Review: 'Queen Rock Montreal + Live Aid' Showcases Queen at the top of their powers

In this column I review an upcoming title that is essential for any rock music lover's library...Robert Kinsler

Queen performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Artist: Queen

Title: Rock Montreal + Live Aid (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Queen, Freddie Mercury, Smile, Brian May

Tell me more: Following its record-breaking IMAX Event Cinema release worldwide in January 2024, the concert film "Queen Rock Montreal" is set for release via Mercury Studios on Friday, May 10. The concert film is being released as a double 4K Ultra High Definition package (the configuration reviewed in this column), as well as via several other configurations including a double Blu-ray, double audio CD, 2CD Limited edition and triple vinyl. A 3LP Colored Transparent Blue Vinyl package is available exclusively on the Queen Online Store at queenonline.com. The essential new title is a spectacular display of Queen captured at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on Nov. 24 and 2, 1981 — the final concerts of the British rock quartet's "The Game Tour."  The 4K Ultra High Definition allows the viewer to watch the concert film in its original full-from aspect ratio or cropped to 16:9 widescreen; the state-of-the-art release also features optional high-dynamic-range (HDR) for both aspect ratios. 

Freddie Mercury, left, with Brian May at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Singer-keyboardist Freddie Mercury, guitarist-vocalist Brian May, drummer-vocalist Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon were at the height of their collective powers when they were captured for this film (which was originally released in movie theaters in 1984); as detailed in the liner notes that are included with the title: "As would be expected of Queen, they took the form of the concert film to a new level, becoming the first group to shoot an entire show in full cinema format 35mm." The digitally remastered sound and visual quality on "Queen Rock Montreal" is extraordinary and the 96-minute concert includes a slew of the band's timeless hits as well as favorite album cuts. 

Bassist John Deacon at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

This writer was fortunate to catch Queen on "The Game Tour" when it came to Southern California in July 1980 and watching this film transported me back to the magic and power of that night. Highlights on the film include the night opening punk-styled take on "We Will Rock You," soaring "Play The Game," powerful "I'm In Love With My Car" featuring Taylor on lead vocals, tender "Save Me," crowd-pleasing "Under Pressure" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Although known for its melodic and winning radio hits, the band's hard rocking instincts were fully on display via killer runs through "Keep Yourself Alive," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Sheer Heart Attack." The band's emotional closer, "We Are The Champions," brought wonderful chills to this fan.

Roger Taylor performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

As a bonus, the band's earth-shattering 21-minute performance at Live Aid on July 13, 1985 upscaled to high definition for the first time ever (including brand new stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos sound mixes) and video footage of Queen rehearsing for that benefit concert is also included (a short interview with the band is also featured). The seldom seen performance from Mercury and May performing "Is This The World We Created...?" later at the event is also included. A wonderful 16-page booklet filled with colorful photographs from the concert film is also included.

Information: MercuryStudios.co and  queenonline.com.

Robert Kinsler

Bohemian Rhapsody: Fans Vs Critics

Watch the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING where TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the success of the hit movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" despite so many negative reviews from critics. 

Sights and Sounds: The Dixie Dregs, Queen in 3-D, Hype!, Status Quo

Here is a super cool roundup of music news...

The original lineup of The Dixie Dregs has announced plans to reunite and tour in 2018. The original lineup features Rod Morgenstein, Andy West, Allen Sloan, Steve Davidowski and Steve Morse.

Keep checking dixiedregs.com and facebook.com/TheDixieDregs for updates on the upcoming tour.

Formed in the 1970s, The Dixie Dregs were an American band that performed mostly-instrumental music that fused together Southern and hard rock, progressive metal and classical forms into something that was completely unique. This will be a much-anticipated tour to be sure!

Queen in 3-D, a stereoscopic masterpiece by iconic guitarist and songwriter Brian May, is the first history of any rock group created in 3-D and written by a band member.Queen in 3D features more than 300 previously unseen 3-D photographs, capturing the history of Queen from the early 1970s to present day. The book has a lenticular 3-D front cover and exclusive Brian May patent OWL 3-D viewer.  It will be released by the London Stereoscopic Company in the U.S. on August 24, 2017.  www.queenin3-D.com

"The whole process of writing this new kind of book was almost subconscious. As I looked at the 3-D photos, memories were triggered and the stories poured out. It’s the 3-D element that makes it so evocative. I believe each image will draw readers in deeper, like me, inviting them to immerse themselves in a scene, to share a previously unseen Queen moment,” said May.

The 3-D illustrations were all captured with May’s stereoscopic cameras.  From an early age he traveled with a 3-D camera, allowing him to capture rare behind-the-scene moments on Queen Tours and during recordings. Some of the photographs had not even been fully processed until the book was in the making. Initially thought by May to be a quick job, this project turned into a labor of love which spanned three years. Each time the book seemed to be close to completion, more 3-D photos were found in forgotten hiding places, prompting further memories and filling in the story. Queen in 3-Deventually became a compelling set of snapshots of May’s life and the life of Queen, over more than 50 years.

Published as a lavish, high quality coffee table book by May’s own London Stereoscopic Company, Queen in 3-D reveals the band’s history through his eyes and reflective narrative.   The book is illustrated with around 360 photographs, mostly accessible in 3-D using the OWL viewer supplied. May’s recollections about himself and fellow band members Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, are shared for the first time. Images were taken on stage and behind the scenes, including informal shots taken on the road and during leisure time. Mercury, shy and fiercely protective of his privacy, interacted playfully and comfortably with May’s camera.  Queen in 3-D shares rare glimpses of this consummate showman as viewed by his band mate and close friend. Current fans of the band will also enjoy the modern sections, including on and off stage moments with Adam Lambert.

This is an important book, not only capturing the very essence of one of the world’s all-time greatest bands, but also exploring the culture, politics and atmosphere of the many territories where Queen performed. Brian has created a text that chronicles changes in the music industry alongside major changes in the history of the world.

more here

The Blu-ray collector's edition of Hype! is set for release on September 29, 2017 courtesy of Shout! Factory. Released in 1996, the film was directed by Doug Pray and really is among the most notable films to look at the famed Seattle music scene of the early 1990s.

Here is the description on the upcoming release featured on the official Shout! Factory website:

Drop into the Pacific Northwest in the early '90s and watch a vibrant underground music scene explode into a global "grunge" media frenzy. Hype! follows the music from local bands playing for their friends, to Sub Pop Record's brilliant exploitation of "the Seattle Sound," to Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" hitting #1 on the charts. Questions of money, authenticity, and fame arise as "grunge fashion" hits the runways and a mass migration of wanna-be Seattle bands saturates the city. The Northwest experience is one of humor, loss, and epic irony. With intense live performances by Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Pearl Jam, and many more, Hype! rocks the definitive story of the world's last great local music scene.

"Two Thumbs Up!" – Siskel & Ebert

"The most accurate and energetic look at the Seattle music scene you'll ever see" – Chris Riemenschneider, Austin American-Statesman

"A brilliant synthesis of social anthropology and entertainment" – Christine McKenna, Los Angeles Times

Status Quo release The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984 - 1989, on August 4, 2017 on UMe. This carefully curated release is the third in a series of five limited edition Status Quo 7” singles box sets. Each set covers a decade (in the case of the Eighties there are two sets) of the band’s U.K. singles. The music is also available via a digital download code included in the box. Classic Rock said of the first in the series, “This is Quo in their effortless, casually-exalted pomp… The singles box, complete with picture sleeves and choice B-sides, is a delight”.

The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984 - 1989 features all the 7" singles from the second part of the Eighties and features tracks such as “Rollin’ Home,” “The Wonderer” and “In the Army Now.” “Naughty Girl” appears for the first time as a single as it was unreleased at the time

The singles, mastered from original tapes, are presented in their original sleeves (picture and house bags). This Limited-Edition release offers twelve 7” black heavyweight vinyl records housed in a rigid lift-off lid box.  The box set contains a booklet with quotes and chart history of each single along with a selection of rare foreign covers and memorabilia.

Fully supported by the band, The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984 - 1989 is a phenomenal collection that will be cherished by Quo fans the world over.

Following on from the well-received release in March 2017 of the first collection covering 1972 - 1979, The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984 - 1989 is a triumphant revisiting of the glory days of one of the world’s most important rock acts.

The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984-1989

SINGLE ONE

“The Wanderer” / “Can't Be Done” 

SINGLE TWO

“Naughty Girl” / “No Contract”

SINGLE THREE

“Rollin' Home” / “Lonely”

SINGLE FOUR

“Red Sky” / “Don't Give It Up” 

SINGLE FIVE

“In the Army Now” / “Heartburn”

SINGLE SIX

“Dreamin'” /”Long Legged Girls” 

SINGLE SEVEN

“Ain't Complaining” / “That's Alright” 

SINGLE EIGHT

“Who Gets the Love?” / “Halloween”

SINGLE NINE

“Running All Over the World” / “Magic”

SINGLE TEN

“Burning Bridges (On and Off and On Again)” / “Whatever You Want”

SINGLE ELEVEN

“Not at All” / “Gone Thru the Slips” 

SINGLE TWELVE

“Little Dreamer” / “Rotten to The Bone” 

Order The Vinyl Singles Collection 1984-1989 here: https://StatusQuo.lnk.to/VinylSinglesCollectionVol3

Robert Kinsler

'Queen Forever' to feature new tracks featuring Freddie Mercuy

Three previously unreleased Queen are among the tracks on the forthcoming release 'Queen Forever' set for release on November 11. Here is the official release from Hollywood Records...

QUEEN FOREVER

Queen Bring Back Freddie Mercury

New Queen Forever CD Collection Brings New Freddie Mercury Songs to Light

RELEASED NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Three previously unreleased Queen tracks featuring late singer Freddie Mercury spearhead an exciting new Queen album, Queen Forever, due November 11^th 2014 on Hollywood Records.

The tracks include a long anticipated song from Queen and Michael Jackson, “There Must Be More to Life Than This,” a previously unfinished Mercury-Queen track “Let Me In Your Heart Again” originating from the band’s The Works album recording sessions, and a new stripped-down ballad version of Mercury’s first solo hit, his Giorgio Moroder collaboration, “Love Kills.”

The rest of the package brings together Queen hits, classic tracks, and new takes on well-known songs, matched with band recordings Brian May describes as “things that we have collected together that are representative of our growth rather than the big hits” in a collection immaculately assembled by May and Roger Taylor themselves. The tracks are all linked to represent a definitive collection of Queen’s timeless love songs.

Queen Forever is available as a 20-track single CD and as an extended 36-track, two-CD set, and celebrates the extraordinary musical path of one of the world’s greatest rock bands.

Anticipation for these new Mercury tracks has been high since May and Taylor first hinted earlier this year that new songs featuring Mercury were being explored. 

Speaking at the press conference to launch their North American concert tour with singer Adam Lambert earlier in the year, May said, "There was a little bit more in the can that we had overlooked for a long time, so we have a few songs which we're working on right now. Freddie sounds as fresh as yesterday."

On the subject, Taylor said, “We’ve got some great new tracks that haven’t been heard and there’s an interesting selection of older stuff.”

The Queen and Michael Jackson duet, “There Must Be More to Life Than This,” began as a song written by Mercury during sessions for Queen’s 1981 album, Hot Space. The band recorded a backing track, but the song was never completed. Mercury visited Michael Jackson at his home studio in Los Angeles where he recorded Jackson singing the song for an unfinished version. Queen revived the track during sessions for 1984’s The Works, but again it was not finished. A year later, Freddie’s own version of the song surfaced on his debut solo album, 1985’s Mr. Bad Guy. This new production of the powerful ballad fuses Queen’s original backing track and Mercury and Jackson’s distinctive vocals, and has been produced and remixed by celebrated Madonna/Robbie Williams producer William Orbit.

Talking of his involvement, Orbit says, “I had known Roger for many years, now he was on the phone asking if I would get involved in this musical adventure.

“When I first played it in my studio I opened a trove of delights provided by the greatest of musicians. Hearing Michael Jackson's vocals was stirring. So vivid, so cool, and poignant, it was like he was in the studio singing live. With Freddie's vocal solo on the mixing desk, my appreciation for his gift was taken to an even higher level.  

“The musicianship of all four members of Queen is phenomenal. Roger, an extraordinarily multi-talented man I've always admired; John Deacon's original bass part with its lyrical fluidity that made it easy for me to know where to put the odd reinforcement. Freddie's original piano carried most of the song's musical DNA. Brian, one take for the solo, a blur of fingers, and the spirits of MJ and FM fully present, in the moment, sending shivers down the spine.”

Perhaps the biggest revelation on Queen Forever is Brian May’s composition, “Let Me In Your Heart Again.” The song was first recorded by Queen for The Works album, but not completed at the time and has remained overlooked since then. An authentic, live-in-the-studio track from the same golden age as “Radio Ga Ga” and “I Want To Break Free,” this never-before-heard Queen track shows off Freddie’s timeless vocals and features newly recorded guitar parts and new backing vocals from Brian and Roger. This thrilling track finally reaches us nearly 30 years after Freddie first laid down his original vocal.

The third new track, “Love Kills,” was composed by Freddie Mercury and famed German producer/songwriter Giorgio Moroder for the soundtrack to Moroder’s newly restored and tinted version of Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic silent movie Metropolis in 1984 to which he added a pop soundtrack featuring various music artists. Mercury recorded a high-energy dance version of the song that became his debut solo hit in 1985. However, it is less well known that all four members of Queen played on the original track. Prior to Queen embarking on their recent tour with lead singer Adam Lambert, Brian May proposed performing an acoustic ballad version of “Love Kills,” which became one of the most memorable moments of the current Queen & Adam Lambert shows. This new Queen-Freddie studio version is shaped in the same ballad style and revives the Queen original with some newly recorded guitars and drums by May and Taylor, becoming a glorious showcase for one of Freddie’s most adrenaline-charged vocal performances.

Alongside this new material, both the one and two-CD versions of Queen Forever feature songs that spotlight the band’s songwriting prowess, studio experimentation and remarkable development. It’s a timely reminder that, almost uniquely in the world of rock and pop, all four members of Queen were accomplished songwriters and superlatively gifted musicians.

Queen Forever reaches back as far as 1974 with fan favorite “Nevermore,” a Freddie Mercury song originally included on Queen II, the album that first saw Queen use the recording studio as an instrument in its own right. From the same year comes the dramatic power ballad “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited,” once the grand finale of any Queen show, and since revived by Queen & lead singer Adam Lambert on their 2014 tour. Meanwhile, the upbeat single, “You’re My Best Friend,” written by bass guitarist John Deacon, showcased Queen’s poppier side and was released as the follow-up to 1975’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” becoming a Top 10 UK and Top 20 US hit in the same year and giving John Deacon his first Queen hit single.

Elsewhere, 1977’s “Long Away” remains the only Queen single to feature Brian May on lead vocals; and the same year’s B-side “Drowse” includes a rare Queen performance from Roger Taylor on guitar. Queen saw out the decade with a run of hits that included the gospel-flavored “Somebody To Love,” memorably performed by Queen and George Michael at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992, and finished on a high with 1979’s US #1 hit, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” an exuberant rockabilly pop song composed by Freddie Mercury in the bath in Munich.

By touching on prog rock, gospel, acoustic balladry, Elvis-style rock’n’roll and more, these songs alone encapsulate Queen’s diversity in the 1970s. However, the band threw out the rulebook completely in the decades that followed, embracing funk, hard rock, soul and pure pop,  yet always sounding unmistakably Queen. The band used synthesizers for the first time on 1980’s “Play The Game” single; Freddie sang some of his vocals in Spanish on the 1982 hit “Las Palabras De Amor,” and 1986’s “One Year Of Love” featuring unusually a saxophone. The album is completed by latter-day Queen hits, including 1991’s #1 hit “These Are The Days Of Our Lives” and 1995’s “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” together with the poignant “A Winter’s Tale,” recorded during Freddie Mercury’s final Queen recording sessions in Montreux in 1991.

Queen Forever is both a showcase for these exclusive new recordings, but also an enduring tribute to the extraordinary musical achievements of John Deacon, Brian May, Roger Taylor and the late, great Freddie Mercury whose singular talent we can again  marvel at with the arrival of these previously unheard tracks.

Queen Forever. Forever? Who can tell? But for now we can be certain that this highly rewarding collection of Queen new, rare, and at their most accomplished, more than serves to uphold the band’s indisputable place in music history and is certain to earn a prized place in music collections for a long time to come.

Queen certainly rates in the top among the world’s favorite bands. The UK’s Official Charts Company earlier this year confirmed Queen’s 1981 Greatest Hits album as Britain’s best-selling album of all time all after surpassing the 6 million in sales.

Queen Forever – Track Listings

Single CD:

1. Let Me In Your Heart Again
2. Love Kills – The Ballad
3. There Must Be More To Life Than This (William Orbit Mix)
4. It’s A Hard Life
5. You’re My Best Friend
6. Love Of My Life
7. Drowse
8. Long Away
9. Lily Of The Valley
10. Don’t Try So Hard
11. Bijou
12. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
13. Las Palabras De Amor
14. Who Wants To Live Forever
15. A Winter’s Tale
16. Play The Game
17. Save Me
18. Somebody To Love
19. Too Much Love Will Kill You
20. Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2-CD SET

CD1

1. Let Me In Your Heart Again
2. Love Kills – The Ballad
3. There Must Be More To Life Than This (William Orbit Mix)
4. Play The Game
5. Dear Friends
6. You’re My Best Friend
7. Love Of My Life
8. Drowse
9. You Take My Breath Away
10. Spread Your Wings
11. Long Away
12. Lily Of The Valley
13. Don’t Try So Hard
14. Bijou
15. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
16. Nevermore
17. Las Palabras De Amor
18. Who Wants To Live Forever

CD2

1. I Was Born To Love You
2. Somebody To Love
3. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
4. Friends Will Be Friends
5. Jealousy
6. One Year of Love
7. A Winters Tale
8. ‘39
9. Mother Love
10. It’s A Hard Life
11. Save Me
12. Made in Heaven
13. Too Much Love Will Kill You
14. Sail Away Sweet Sister
15. The Miracle
16. Is This The World We Created
17. In The Lap Of The Gods…Revisited
18. Forever

For information on all things Queen, visit:

http://www.queenonline.com/

'Queen: Live at the Rainbow '74' reissue coming on September 9th

How cool is this news Queen fans? Here is the media release that just landed in my inbox...

QUEEN TO RELEASE RARE RECORDING OF LANDMARK CONCERT 

QUEEN: LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ’74

Previously unreleased first live album surfaces after 40 year wait

Multi-Format Release available September 9, 2014

Queen: Live at the Rainbow '74 is coming this fall.

(LOS ANGELES, CA – June 16, 2014) Sunday March 31^st 1974 is a landmark date in the history of rock music. It is now celebrated in the release of a rare recording made at legendary London venue The Rainbow, of a concert by the then up-and-coming band called Queen. Few who turned up for that iconic performance could have predicted they would go on to become arguably the world’s best and most successful rock group, although many more may have suspected it after this stunning show.

Among the unique material contained in this release are over a dozen tracks never previously released on any official Queen live album. The release will come in CD, Vinyl and standard DVD or SD Blu-ray formats available as standard releases as well as special limited edition sets and digital.  Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74 will be released on September 9, 2014.

That concert, being heard live for the first time in the soon to be released Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74, marked the culmination of the band’s countrywide tour, their first as headliners - hot on the heels of a tour supporting Mott the Hoople, late in 1973, on which they were widely regarded as having blown the hit band off the stage. Queen got rave reviews, almost unheard of for a support band, and it was obvious that in future they would be top of the bill.

Just before the March Rainbow gig, Queen performed their new single “Seven Seas of Rhye” on must-see UK TV music show Top of the Pops. The highly coveted slot was a lucky break - they filled in for David Bowie, who was unavailable - and the band made the most of it, delivering a thrilling performance that pushed the song into the Top 10.

Although the group now had a first hit single under its belt, and second album Queen II had just been released to critical acclaim, many felt that playing The Rainbow was overambitious. It was the premier London venue of the time, on a par with L.A.’s Palladium and New York’s Fillmore East. But the band had paid its dues, slugging it out in clubs and college halls for four years, and never doubting their own potential. The band’s confidence was vindicated when the venue quickly sold out the capacity of more than 3,000 seats.

Queen’s performance was spectacular from the second that Freddie Mercury strutted onto the stage in his soon to become trademark white “eagle suit,” specially made for him by top fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. He pranced and posed, capturing the audience in seconds with his extraordinary voice and stage presence, while Brian May provided the counterpoint with his remarkable ground-breaking guitar playing. The powerful “engine room” of drummer Roger Taylor and bass player John Deacon completed a sound unlike anything British audiences had previously heard. 

That electrifying show was recorded by Roy Thomas Baker, co-producer of Queen's first four studio albums, and slated to be the band's third album (and debut live album) - a career defining release like James Brown's Live At The Apollo or The Who's Live At Leeds. Intended to be a recording that captured the magic of a live band firing on all cylinders,Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74 would undoubtedly have been a big success. But Queen’s ferocious creative momentum produced a stack of new songs begging to be recorded and instead of releasing the live album the band went into the studio to record what was to become their breakthrough album, Sheer Heart Attack.  As a result the completed Rainbow live album was shelved and consigned to the archives.

Later in 1974 Queen had their first chart-topping single, “Killer Queen,” which encapsulated their brand of driving rock and clever lyrics. It appeared on Sheer Heart Attack, which was released in the autumn, was a massive hit and remains to this day many fans’ favorite Queen album. To celebrate this success and crown a remarkable year, Queen returned to The Rainbow in November 1974 for two sell-out gigs that were even more spectacular than the one in March.  These concerts included the typically flamboyant performance of “Now I’m Here” with which they had been wowing audiences on the tour. It featured Freddie apparently appearing in a spotlight on opposite sides of the stage almost simultaneously. The concerts received massive acclaim from fans and critics alike, and won over many who had until then doubted the band’s potential.

Now, 40 years on, Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74 has finally been released, providing an invaluable record of emerging superstars demonstrating their talent.

Queen, Hollywood Records and Eagle Rock Entertainment are proud to announce that Queen: Live at the Rainbow ‘74 will be released on September 9^th 2014 in a variety of formats all newly mixed and mastered to the highest contemporary standard. These include a standard two CD package, a gate-fold double vinyl (including an updated to current audio standards original live album), and a super deluxe collector’s edition. This comprehensive and fascinating package includes two CDs, a DVD and Blu-ray, a 60 page hardback book containing many rare photographs, and various items of memorabilia such as reproductions of the tickets, show souvenir program and poster, as well as material from the band members’ personal archives. (Full details of the various packages which will be released can be found at the end of this release).  Eagle Rock Entertainment will also be releasing DVD and SD Blu-ray editions in North America.

These recordings capture Queen at that time in all their glory: the dramatic stage presence, the highly original self-penned repertoire of songs, high-energy performances coupled with stunning melodic and harmonic content, and the uncompromising perfectionist approach to every aspect of their performance which is still maintained to this day.

To mark the 40th anniversary of these legendary shows, here, finally, is Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74 - lovingly restored, edited, mixed and digitally mastered.  It is a collection every Queen fan will want to possess.

Queen will be touring North America, Asia and Australia this summer with virtuoso vocalist Adam Lambert. The tour kicks off June 19th at Chicago's United Center. Tour dates and ticket information can be found at queenonline.com.

QUEEN: LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ’74  - formats
(Hollywood Records)

·        Two CD digi-pack, with one CD featuring the March show and the second CD featuring the November show

·        Two disc vinyl, limited edition gate-fold double vinyl package, with one LP featuring an audio reproduction of the original March show live album and the other LP featuring highlights from the November show.

·        Super Deluxe Box - limited edition Super Deluxe lidded box set package containing:

1.                Two CDs, one CD featuring the March show and the second CD featuring the November show

2.                A DVD and SD Blu-ray of the November show with four “bonus” tracks from March

3.                A 60 page hardback book containing lots of previously unseen photographs, and (among other items), reproductions of two reviews, one from The Times and one from Disc and Music Echo. A series of four articles from the latter publication is also included.

4.                Reproductions of two tickets from the March concert (those actually used by Brian’s parents)

5.                A reproduction of the tour itinerary folder for the March concert from promoter Mel Bush, including a letter instructing the band not to trash the hotel room or there will be dire consequences!

6.                A reproduction of the 8 page show souvenir brochure

7.                Two button badges – reproductions of items available at the concert

8.                A reproduction of the purple and gold March concert poster

9.                A reproduction of a fashion shoot in The Telegraph Magazine, featuring the band with fashion models.

10.             A reproduction of the sticker stage pass from the March concert

(Eagle Rock Entertainment)

·        DVD or SD Blu-ray of the November show with four “bonus” tracks from March

·        SD Blu-ray & CD combo pack

Queen: Live at the Rainbow ‘74 will also be available as a two volume digital release.

Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74 - track listings:

 Two CD digi-pack

                              CD 1

                              QUEEN II TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, March ’74

               1.            “Procession”

               2.            “Father To Son”

               3.            “Ogre Battle”

               4.            “Son And Daughter”

               5.            “Guitar Solo”

               6.            “Son And Daughter (Reprise)”

               7.            “White Queen (As It Began)”

               8.            “Great King Rat”

               9.            “The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke”

               10.         “Keep Yourself Alive”

               11.         “Drum Solo”

               12.         “Keep Yourself Alive (Reprise)”

               13.         “Seven Seas Of Rhye”

               14.         “Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll”

               15.         “Jailhouse Rock (Medley)”

                              “Stupid Cupid (Medley)”

                              “Be Bop A Lula (Medley)”

               16.         “Liar”

               17.         “See What A Fool I’ve Been”

                              CD 2

                              SHEER HEART ATTACK TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, November ’74

               1.            “Procession”

               2.            “Now I’m Here”

               3.            “Ogre Battle”

               4.            “Father To Son”

               5.            “White Queen (As It Began)”

               6.            “Flick Of The Wrist”

               7.            “In The Lap Of The Gods”

               8.            “Killer Queen”

               9.            “The March Of The Black Queen”

               10.          “Bring Back That Leroy Brown”

               11.          “Son And Daughter”

               12.          “Guitar Solo”

               13.          “Son And Daughter (Reprise)”

               14.          “Keep Yourself Alive”

               15.          “Drum Solo”

               16.          “Keep Yourself Alive (Reprise)”

               17.          “Seven Seas Of Rhye”

               18.          “Stone Cold Crazy”

               19.          “Liar”

               20.          “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited”

               21.          “Big Spender”

               22.          “Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll”

               23.          “Jailhouse Rock”

               24.          “God Save The Queen”

Standard DVD and SD Blu-ray:

                              SHEER HEART ATTACK TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, November ’74

               1.            “Procession”

               2.            “Now I’m Here”

               3.            “Ogre Battle”

               4.            “Father To Son”

               5.            “White Queen (As It Began)”

               6.            “Flick Of The Wrist”

               7.            “In The Lap Of The Gods”

               8.            “Killer Queen”

               9.            “The March Of The Black Queen”

               10.         “Bring Back That Leroy Brown”

               11.         “Son And Daughter”

               12.         “Guitar Solo”

               13.         “Son And Daughter (Reprise)”

               14.         “Keep Yourself Alive”

               15.         “Drum Solo”

               16.         “Keep Yourself Alive (Reprise)”

               17.         “Seven Seas Of Rhye”

               18.         “Stone Cold Crazy”

               19.         “Liar”

               20.         “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited”

               21.         “Big Spender”

               22.         “Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll”

               23.         “Jailhouse Rock”

               24.         “God Save The Queen”

                              BONUS TRACKS

                              QUEEN II TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, March ’74 

               1.            “Son And Daughter”

               2.            “Guitar Solo”

               3.            “Son And Daughter (Reprise)”

               4.            “Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll”

Double Vinyl LP Package:

                              QUEEN II TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, March ’74

               1.            “Procession”

               2.            “Father To Son”

               3.            “Ogre Battle”

               4.            “Son And Daughter”

               5.            “Guitar Solo”

               6.            “Son And Daughter (Reprise)”

               7.            “Keep Yourself Alive”

               8.            “Drum Solo”

               9.            “Keep Yourself Alive (Reprise)”

               10.         “Seven Seas Of Rhye”

               11.         “Modern Times Rock ’n’ Roll”

               12.         “Liar”

                              SHEER HEART ATTACK TOUR

                              Live at the Rainbow, November ’74

               1.            “Procession”

               2.            “Now I’m Here”

               3.            “White Queen (As It Began)”

               4.            “Flick Of The Wrist”

               5.            “In The Lap Of The Gods”

               6.            “Killer Queen”

               7.            “The March Of The Black Queen”

               8.            “Bring Back That Leroy Brown”

               9.            “Stone Cold Crazy”

               10.         “In The Lap Of The Gods… Revisited”

Some fascinating (and noteworthy) facts about Queen: Live at the Rainbow ’74:

“The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke,” (from Queen II) was inspired by a painting by Richard Dadd (1817-1886) which now hangs in the Tate Gallery, having been donated to the gallery by war poet Siegfried Sassoon. The song is by far the most significant rare track on the Rainbow project. The March 31st show was the last time Queen performed it in concert and this is the only known live recording of the song. 

 “Great King Rat” and “Modern Times Rock'n'Roll” (from the first album), “See What A Fool I've Been” (the non-album B-side of “Seven Seas of Rhye”) and “Flick of the Wrist” (fromSheer Heart Attack), are also included on an official Queen live release for the first time.   

The following 15 songs from March and November Rainbow 1974 concerts have never appeared on any official Queen live album before (this excludes video): “Procession,” “Father to Son,” “Ogre Battle,” “Son and Daughter,” “White Queen,” “Great King Rat,” “The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke,” “Modern Times Rock'n'Roll,” “Liar,” “See What A Fool I've Been,” “Flick of the Wrist,” “In the Lap of the Gods” (not to be confused with “In The Lap Of The Gods... Revisited”), “The March of the Black Queen,” “Bring Back that Leroy Brown” and “Stone Cold Crazy.”