is Clue #11.

In 2001, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Queen. Their introduction stated, “Queen was one of the most popular, ambitious, and beloved classic rock bands ever. The London group created an elaborate, perfection-minded sonic approach informed by classical flourishes, ornate piano passages, stacked harmonies, layered guitars and theatrical arrangements.”

Queen, a British rock band formed in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. John Deacon was recruited in February 1971, before the band released their debut album in 1973. It is said that their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock.

Queen first charted in the UK with their second album, “Queen II”, in 1974. “Sheer Heart Attack” later that year and “A Night at the Opera” in 1975 brought them international success. The latter featured "Bohemian Rhapsody", which stayed at No. 1 in the UK for nine weeks and helped popularize the music video format. The band's 1977 album “News of the World” contained "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions", which have become anthems at sporting events. By the early 1980s, Queen was one of the biggest stadium rock bands in the world. "Another One Bites the Dust" from 1980’s “The Game” became their best-selling single, while their 1981 compilation album, “Greatest Hits”, is the best-selling album in the UK and is certified nine times platinum in the USA. Their performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert is ranked among the greatest in rock history by various publications. In August 1986, Mercury gave his last performance with Queen in Knebworth, England. Mercury passed away on November 24, 1991. Deacon retired in 1997. May and Taylor continue to tour with Adam Lambert as the lead vocalist.

Once again, I couldn’t pick just one of their songs. I was inspired by the word Queen, and my association of a “Crown” to the word “Queen”. In my mind, both versions of the Block appear to be a “Crown”.

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