Queen Merchandise

We're going back in time: it's the late 1960s and two guys toured London clubs with Smile, a college band. These guys were none other than Roger Taylor (drums) and Brian May (guitar). At one of these performances Farrokh Bulsara (singer) is in the audience. He liked the way the two musicians mastered their instruments and spoke to them. Together they decided to form their own band. For the perfect sound, they brought John Deacon on board for the bass.

The musical concept of the new formation would be something unique. Bulsara had a mixture of operetta and rock in mind. Despite the daring suggestion, his bandmates agreed. Since every band needs a name, something suitable for the extravagant music concept had to be found. In Queen they found the optimal band name.

But not only did the British group find a fitting name, Bulsara, who was born in Zanzibar, also gave himself one: Freddie Mercury! The musicians toured across London and both their band name and their reputation for the impressive live shows quickly spread. The latter stood out above all because of Mercury's talent for entertainment. The musician didn't just sing, no! Mercury acted, animated the audience and stood out for his particular style of clothing. Provocative and versatile: make-up, lots of glitter, nail polish, and costumes for men and women.

So the ball got rolling

The instrumentalists had already made a name for themselves in and around London, but they were destined for something bigger! In 1972 a test recording found its way into the hands of a talent scout. He worked for the record company "EMI" and immediately invited the British band to his studio for a live rehearsal. That convinced him completely and he offered the guys a record deal. Their first album "Queen" was created. However, the big success did not materialize. The first published piece only met with approval in Japan, but not in the rest of the world. The entire album was noticed, but ultimately it was drowned our in the music world.

However, the British musicians did not throw in the towel. They dared to make another album, which was released in 1974. The disc had the same name as its predecessor and was only replaced by an "II". They toured the UK as an opening act for Mott The Hoople. In the same year they put on the record “Sheer Heart Attack” and it started: Another tour followed and the fan base grew. As early as 1975 they brought their next album to the shops with “A Night at the Opera”. It contained the piece "Bohemian Rhapsody", which was even awarded best song in 1976. That was not the only award for the band. Because a year later Freddie Mercury created "We are the Champions", with which he made himself immortal!

Of successes and defeats

The group wanted to develop further on the wave of success. For this they use synthetic sounds in combination with rock on the album “Hot Space” (1982). This record contained the track "Under Pressure", which was written together with David Bowie. Despite the great song, the album didn't quite convince fans. The development towards disco radio seemed to irritate them. However, the musicians won the hearts of their fans back in 1984. Because the LP "The Works" convinced with the singles "I want to break free" and "Radio Ga Ga". Arrived at the very top of Rock Olympus, the four-piece band gave two concerts in Brazil. These appearances went down in music history as "Rock in Rio". They gave their last live appearances on their "Magic Tour 1986", which was based on their album "A Kind of Magic".

Unfortunately, the band did not return to the stages of this world - at least not in their original form. Because Mercury fell ill with AIDS and, due to his state of health, could no longer deliver the show he wanted. Instead, the musicians moved to the recording studio in 1989 to record the disc "Innuendo". It was released in 1991 - the year Mercury passed away. A big funeral service followed, at which George Michael, Guns'N'Roses and Elton John, among others, paid tribute to the musician. For many, the era of the band ended with Mercury. However, Brian May and Roger Taylor saw it differently. With replacement singers they kept the band alive and released numerous scrapbooks and DVDs.

Bohemian Rhapsody

More than 20 years after the death of Freddy Mercury, one of the most dazzling figures in rock history, Queen remains a fascination and legend at the same time. The life of the unmistakable entertainer with the extravagant spandex pants and the casual hip swing, as well as the ups and downs of the band's history are impressively portrayed in the new film "Bohemian Rhapsody".

The film accompanies Queen from its founding in 1970 to the legendary Live Aid concert in 1985. It not only shows the highlights of the band's career, but also illuminates topics such as Freddy Mercury's AIDs illness, the separation from Queen, and his inner conflict with regard to his homosexuality.

Both the cast and the soundtrack promise a unique film experience full of iconic moments that will delight old and new fans. “Bohemian Rhapsody” tells of a band, far removed from all conventions, which asserts itself against stereotypes and sets a monument for itself with one of the most legendary rock concerts of all time.

Queen merchandise at EMP

There are numerous fan products from the legendary musicians in the EMP Queen Online Shop. Of course, the countless Queen Albums are part of the Queen merchandise. Whether Queen CDs, LPs or collection boxes, you will find a large selection in the EMP online shop. Do you already have all your records at home? Never mind Then how about Queen t-shirts, mugs, bathrobes, notebooks or posters?