Queen released their debut album on July 13, 1973. EMI Records handled the distribution in the UK, and Elektra Records handled the release of the album in the US.
The band recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Studios in Soho, London, with production by Roy Thomas Baker, John Anthony, and the band members themselves.
The album was a mix of heavy metal and progressive rock. Its lyrics centered on a variety of topics, including folklore (“My Fairy King”) and religion (“Jesus”).
Queen’s Debut Album
Freddie Mercury wrote five of the ten tracks on the album, and Brian May wrote four. Roger Taylor penned the other tune, “Modern Times Rock ‘n’ Roll”.
The album was not an immediate success. However, it gradually gained popularity from momentum of the first single and leadoff track “Keep Yourself Alive.”
In the years since its release, critics have reevaluated Queen’s debut album. It was eventually certified platinum in the UK and the US, and it has sold over six million copies worldwide.
Formed as a band in 1970, it wasn’t until 1973 that Queen finally played some live shows outside of their home country of England.
It wasn’t until spring of 1974 and the release of their sophomore album Queen II that they finally made their way to North America.
Local Shows from Queen
Queen’s first area show was May 1, 1974 at the State Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg. On May 2, 1974, Queen performed live at Ag Hall in Allentown. They added a third show at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA the following night.
It wasn’t until album number three, Sheer Heart Attack in 1975, that Queen finally played a show in Philadelphia.
They performed twice in one day at the Erlanger Theatre, formerly located at the corner of 21st & Markets Streets. They did an afternoon show followed by an evening show on that very same day.
Queen is a landmark album in the history of rock music. It was the first album to showcase the unique talents of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.
The album’s mix of heavy metal, progressive rock, and fantasy lyrics helped to define the sound of Queen, and it helped pave the way for their future success.
Queen + Adam Lambert are bringing their “Rhapsody Tour” to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia part of an WMMR concert event in October. Purchase your tickets now.
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