Queen Fanthology

The Queen

Fanthology

Craig Piper Last Update: 15

th February 2014

Foreword

So, youre a big fan of Queen? Got all the albums and maybe all the singles, too? Think youve got everything? Think

again

Over their long history, Queen have released many different versions of their material; remixes, edits, remakes, B-

sides, collaborations, mistakes, there are literally hundreds of variations to the songs you will find on Queens

albums. Add in a healthy dose of unreleased songs that have surfaced over the years, and you have A LOT of material

to listen to and collect.

Ive listened to and collected Queen for many years, and ever since I started these variations and versions have

fascinated me. While several other guides to Queens material exist, I was always frustrated that none of them were

definitive.

That is where this guide comes in. It aims to list and describe every variation and version of every Queen track, no

matter how small the difference. From songs that never made it to the album, to the most minor of edits, youll find

it all here.

In this guide, each album has its own chapter (along with additional chapters on pre-Queen bands, collaborations

and live tracks), and each chapter follows the same format:

A guide to the album background, including a track listing and key facts about when and where it was

recorded, and who produced and engineered the album. This section will also include information on the

original release dates, release formats and catalogue numbers.

A list of album remasters, including who remastered the album, where it was remastered and release details

of the remaster.

Details of the album versions of each song, including the author and track time, to allow comparison to the

different versions.

A comprehensive list of each of the song versions, including track time and a description of what makes that

version different.

A list of releases (where applicable) that feature that song version.

There is a lot of information contained in this guide, so before you get stuck in I recommend you read the following

few pages to help you get the most out of it. This will give you all the background needed to understand whats in

the guide.

Using this guide

Whats in and whats out:

This guide aims to list all song versions where there is any variation (however minor) to the standard album version.

This includes both officially released and unreleased studio material, as well as officially released live material.

There is, however, one exception to this rule. Over the years Queen have released several official documentaries,

which feature a lot of songs in their soundtracks. Many of these songs are just short clips of the album versions, and

to keep this guide focused on what really matters, the music, the decision was taken not to include these short clips.

Documentary tracks are only listed where there has been some form of remixing from the album version.

Releases:

Along with each song version, youll find a list of releases that that features that version. It would be near impossible

to list every release, so the following approach has been adopted:

Only releases from the three major Queen territories of the UK, US and Japan are listed, unless the song

version in question doesnt feature on releases from those counties, or there is some other good reason for

including other territories

Some releases have also been issued a multitude of times over many years and in a variety of packages (for

example, Greatest Hits). In these cases it wasnt always possible to list every single issue and reissue, but I

have tried to list as many as possible.

The list of releases is focused on vinyl and CDs, generally Ive only listed cassette sources when there is no

vinyl or CD equivalent.

Video sources of tracks are also included (e.g. DVDs, Laser Discs and videos), but generally only when there is

no equivalent audio source.

For a lot of the releases mentioned youll also find an indication of its rarity, including which releases might be easier

to find when a song features on more than one. This is obviously quite subjective and should only be taken as a

suggestion; collecting Queen has never been an exact science.

Unreleased Material:

To the delight of many fans, and the frustration of the band, a large catalogue of unreleased material has found its

way into the hands of collectors. Some of this material circulates freely amongst the community of Queen fans,

whilst some is exceptionally rare and in the hands of only a few people.

To make it absolutely clear what material is available and what is not, youll see a status attached to every listing of

unreleased material. The categories are:

Shared: The track definitely exists and it has been freely shared amongst Queen fans, so anyone should be

able to get hold of it.

Uncirculated: The track definitely exists and it is in the hands of collectors, but it has not been shared freely

and may be difficult to get hold of.

Not Recorded: A status relating to fan club convention tracks. We know it was played at the convention, but

no recording has come to light.

In The Vaults: The track has been confirmed to exist by an official source, but it has never leaked to

collecting circles.

Advert: The track has been advertised for sale/trade, but hasnt been heard by anyone. Related mainly to

some acetate discs.

Rumour: Gossip, innuendo, wind ups; they are all here. This material may exist, or it may not.

These statuses have been included on listings that relate to recordings from acetate discs as well, as although there

is a physical product, they have never been widely released and exist only in exceptionally limited numbers.

If you are new to Queen collecting and youd like to get hold of the shared material then your first port of call should

be Queenzone, the most popular Queen internet forum.

Repeated Information:

Its worth mentioning that youll see certain bits of information repeated throughout the guide. This is particularly

true of the releases segments. For example, all the De Lane Lea demos come from the same release, and so for each

of the five demos the same description of the release was included. While that might get a tad boring if you are

reading the whole document, there is a reason for it. This guide is put together in such a way to allow people to dip

in and out, so its necessary to repeat certain things.

Beware Fakes!

Over time, many fake Queen tracks have come to light. Sometimes this has been unintentional, but at other times

its been a deliberate ploy to deceive fans. In each album chapter the most common fakes are listed, but so many

circulate it would be impossible to keep track of them all.

Some fakes are so poor you can spot them easily, while others have clearly had a lot of effort put into them. Fake

tracks, however, generally fall into these categories:

Fan mixes: Many Queen fans turn their talents to remixing songs, made all the more easier these days by the

huge collection of computer game stems available. Most share their work freely, but in some cases people

have mistaken (deliberately or otherwise) these fan mixes for demos or rarities.

5.1 Mixes: Queen have released several DVDs in 5.1 Surround Sound, and if you have just a little PC

knowledge you can separate out the different tracks and listen to each individually. Fun to do, but

sometimes these separated 5.1 mixes have been passed off as rarities.

Stereo Mixes: Back in the days before 5.1 Surround Sound people only had stereo effects to play with. Many

bootlegs contain tracks with just the left or right channel present, and try to pass these off as demos.

Official releases: Sometimes the more obscure official releases are passed off as demos. Check this guide

and youll know for sure whats official and whats not!

New creations: Some people go to the lengths of recording new music to create a fake track, sometimes

combining it with genuine samples. Some of it is rather good, but its not worth anything at all.

Wind Ups: The vast majority of Queen fans are good people, but some like to wind us all up with tales of

unreleased tracks that are nothing more than fantasy.

If you are ever offered any Queen rarities in a trade, make sure you know what you are getting first, and always ask

for a sample!

Help! If you have any information to add to this guide, or if you spot a mistake that needs to be corrected, then please get

in touch by emailing [email protected]

Queen

Queen recorded their first album before they even had a record deal. In 1972, Queen signed with production

company Trident, who agreed to produce an album and then look for a record deal with a major label. The lack of a

record deal meant the band was forced to record in down time, when no other acts wanted the studio. This

haphazard recording and mixing process caused problems, leaving the band dissatisfied with many elements of the

recording.

In 1973 Queen finally secured a record deal with EMI in the UK, and later Elektra in the US and Japan. A few months

later their first album, which would have been called Top Fax, Pix and Info had Roger Taylor had his way, was

released. The sleeve notes of this first album throw up a couple of anomalies; John Deacon was persuaded to change

his name to Deacon John by Freddie and Roger, who thought it sounded more interesting that way. This album was

also one of two where Roger Taylor chose to use his middle name, Meddows.

The album spawned two singles; Keep Yourself Alive, released in many countries around the world, and Liar,

released only in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Neither made any impression on the charts.

Tracks: 1) Keep Yourself Alive (May)

2) Doing All Right (May/Staffell)

3) Great King Rat (Mercury)

4) My Fairy King (Mercury)

5) Liar (Mercury)

6) The Night Comes Down* (May)

7) Modern Times Rock N Roll (Taylor)

8) Son And Daughter (May)

9) Jesus (Mercury)

10) Seven Seas of Rhye (Mercury)

Personnel: Freddie Mercury (Vocals, piano)

Brian May (Guitars, piano, vocals)

Deacon John (Bass guitar)

Roger Meddows-Taylor (Percussion, vocals)

Guest personnel: John Anthony (Additional vocals on Modern Times Rock n Roll)

Produced by: John Anthony, Roy Thomas Baker and Queen

(*The Night Comes Down produced by Queen and recorded by Louie Austin)

Engineered by: Roy Thomas Baker, Mike Stone, Ted Sharpe and Dave Henschel

Recorded at: Trident Studios, London, UK; January 1972-January 1973

(*The Night Comes Down recorded at De Lane Lea, London, UK; September-December 1971)

Release date: 13th

July 1973 (UK)

4th

September 1973 (USA)

25th

March 1974 (Japan)

Release details:

Release Description Label/Catalogue No. Notes

Queen 1973 UK 12 Album EMI: EMC 3006

1973 US 12 Album Elektra: EKS 75064

1973 Japanese 12 Album Elektra: P-8427-E

Remasters

Early CD Issues:


Queen 1986 UK CD5 Album EMI: CDP 7 46204 2

1987 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: CP32-5376

1990 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-6551 Supermasters series

1992 UK CD5 Album Parlophone:

UK-CD-FA 3040

Reissue

1991 Remaster: Remastered by Eddy Schreyer at Future Disc Systems, Hollywood, USA


Queen 1991 US CD5 Album Hollywood Records:

HR-61064-2

Bonus Tracks: 1) Mad The Swine

2) Keep Yourself Alive (Long Lost Re-take)

3) Liar (John Luongo & Gary Hellman Remix)



Queen 1994 UK CD5 Album Parlophone: CDPCSD 139

1994 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-8271

1998 Remaster: Remasters by Peter Mew at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK


Miniatures Volume I 1998 UK CD5 Box Set Parlophone: 4984072 Card sleeve vinyl replicas;

contains four albums

The Crown Jewels 1998 US CD5 Box Set Hollywood Records:

HR622002 BK01

Card sleeve vinyl replicas;

contains eight albums

Queen 1998 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-65101 Card sleeve vinyl replica

2001 Remaster: Remastered by Peter Mew at Abbey Road Studios, London, UK


Queen 2001 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba EMI: TOCP-65841

2004 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-67341 Card sleeve vinyl replica


2007 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-53441 Reissue


reissue. Additional OBI

2011 Remaster: Remastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, USA


Queen 2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 387 6 1 CD edition

2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 387 9 2 CD edition

2011 US CD5 Album Hollywood Records:

D001364002

1 CD edition


D001363902

2 CD edition

2011 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-15009 1 CD edition


2011 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UIGY-9510 Super Audio CD. 1 CD only

2012 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-75412 Reissue. 1 CD edition


Bonus Tracks*: 1) Keep Yourself Alive (De Lane Lea Demo)

2) The Night Comes Down (De Lane Lea Demo)

3) Great King Rat (De Lane Lea Demo)

4) Jesus (De Lane Lea Demo)

5) Liar (De Lane Lea Demo)

6) Mad The Swine

*Bonus tracks only on 2 CD editions

Bonus Videos*: 1) Son And Daughter (Live at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK 24/12/1975)

2) Liar (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, UK 19/11/1974)

3) Keep Yourself Alive (Promo Video)

* Bonus videos released on iTunes only

Keep Yourself Alive

Written by: Brian May

Album Version Time: 3:47

De Lane Lea Demo (3:51) Queens first outing into the studio came at De Lane Lea, London in 1971. The band had been asked to help test the

equipment in the brand new studio, and in return they could record a demo tape for free, with this track being one

of five recorded with engineer Louie Austin.

This recording of Keep Yourself Alive has the same basic structure as the album version, but with some notable

differences; the introduction is on an acoustic guitar and there are several lyrical changes. This, and the other four

tracks, are a fascinating document into the bands early history.

Where to find it:

The De Lane Lea demos were bootlegged for many years before finally receiving an official release as bonus tracks

on the 2011 remaster of the eponymous Queen album, as well a US promo release. The studio tapes from these

sessions were long since lost or destroyed, so all the tracks come from an acetate disc in Brian Mays personal

collection, and this track starts with the sound of the needle being placed onto the disc.




D001363902

2 CD edition


2012 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-75427 Reissue 2 CD edition

Radio Sampler First Wave 2011 US CD5 Promo Hollywood Records:

BVPR003382

Early Version (3:51) Somewhere between the De Lea Demo and the finished album version, Queen recorded this version of Keep Yourself

Alive. The acoustic guitar remains, but other elements of the track have clearly been developed a little further and

the lyrics are closer to, although not the same as, the album version.

Where to find it: Unreleased (Shared)

This track was a discovered on a 12 acetate of the eponymous Queen album in 2011. Only one copy has ever

surfaced and is in the hands of a private collector, but a digital copy of this track has leaked and is freely available.

All the remaining tracks on the acetate are identical to the finished album, which would indicate that Keep Yourself

Alive was the last track finished for these sessions.


Queen ???UK 12 Acetate - Trident Studios acetate

Withdrawn Promo Mix (3:49) This very rare mix is almost identical to the album version, with only some slight changes to the guitar levels,

particularly at the end of the track. Why this mix ended up being changed for the album is anyones guess.

Where to find it:

This mix came to light in 2011, on a withdrawn demo copy of the Keep Yourself Alive single. The regular demo copy

is dated 6/7/73, whereas this mix comes from an earlier copy dated 15/6/73. All copies of this early record were

supposed to have been destroyed, but an EMI employee saved between 15-20 copies and, many years later, sold

them to several collectors. If you own this one you are very lucky indeed.


Keep Yourself Alive 1973 UK 7 Promo EMI: 2036 Withdrawn. Dated

15/6/73.

BBC Session 1 (3:48) All of the BBC Session 1 tracks use the album backing tracks (with some remixing), combined with new vocal takes,

so this is very similar to the album recording. Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 5th

February 1973.

Where to find it:

Queen recorded six sessions for the BBC, the first and third of which were released in 1989 in the UK and Japan (and

later in 1995 in the US). Although, unusually for Queen, it has never been remastered or re-released, the CD is still

fairly easy to pick up cheaply, but the LP will cost you a little more.


At The Beeb 1989 UK CD5 Album Band Of Joy: BOJCD001

1989 UK 12 Album Band Of Joy: BOJLP001

1989 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TECP-25525

BBC Session 1 - Hollywood Records Release (3:48) Six years after the release of At The Beeb, the American market finally got the recordings from these sessions in the

form of At The BBC. Unfortunately, after waiting all that time, Hollywood Records managed to reverse the stereo

channels of the entire album.

Where to find it:

The CD release of At The BBC is still in print and easy to get hold of cheaply. More collectable (and expensive) is the

promo picture disc. This track is also available on a rather rare US promo CD issued to promote the 1998 Crown

Jewels remasters.


At The BBC 1995 US CD5 Album Hollywood Records:

HR-62005-2

1995 US 12 Promo Hollywood Records: ED 62005

Picture disc

Keep Yourself Alive 1998 US CD5 Promo Hollywood Records:

PRCD 11032-2

BBC Session 2 (3:50) Recorded in Langham One Studio, London, on 25

th July 1973, this track again uses the album backing (with some

remixing) and a new vocal take with some lyrical changes. Very similar to the Session 1 recording.


The four unreleased BBC sessions were bootlegged for a number of years, generally in poor quality. However, in

2010 a generous collector shared high quality recordings of all these sessions from master tapes in his collection.

US Single Version (3:32) Keep Yourself Alive was edited for the US re-release in 1975. The edit is a simple early fade, losing the last 20

seconds or so.

Where to find it:

This version was released as a single in 1975, and also featured as a double A-side to the Spun Gold reissue of

Another One Bites The Dust). The 1975 single also contains unique versions of Lily Of The Valley and God Save The

Queen, representing a 3 for 1 bargain for collectors. If you are very lucky (and have some deep pockets) it is also

available on the original Elektra CD release of Greatest Hits.


Keep Yourself Alive 1975 US 7 Single Elektra: E-45268

Another One Bites The Dust/

Keep Yourself Alive

1981 US 7 Single Elektra: E-45106 Spun Gold release

Greatest Hits 1981 US 12 Album Elektra: 5E-564

1984 US CD5 Album Elektra: 5E-564-2

Long Lost Re-take (4:05) In 1975, Queen re-recorded Keep Yourself Alive for a proposed single release in the US, although in the end that take

was not used and the same single version from 1973 was reissued. Although this track retains the overall structure of

the familiar album cut, it is a completely different take with many different touches both musically and vocally.

Where to find it: This track finally got a widespread release in 1991, when it appeared on the Hollywood Records remaster on the

eponymous Queen album, and twenty years later on the 2011 remaster of A Night At The Opera, as well as some

promo releases. Notably, it appears on an exceptionally rare acetate, along with an edit of the same track.


Keep Yourself Alive 1975 UK 7 Acetate - Master Room acetate


HR-61064-2

Keep Yourself Alive 1998 US CD5 Promo Hollywood Records:

PRCD 11032-2

A Night At The Opera 2011 UK CD5 Album Island 2 CD edition


D001364902

2 CD edition



Stormtroopers In Stilettos 2011 UK 7 Single Island: LC1846 2765780 Record Store Day release


BVPR003382

Long Lost Re-take Edit (3:29) A very simple edit of this re-recording of Keep Yourself Alive. Only around 35 seconds of material is lost, achieved by

a slightly shortened opening and an early fade.


This one only appears on an exceptionally rare, perhaps unique, acetate disc. However, the collector who owns the

disc freely shared a copy of the recording so Queen fans everywhere can enjoy it.


Keep Yourself Alive 1975 UK 7 Acetate - Master Room acetate

Video Version (3:43) Queen recorded two videos for Keep Yourself Alive, although only the second has ever been released. The audio for

the video fades out three to four seconds before the album version.

Where to find it:

The second video for Keep Yourself Alive has been released as a bonus track on Box Of Flix and Greatest Flix I&II, and

has also found its way on to the US video release of Classic Queen. All of these products are now deleted, so the

easiest way to find this one would be either Greatest Video Hits 1 or the iTunes deluxe edition of Queen.


Box Of Flix 1991 UK VHS Video PMI: MVB 9913243

1992 Japanese VHS Video Toshiba-EMI:

TOVW-3132/3

Classic Queen 1992 US VHS Video Hollywood Records:

HR-69001-3

Greatest Flix I&II 1997 UK Laser Disc Video Pioneer: PMLPD 01171

1997 UK DVD Video Queen Films: QDVD001

Greatest Video Hits 1 2002 UK DVD Video Parlophone: 492 9449

2002 US DVD Video Hollywood Records:

7 20616 90119 4

2002 Japanese DVD Video Toshiba-EMI:

TOBW-3057/58


TOBW 3241/42

Reissue


TOBW 92054/55

Reissue

Queen 2011 Internet Download - iTunes deluxe album

Karaoke Version 1 (3:36) A karaoke instrumental version, retaining the backing vocals. For some reason the track fades out earlier than the

album version, and the stereo channels have been reversed.

Where to find it:

The bands only official karaoke album was released in Japan in 1998, and then re-released (with additional tracks) in

2004. Both releases are rather rare and quite costly if you are able to find them.


Greatest Karaoke Hits 1998 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI:

TOCP-65061-62

2004 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI:

TOCP-67422-23

Karaoke Version 2 (3:20) The DVD version of this track fades in much later than the album version, cutting off most of the guitar intro. It also

fades out early in the same way as Karaoke Version 1.

Where to find it:

The DVD of Greatest Karaoke Hits features a number of edits, presumably to allow 35 tracks to fit onto one disc, and

just like the CD release its getting rather hard to get hold of at a reasonable price.


Greatest Karaoke Hits 2004 Japanese DVD Video TOBW-3174

Karaoke Vocal Version (3:20) The Greatest Karaoke Hits DVD allows you play all karaoke tracks with the vocals restored, creating the same edit as

Karaoke Version 2 but with Freddie back where he belongs.

Where to find it:

The DVD of Greatest Karaoke Hits features a number of edits, presumably to allow 35 tracks to fit onto one disc, and

just like the CD release its getting rather hard to get hold of at a reasonable price.


Greatest Karaoke Hits 2004 Japanese DVD Video TOBW-3174

Computer Game Stems (3:40) This version from Rock Band 3 has some minor remixing. There is some additional percussion at the start of the track

to count down to the guitar opening, and the fade out at the end has been removed.

Separation: Kick/Snare/Room/Bass/Guitar/Additional Guitar/Vocals

Where to find it:

This track can be downloaded to play on Rock Band 3. The separated stems ripped from the game circulate freely

amongst the Queen community.


Rock Band 3 2010 Download Electronic Arts

Doing All Right

Written by: Brian May & Tim Staffell


BBC Session 1 (4:10) This version uses a remixed version of the album backing track with a new vocal recording, featuring Roger Taylor

singing the final verse. Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 5th

February 1973.

Where to find it:








BBC Session 1 Hollywood Records Release (4:10) Exactly the same as the regular BBC Session 1 recording, just with the stereo channels reversed.

Where to find it:


promo picture disc. This track was also released as a B-side to the second Let Me Live CD single in the UK.



HR-62005-2


Picture disc

Let Me Live 1996 UK CD5 Single Parlophone: CDQUEEN24 Part 2 single

Champions Of The World Version (1:06) The piano introduction is played and then repeated once in this version, before going into the regular album version.

It fades outs early around the line Where will I be this time tomorrow. As this version features in a documentary

there is some commentary over part of the music, with Roger Taylor taking about the bands popularity in Japan.

Where to find it:

Both the video and laser disc of Champions of the World are now deleted, but copies are inexpensive and should not

prove too hard to track down.


Champions of the World 1995 UK Laser Disc Video Pioneer: PLMPB 01141

1995 UK VHS Video PMI: MVD 4915053

1995 US VHS Video Hollywood Records:

HR-69003-3

1995 Japanese Laser Disc

Video

Toshiba-EMI:

TOLW-3224/5

1995 Japanese VHS Video Toshiba-EMI:

TOVW-3224

Great King Rat

Written by: Freddie Mercury


De Lane Lea Demo (6:09) The second of the De Lane Lea demo tracks. This raw take is similar in structure to the album version, but very

clearly a very different recording.

Where to find it:


on the 2011 remaster of the eponymous Queen album. The studio tapes from these sessions were long since lost or

destroyed, so all the tracks come from an acetate disc in Brian Mays personal collection, with the surface noise

adding to the raw feel of the track.




D001363902

2 CD edition



BBC Session 3 (5:59) Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 3

rd December 1973 for Queens third BBC session. This is a completely

new recording of the track, featuring some different guitar and far fewer backing vocals.

Where to find it:








BBC Session 3 - Hollywood Records Release (5:56) Exactly the same as the regular BBC Session 3 recording, just with the stereo channels reversed. The slight difference

in track time compared to At The Beeb is due to a shorter silence between tracks.

Where to find it:


promo picture disc.



HR-62005-2


Picture disc

Alternative Mix (5:42) The 1991 and 1994 remasters on the eponymous Queen album used an inferior recording source of Great King Rat,

as the original master tapes were in very bad condition. This resulted in this alternative mix, which has some

different stereo effects, most clearly noticed in the guitar intro, where the left channel is silent.

Where to find it:

Only available on the 1991 and 1994 remasters of the first album, as the subsequent remasters in 1998, 2001 and

2011 fixed the problem.



HR-61064-2

1994 UK CD5 Album Parlophone: CDPCSD 139


Take One: Convention Recording (3:39) This first take of Great King Rat starts with Freddie counting in to ten. It is a very under developed take, and features

a lot of ad-libbed vocals. The song continues until up to the acoustic section, where Freddie then counts out.

Where to find it:

2004 UK Convention: Unreleased (Not Recorded). We know this take was played at the 2004 UK Convention, but

there is no known recording of it.

2004 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Shared). There are at least two different recordings of this track from the 2004

Dutch Convention, and one of those has been freely shared.

Take Four: Convention Recording (6:29) By the time we reach this take four recording, the song is a good deal more developed, with lyrics much closer to the

album version. There are some additional guitar parts in various places on this version.

Where to find it:

2005 UK Convention: Unreleased (Uncirculated). This convention session was recorded in full, but most of the tracks

from it have not been shared.

2005 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Shared). At 3:30 this recording is shorter than the UK version, as Greg Brooks

cut it off halfway through due to time constraints. It has been widely shared.

My Fairy King



BBC Session 1 (4:06) As with all the first BBC Session tracks, this recording uses the album backing with newly recorded vocals. Recorded

at Langham One Studio, London, on 5th

February 1973.

Where to find it:








BBC Session 1 - Hollywood Release (4:06) Exactly the same as the regular BBC Session 1 recording, just with the stereo channels reversed.

Where to find it:





HR-62005-2


Picture disc


BBC Session 1 - Acetate Version (3:35) This acetate of My Fairy King contains the BBC Session 1 take, but faded in later than usual, cutting off the first 16

seconds or so. The rest of the track plays normally.

Where to find it: Unreleased (Uncirculated)

Only one copy of this acetate has ever surfaced, and is in the hands of a private collector. The edit it contains has

never been publically shared.


My Fairy King 1973 UK 7 Acetate - Emidisc acetate

Liar



De Lane Lea Demo (7:54) The De Lane Lea demo of this track, while basically the same as the album cut, is considerably longer. It features

many extra guitar parts and has a raw edge to the sound.

Where to find it:


on the 2011 remaster of the eponymous Queen album, as well as a US promo release. The studio tapes from these

sessions were long since lost or destroyed, so all the tracks come from an acetate disc in Brian Mays personal

collection, with the surface noise adding to the raw feel of the track.




D001363902

2 CD edition




BVPR003382

BBC Session 1 (6:30) The band have, once again, used a remixed form of the album backing track with a newly recorded vocal track. The

remixing brings forward a number of guitar parts which arent obvious on the album, as well as the organ at the end.

Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 5th

February 1973.

Where to find it:









in track time compared to At The Beeb is due to a shorter silence between tracks.

Where to find it:





HR-62005-2


Picture disc


BBC Session 1 - Acetate Version (5:09) This acetate discs contains an edit of the BBC Session 1 take. The guitar introduction to the song has been cut, and it

fades in just before the vocals start. The first 1:20 of material is lost, but the rest of the track plays normally.

Interestingly, the advert for this acetate claimed it contained an edit lasting 3:36.


Only one known copy of this acetate has ever surfaced and is in the hands of a private collector. The edit it contains

has never been publically shared.


Liar 1973 UK 7 Acetate - Emidisc acetate

BBC Session 2 (6:31) This BBC Session 2 take used the same remixed backing track as Session 1 with a brand new vocal recording. Slightly

different to Session 1, there are a couple of moments when you expect the backing vocals to kick in but they never

come, exposing some instrumental parts youve never really heard before. Recorded at Langham One Studio,

London, on 25th

July 1973


The four unreleased BBC sessions were bootlegged for a number of years, generally in poor quality However, in 2010

a generous collector shared high quality recordings of all these sessions from master tapes in his collection.

US Single Version (3:00) The follow up single to Keep Yourself Alive in the US, this track was heavily edited, losing more than half the material

from the album version. Several huge sections have been lifted, leaving what is left sounding rather disjointed and

clumsy.

Where to find it:

The original single release of Liar has become rather rare and expensive. More affordable is the Spun Gold reissue of

Killer Queen, which features this edit as a double A-side.


Liar 1974 US 7 Single Elektra: EK-45884

Killer Queen/Liar 1976 US 7 Single Elektra: E-45080 Spun Gold release

John Luongo & Gary Hellman Remix (6:26) John Luongo and Gary Hellman have stayed faithful to the original recording, adding some additional percussion and

various sound effects, while keeping the track basically intact.

Where to find it:

Hollywood Records commissioned a number of remixes to add to the 1991 remasters as bonus tracks. The 1991

remasters are now deleted and have been succeeded by the 2011 remasters, but having been in circulation for

twenty years you should have no trouble getting hold of this edition of Queens first album.



HR-61064-2

The Eye Version (1:26) A simple edit of the first 1 minutes of the album version, ending in a fade.

Where to find it:

Found on disc one of the game: The Arena Domain. The UK version features this track twice. All versions of The Eye

are now deleted and becoming increasing hard to find, especially in good condition.


The Eye 1998 UK CDROM PC Game Electronic Arts:

DDE05501101S

1998 Japanese CDROM PC

Game

Toshiba-EMI:

TORM-7040-44

1998 French CDROM PC

Game

Electronic Arts:

DDF05501101S

1998 German CDROM PC

Game

Electronic Arts:

DDG05501101S

1998 Spanish CDROM PC

Game

Electronic Arts:

DDS05501101S

The Night Comes Down



De Lane Lea Demo (4:24) When listening to this De Lane Lea track for the first time you may think you have heard it somewhere else before,

and youd be right! According to the liner notes in the 2011 remaster of Queens first album, the band felt their

original recording could not be improved upon and decided to keep this demo on the album. Another version of the

tale is that they were very unhappy with the recordings produced by Roy Thomas Baker, which seems the more likely

explanation. It is well documented the band hated the drum sound from these sessions.

The album version was remixed from the original De Lane Lea tapes, so you will spot some differences. The lead

vocal in particular is far more prominent in this mix.

Where to find it:








D001363902

2 CD edition



The Eye Version (0:47) A straight edit of the guitar introduction to this track. It fades in after the opening drum beats and cuts out just

before the electric guitar starts.

Where to find it:

Found of disc one of the game: The Arena Domain. All versions of The Eye are now deleted and becoming increasing

hard to find, especially in good condition.



DDE05501101S


Game

Toshiba-EMI:

TORM-7040-44


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDF05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDG05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDS05501101S

Modern Times Rock N Roll

Written by: Roger Taylor


BBC Session 3 (2:00) A new recording of Roger Taylors sole writing contribution to the first album. It is similar to the album cut, but with

two exceptions; halfway through the track someone pops up saying Its not that Im bright, just happy go lucky; and

there is a new guitar and drum section to close the track. Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 3rd

December 1973

Where to find it:









in track compared to At The Beeb is due to a shorter silence between tracks.

Where to find it:


promo picture disc.



HR-62005-2


Picture disc

BBC Session 4 (2:43) The band recorded a slower and more deliberate take of this track for their 4

th BBC Session. It features some new

guitar work, and Freddie pops up at the end of the track to sing backing vocals. Recorded at Langham One Studio,

London, on 3rd

April 1974.




The Eye Version (1:43) An almost complete instrumental version of this track, except for around half a beat that has been cut off the start.

Where to find it:

Found on disc one of the game: The Arena Domain. All versions of The Eye are now deleted and becoming increasing




DDE05501101S


Game

Toshiba-EMI:

TORM-7040-44


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDF05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDG05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDS05501101S

Son And Daughter



Australian Single Version (3:12) The Australian single has been edited to omit the line "The world expects a man to buckle down and shovel shit.

The line is lifted straight out and is a rather jarring and obvious cut. Clearly the Australian public was more sensitive

to bad language than the rest of the world. Who knew?

Where to find it:

All the original singles of Keep Yourself Alive are now rare and collectable, and this is no exception.


Keep Yourself Alive 1973 Australian 7 Single Elektra: EKM 45863

BBC Session 2 (6:03) A new recording of Son and Daughter from bands recording at Langham One Studio, London, on 25

th July 1973. This

take is much longer than the album version and features some of the guitar solo that would eventually end up on

Brighton Rock. The verse containing The world expects a man is repeated, but Freddie gets around the swearing

by singing Shovel shhh and Shovel it respectively.




BBC Session 3 (7:08) Similar in style to Session 2, this new recording features an even longer guitar solo by Brian, again using elements of

Brighton Rock. Freddie once again replaces shovel shit with shovel it.

Where to find it:








BBC Session 3 - Hollywood Records Release (7:08) Exactly the same as the regular BBC Session 3 recording, just with the stereo channels reversed.

Where to find it:


promo picture disc.



HR-62005-2


Picture disc

Jesus



De Lane Lea Demo (5:06) This demo is over one minute longer than the album version, due to a slightly slower tempo and a longer guitar solo.

A much heavier feel than the album take.

Where to find it:








D001363902

2 CD edition



Seven Seas Of Rhye



Mad The Swine


Non-album track

Non-album Track (3:22) Another Freddie track with a heavy religious/biblical influence, Mad The Swine was supposed to appear on the

eponymous Queen album between Great King Rat and My Fairy King, but was cut as the band were not happy with

the production. Eighteen years later it was remixed by David Richards, who cleaned up the drum sound, allowing it

to finally see the light of day as a bonus track.

Where to find it:

Released on the 1991 and 2011 remasters of Queens first album, as well as a bonus track on the Headlong single, no

one should have any trouble getting this track into their collection. Several bootlegs claim to have the original

version, but dont be fooled; they merely contain this version of the track.



HR-61064-2



D001363902

2 CD edition



Headlong 1991 UK CD5 Single Parlophone: CD QUEEN 18

1991 UK 12 Single Parlophone: 12 QUEEN 18

1991 UK 12 Single Parlophone:

12 PDQUEEN 18

Picture disc

1991 Japanese CD5 Single Toshiba-EMI: TOCP 6801

Hangman

Written by: Freddie Mercury & Brian May

Non-album track

Non-album Track (4:37) A staple of Queens early live shows, a studio version of this heavy track was rumoured to exist for many years, but

the band always denied it. In 2004 it emerged that, in spite of all the denials, Queen did record it. It is rumoured this

track was begun when Freddie Mercury was in Wreckage, but no one knows for sure.


A solitary 10 acetate of Hangman is known to exist, but it is in the hands of a private collector with no possibility of

a release. Its fair to say that when it comes to Hangman, those who speak dont know, and those that know, dont

speak.


Hangman ??? UK 10 Acetate - Trident Studios acetate

Rock N Roll Medley

Written by: Unknown

Non-album track

Non-album Track (???) Queens early live shows were often closed with a rock n roll medley, so it makes sense that the band recorded

some of these songs in the studio. We dont know exactly what songs make up the medley, but frequently

performed at the time was Jailhouse Rock, Stupid Cupid, Bama Lama Bama Loo and Big Spender.


One copy of a 10 acetate is known to exist in the hands of a private collector. At the time No-One But You was

released there were discussions about putting this track on the B-side; bringing the first and last Queen recordings

together. Sadly, nothing came of it.


Rock N Roll ??? UK 10 Acetate - Trident Studios acetate

Silver Salmon

Written by: Tim Staffell

Unreleased track

Take Four: Unreleased Track (3:10) Another track whose existence was denied for many years by the band, Silver Salmon was written by Tim Staffell and

is another one of his science fiction themed songs about a crashed spaceship; Like a silver salmon, she falls, metal

burning. This recording is Take 4, and starts with Freddie talking in the studio.

There is a good deal of debate among Queen fans on exactly when this track was recorded, with some saying that

the sound of the drums and the strength of Freddies vocals point more towards the News Of The World sessions.

Others counter that it is highly unlikely the band would have recorded a Tim Staffell track for their sixth album.


Silver Salmon is unreleased, but a copy of the recording is easy to get hold of. Some poor quality versions that

circulate cut off Freddie talking.

Take Four: Convention Recording (3:05) The same Take 4 recording has been played at both the UK and Dutch conventions, the only difference being that

Freddie talking in the studio has been cut.

Where to find it:

2000 UK Convention: Unreleased (Shared). The majority of this convention session was recorded and has been

shared.

2004 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Uncirculated). The convention session was recorded in full, but the Silver

Salmon recording remains private.

Polar Bear


Unreleased track

Take Two: Unreleased Track (4:31) Originally recorded by Smile, this is Queens attempt at Brians composition. This recording opens with an argument

between Brian and Roger over tempo, Roger commenting that the song is creeping. Freddie changes some of the

lyrics from the Smile version. Yet again, although rumours of this track persisted for years there were official denials

from the band it ever existed.


Polar Bear is unreleased, but copies circulate freely amongst Queen fans. Some versions that circulate cut off the

studio banter, but all come from the same recording.

Studio Jam

Written by: Unknown

Unreleased track

Convention Recording (2:08) A short studio jam from the band featuring some ad-libbed vocals from Freddie. This jam has circulated under the

name Feelings, or Feeling Feeling but probably does not have an official name; Greg Brooks merely describing it as a

minute of ad-libbing. Its a very rough jam that some have speculated is an early version of Feelings Feelings (see

The News of the World section for more on that track), probably due to some lyrical similarities.

Where to find it:

2000 UK Convention: Unreleased (Shared). Played immediately prior to Silver Salmon at the 2000 UK Convention, a

recording of this session exists and this track is in circulation.

2004 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Uncirculated). A very short 00:06 edit of the end of the track, this was played

immediately prior to Silver Salmon at the 2004 Dutch Convention, but remains in private hands.

Mastering Differences One of the CD releases of Queen has some mastering differences, with the track breaks between songs coming at

different points. These variations have not been listed above as there is no musical difference to the standard CD

versions, and it is only when listening to these tracks in isolation you would spot any difference, but the details are

presented here none the less:

The 1994 CD remaster release (Parlophone: CDPCSD 139) has an incorrect track break between Great King

Rat and My Fairy King. This results in the first note of My Fairy King being played at the end of Great King

Rat.

The Rumour Mill For the most part, this guide presents what we know about the music of Queen, but here we can also delve into

rumour and innuendo.

Keep Yourself Alive was recorded several times according to Brian May. It is possible further alternative

versions exist in the vaults.

The Night Comes Down may have been recorded by the band during these sessions, although they ended up

using the De Lane Lea tape.

The following tracks began life (or are rumoured to have begun life) before the formation of the band. Its possible a

version of these tracks were recorded for these sessions:

Father To Son

See What A Fool Ive Been

Stone Cold Crazy

Queen II

After a gap of only a few months, Queen re-entered the studio to begin work on a new album. This time they were

given proper access and no longer had to record in down time. The band made full use of the opportunity, pushing

the boundaries of the recording process and creating vast, multi-layered guitar and vocal harmonies. Recorded in

just one month, Queen II achieved the studio sound the band had been dreaming of.

In keeping with the production values of the album, Over The Top was considered a title, but eventually the band

settled on the Led Zeppelin-esque Queen II, which according to John Deacon, Sounds very boring doesn't it, but we

couldn't find a title we all agreed on. While the album title may not have been to his taste, John did get his own way

when it came to his name. This time it was printed the right way around, and Deacon John was no more.

Seven Seas of Rhye, the only single from Queen II, provided the band with their first hit. After criticism that Keep

Yourself Alive never really gets going, the band decided to put everything into the first ten seconds giving the song

its high energy opening.

Despite mixed reviews, Queen II provided the band with a big hit that defined the sound for a career that was about

to take off.

Tracks: 1) Procession (May)

2) Father To Son (May)

3) White Queen (As It Began) (May)

4) Some Day One Day (May)

5) The Loser In The End (Taylor)

6) Ogre Battle (Mercury)

7) The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke (Mercury)

8) Nevermore (Mercury)

9) The March Of The Black Queen (Mercury)

10) Funny How Love Is (Mercury)

11) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Mercury)

Personnel: Freddie Mercury (Vocals, piano, harpsichord)

Brian May (Guitars, piano, vocals, bells)

John Deacon (Bass guitar, acoustic guitar)

Roger Meddows-Taylor (Percussion, vocals)

Guest personnel: Roy Thomas Baker (Virtuoso castanets on The Fairy Fellers Master-Stroke)

Produced by: Roy Thomas Baker, Robin Geoffrey Cable and Queen

Engineered by: Mike Stone

Recorded at: Trident Studios, London, UK; August 1973

Release date: 8th

March 1974 (UK)

9th

April 1974 (USA)

25th

June 1974 (Japan)

Release details:


Queen II 1974 UK 12 Album EMI: EMA 767

1974 US 12 Album Elektra: EKS 75082

1974 Japanese 12 Album Elektra: P-8456-E

Remasters

Early CD Issues:


Queen II 1986 UK CD5 Album EMI: CDP 7 46205 2

1987 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: CP32-5377

1991 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-6575 Supermasters series

1992 UK CD5 Album Parlophone:

UK-CD-FA 3099

Reissue



Queen II 1991 US CD5 Album Hollywood Records:

HR-61232-2

Bonus Tracks: 1) See What A Fool Ive Been

2) Ogre Battle (Nicholas Sansano Remix)

3) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Freddy Bastone Remix 1)

1994 Remaster: Remastered by Kevin Metcalfe, assisted by Crispin Murray, at Townhouse Studios, London, UK


Queen II 1994 UK CD5 Album Parlophone: CDPCSD 140




Miniatures Volume I 1998 UK CD5 Box Set Parlophone: 4984072 Card sleeve vinyl replicas;

contains four albums

The Crown Jewels 1998 US CD5 Box Set Hollywood Records:

HR622002 BK01

Card sleeve vinyl replicas;

contains eight albums

Queen II 1998 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-65102 Card sleeve vinyl replica



Queen II 2001 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba EMI: TOCP-65842



2007 Japanese CD5 Album Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-53442 Reissue


reissue. Additional OBI

2011 Remaster: Remastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, USA


Queen II 2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 388 8 1 CD edition



D001364302

1 CD edition


D001364202

2 CD edition



2011 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UIGY-9511 Super Audio CD. 1 CD only



2013 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-40040 Card sleeve vinyl replica.

Platinum CD. 1 CD only

2013 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-76026 Card sleeve vinyl replica.

1 CD only

Bonus Tracks*: 1) See What A Fool Ive Been (BBC Session 2 Remix 2011)

2) White Queen (As It Began) (Live at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK 24/12/1975)

3) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Instrumental Mix 2011)

4) Nevermore (BBC Session 4)

5) See What A Fool Ive Been (B-side Version)

*Bonus tracks only on 2 CD editions

Bonus Videos*: 1) White Queen (As It Began) (Live at The Rainbow Theatre, London, UK 19/11/1974)

2) Seven Seas Of Rhye (Live at Wembley Stadium, London, UK 12/07/1986)

3) Ogre Battle (Live at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, UK 24/12/1975)

* Bonus videos released on iTunes only

Procession



Concert Intro Version (1:22) Prior to release on Queen II, Procession started life as a recorded introduction to Queens live shows, debuting at the

Golders Green Hippodrome, London, on 13th

September 1973,at a show they recorded for a BBC radio broadcast.

This early take is very similar to the album, but a lot more basic, with fewer layers of guitar. The running time is

extended by an extra nine seconds of drum beats at the start of the track.

Where to find it:

Studio Recording: Unreleased (In The Vaults). No trace of the studio recording has ever surfaced in collecting circles,

so it is likely to be buried in the depths of the Queen vaults. That said, we know a number of early tapes have been

damaged or gone missing entirely, so it may no longer exist.

Live Version: Unreleased (Shared). Procession would continue as a concert introduction until 1975, although this

early version was only played a few times before being replaced with the album version. A few recordings of 1973

shows featuring this version exist, with the best being the Golders Green show on 13th

September. It freely circulates

amongst Queen fans.

The Eye Version (1:14) Almost identical to the album version, this track fades out just before the segue into Father To Son

Where to find it:

Found on disc two of the game: The Works Domain. All versions of The Eye are now deleted and becoming increasing




DDE05501101S


Game

Toshiba-EMI:

TORM-7040-44


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDF05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDG05501101S


Game

Electronic Arts:

DDS05501101S

Father To Son



Acetate Version (???) An 8 acetate of Father To Son was sold in 2006, and the sale listing mentioned it was an alternative version.

According to the owner, this was merely an early fade, which makes sense as on the album this track segues with

White Queen (As It Began). No further details are known.

Where to find it: Unreleased (Rumour)

Only one copy of this acetate has ever surfaced and is in the hands of a private collector. The owner did come

forward to provide a description of the track, but as no one has ever heard it this is classified as a rumour.


Father To Son 1973 UK 8 Acetate - Emidisc acetate

White Queen (As It Began)



Brian May Home Recording (???) It has long been rumoured that an early home recording of this song exists. Brian is thought to have written the song

in 1969, and although Tim Staffell has stated that Smile did not record it, a home recording might exist.

Where to find it: Unreleased (Rumour)

Despite the rumours, no copy has ever surfaced and no official confirmation of the existence of this track has ever

been given. If you own a copy of this you are presumably either Brian May or the luckiest Queen collector in the

world.

Single Version (4:34) The album version of White Queen (As It Began) has a minor segue from Father To Son, which this version removes.

Only some faint drum beats from Father To Son can be heard on the album version, so it would be easy not to spot

the difference.

Where to find it:

This track was originally featured on Queens First EP, released in 1977. That single was later re-released in 1988 on

CD3 format in the UK and Japan, and as a special Record Store Day release in the US from 2009. Today, the easiest

way to get hold of this would be on the Singles Collection 1 box set, which features a few other song versions,

making it reasonably good value to a collector.


Queens First EP 1977 UK 7 Single EMI: 2121

1988 UK CD3 Single Parlophone: QUECD5

1988 Japanese CD3 Single Toshiba-EMI: TODP-2255

2009 US CD5 Single Hollywood Records:

D000383302

Record Store Day release

CD Single Box 1991 Japanese CD3 Box Toshiba-EMI:

TODP-2251-62

Singles Collection 1 2008 UK CD5 Box Parlophone:

50999 243358 2 9

2008 Japanese CD5 Box Toshiba-EMI: TOCP-70681

BBC Session 4 (4:45) Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 3

rd April 1974, this new recording is more similar in style to the live

versions of this song than the album, featuring a lot more piano.




BBC Session 4: Convention Recording (4:45) The BBC Session 4 version of White Queen (As It Began) was played at the 2001 UK Convention. It is mentioned only

for the sake of completeness, as it should be identical to the BBC recording already described.

Where to find it:



East German Version (4:12) This version is a simple edit of the song, cutting the guitar intro and beginning with the lead vocals. The rest of track

is identical to the album cut.

Where to find it:

Only found on a rather obscure East German compilation called Queen (not to be confused with the first album).

Despite being little known, copies come up for sale fairly regularly at a reasonable price. There are two different

sleeve versions (one featuring the Queen crest, the other a band picture) but the music is the same on both.


Queen 1982 East German 12

Album

Amiga: 8 55 787 Two different sleeves

Some Day One Day



The Loser In The End

Written by: Roger Taylor


Ogre Battle



BBC Session 3 (5:23) This is a brand new recording of Ogre Battle from the third BBC session. While largely the same as the album take,

differences include an alternative (and longer) guitar introduction and a difference vocal sound from Freddie.

Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 3rd

December 1973.


This complete version of this track has never had an official release, as the original BBC tapes of the introduction

section were damaged. Poor quality bootlegs of the introduction have surfaced and Queen fans have pieced these

together with the edited official release (see below) to create a complete version. These hybrid mixes have been

freely shared.

BBC Session 3 Edit (3:57) As mentioned above, this version of Ogre Battle loses around 1:20 of the introduction due to the original tapes

becoming damaged. The track opens up when the main guitar part comes in and then continues as normal.

Where to find it:








BBC Session 3 Edit - Hollywood Records Release (3:57) Exactly the same as the regular BBC Session 3 recording, just with the stereo channels reversed.

Where to find it:


promo picture disc.



HR-62005-2


Picture disc

BBC Session 3 - Acetate Version 1 (3:04) An Ogre Battle acetate containing an edit of the BBC Session 3 recording is known to exist. The edit is simply a late

fade in just before the lead vocals (cutting around 18 seconds), and an early fade out just after the lead vocals finish

(cutting around 35 seconds).





Ogre Battle 1973 UK 7 Acetate - Trident Studio acetate

BBC Session 3 - Acetate Version 2 (3:42) This version has the same late fade as the first acetate version, but then plays through the rest of the track normally,

retaining the full ending.





Ogre Battle 1973 UK 7 Acetate - Emidisc acetate

Best 16 Version (4:06) On the album, Ogre Battle segues with The Fairy Fellers Masters-Stroke. This compilation version gets around that by

simply fading out at the end. You can just hear the first click of The Fairy Fellers Masters-Stroke before it fades

completely.

Where to find it:

This unique edit is only contained on a very rare and obscure 1976 completion album from Japan, which contains

tracks from the first four Queen albums. Very few cassette copies have come up for sale (although there may also be

vinyl copies), and very few Queen fans seem to have heard of it, as it isnt listed in any discography.


Best 16 1976 Japanese Cassette

Album

Elektra: PKG-3001

1978 Japanese Cassette

Album

Elektra: YLA1016E Reissue

Nicholas Sansano Remix (3:29) Producer Nicholas Sansano has stayed fairly faithful to the album take, keeping the song structure and vocals intact

while adding a lot of new guitar and drum parts, along with some other effects.

Where to find it:

Hollywood Records commissioned a number of remixes to add to the 1991 remasters as bonus tracks. The 1991

remasters are now deleted and have been succeeded by the 2011 remasters, but having been in circulation for

twenty years you should have no trouble getting hold of this edition of Queen II.


Queen II 1991 US CD5 Album Hollywood Records:

HR-61232-2

Deep Cuts Version (3:14) This is a complete stand-alone version of Ogre Battle which removes the segue to The Fairy Fellers Masters-Stroke.

Where to find it:

This track is found on the first of the three Deep Cuts compilations, released to coincide with 2011 album remasters.


Deep Cuts Volume One (1973-1976) 2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 542-4

2011 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-15014

The Fairy Fellers Master-Stroke



Nevermore



BBC Session 4 (1:29) A new recording for Queens fourth BBC session, this cut is very similar to the album version, until the end, when

some heavy guitar and drums come in. Recorded at Langham One Studio, London, on 3rd

April 1974.

Where to find it:

Most of the fourth BBC session remains unreleased, but this track was included as a bonus on the 2CD editions of the

2011 remaster of Queen II.


Queen II 2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 425 0 2 CD edition


D001364202

2 CD edition



BBC Session 4: Convention Recording (1:29) The BBC Session 4 version of Nevermore was played at the 2001 UK Convention. It is mentioned only for the sake of

completeness, as it should be identical to the BBC recording already described.

Where to find it:



Takes Three and Four: Convention Recording (2:36) An interesting recording from the 2005 Convention, consisting of the piano and bass backing track. Freddie and John

play most of the way through one take, until that breaks down. After a few seconds they begin again and this time

get the whole way through, although it is unknown if it is this take that ends up on the album.

Where to find it:



2005 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Shared). A shorter 1:40 recording from the Dutch Convention, as the

incomplete take heard at the UK Convention is cut. There are at least two recordings of this track, and one of those

has been widely shared.

Instrumental Extract (0:51) A short instrumental extract from this track, appearing in a documentary. Most of the track has an interview with

Freddie over-dubbed, speaking about his upbringing.

Where to find it:

From the same team behind Days Of Our Lives, this 2012 documentary focuses on the solo career of Freddie

Mercury, and has been released widely on Blu-ray and DVD.


Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender 2012 UK Blu-ray Video Eagle Vision: ERBRD5163

2012 UK DVD Video Eagle Vision: EREDV949

2012 US Blu-ray Video Eagle Vision: EVB334269

2012 US DVD Video Eagle Vision: EV305589

2012 Japanese Blu-ray

Video

Columbia Music Ent:

VQXD-10037

2012 Japanese DVD Video Columbia Music Ent:

VQBD-10108

The March Of The Black Queen



BBC Session 4 (6:38) The band clearly didnt fancy the prospect of re-recording Freddies epic song when it came to their fourth BBC

session, and the album version was used. This is musically identical to the familiar Queen II version, just with a fade

out as the track segues into the beginning of Funny How Love Is.




Deep Cuts Version (6:39) This version completely removes the segue to Funny How Love Is to create a stand-alone version, slightly extending

the run time as the final ahhh is heard on its own for the first time.

Where to find it:

This track is found on the first of the three Deep Cuts compilations, released to coincide with 2011 album remasters.


Deep Cuts Volume One (1973-1976) 2011 UK CD5 Album Island: 276 542-4

2011 Japanese CD5 Album Island: UICY-15014

Takes Three-Five: Convention Recording (5:49) This convention recording provides a fascinating insight into the recording of Queen II, as we hear three incomplete

takes of The March Of The Black Queen, consisting of the piano, bass and drums backing track. Takes 3 and 4

breakdown rather quickly, while Take 5 gets most of the way through the track. It would take the band another two

days to achieve the master recording.

Where to find it:



2005 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Shared). The Dutch Convention recording, while musically identical, has a

slightly longer runtime of 6:43 as it contains Greg Brooks commentary about the track. There are at least two

recordings of this track, and one of those has been widely shared.

Funny How Love Is



Cassette Version (???) Early editions of the Queen II cassette are rumoured to contain a stand-alone mix of this track, without the segue

from The March Of The Black Queen. It is unknown how similar this might be to Japan CD3 Version listed below, as

the track has never surfaced.

Where to find it:

This one can supposedly only be found on the first press of the Queen II cassette from 1974. Some collectors have

spent years searching but never found it, so you are very fortunate indeed if you have a copy.


Queen II 1974 UK Cassette Album EMI: TC-EMA 767 First press only

UK CD3 Version (3:14) A rather odd mix from a UK CD3 Single, the track starts with the last section of The March Of The Black Queen

(Forget you sing-alongs and you lullabies etc.) and then continues into the album version as normal.

Where to find it:

A series of twelve CD3 singles were released in 1988 in the UK. This song features on first of them, Seven Seas Of

Rhye. Each of these singles can be found quite easily and for a reasonable price, but buying the whole set of twelve is

going to cost you. This error was also present on the 1986 CD release of Queen II (See Mastering Differences below)


Queen II 1986 UK CD5 Album CDP 7 46204 2

Seven Seas Of Rhye 1988 UK CD3 Single Parlophone: QUECD1

Japanese CD3 Version (2:51) A complete stand-alone mix of this song, completely removing the vocals from The March Of The Black Queen which

segues into Funny How Love Is on the album.

Where to find it:

From the first of a series of twelve CD3 singles released in the Japan in 1988, these can get quite expensive to buy. If

you are interested in collecting all twelve there is a box set from 1991 which should prove cheaper than buying each

one individually.


Seven Seas Of Rhye 1988 Japanese CD3 Single Toshiba-EMI: TODP-2251

CD Single Box 1991 Japanese CD3 Box Toshiba-EMI:

TODP-2251-62

Digital Master Sampler Version (2:51) This version fades in as the last couple of notes of The March Of The Black Queen are being played and then

proceeds into the album version as normal.

Where to find it:

Only found on the Digital Master Sampler promo CD, issued to promote the 1993/94 remasters. This CD is rather

rare, especially as a manufacturing defect means that most copies will no longer play. Unfortunately, there was an

unforeseen chemical reaction between the disc and the packaging, so if you are buying a copy make sure you get

one that works!


Digital Master Sampler 1994 UK CD5 Promo Parlophone: CD DIG 1

Takes Three-Five: Convention Recording (3:45) Another insight into the recording process of Queen II that was played at the convention. This is the bands early

attempts to find the backing track, featuring drums, bass piano and acoustic guitar. The first two takes break down

after only a few seconds, while the last makes it almost the whole way through the track.

Where to find it:



2005 Dutch Convention: Unreleased (Shared). The Dutch Convention was treated to a slightly extended 4:16 version

of this recording. The music is the same, but it features more of Freddie talking in the studio. There are at least two

recordings of this track, and one of those has been widely shared.

Seven Seas Of Rhye



Withdrawn Promo Version (???) The Queen biography, As It Began, tells the story of this withdrawn mix. According to the book, Trident distributed

ten white label copies of this track to Radio One, only for Freddie to later realise that it was the wrong mix. The next

day all but two copies were retrieved and replaced with the correct mix. It is unknown how different this mix was to

the familiar album version.

Where to find it:

The two remaining copies of this white label are, if they have survived, likely to be buried in the depths of the BBC,

making this track next to impossible to get hold of.


Seven Seas Of Rhye 1974 UK 7 Promo - White label

Top Of The Pops Version (2:20) Queens first performance on Top Of The Pops came in early 1974, when they were asked to fill a last minute space

on the

Documents

Queen Fanthology