Photo: WENN
Queen have today released a special live recording from their first ever performance on radio. Re-wind to 1973 and listen to 'My Fairy King' from the BBC radio session with John Peel below.
So ingrained in music culture, with a decade-spanning history - it's difficult to imagine a world without Queen's music. Yet - like all bands - they had to start somewhere. Fans will now be able to witness that very moment Freddie and co first took to the airwaves on the legendary John Peel show before they even released a debut record.
Speaking about the release, guitarist Brian May highlighted the importance of radio in regards to the band's progress in performing "This was the first time we'd really seen Freddie working at his full capacity. He's virtually a self-taught pianist, and he was making vast strides at the time, although we didn't have a piano on stage at that point because it would have been impossible to fix up. "... the studio was the first chance Freddie had to do his piano things and we actually got that sound of the piano and the guitar working for the first time which was very exciting"
The 'On Air' release compiles all six of the band's BBC Radio sessions, and will take fans on a journey through the bands early career in 1973-1986. Unique versions of classics such as 'We Will Rock You' 'Under Pressure' and 'A Kind of Magic' will be included in the release, alongside archive interviews with the band.
From these humble beginnings, Queen have continued to tour to this day - with recent performances including a headline set at Isle of Wight festival this summer.
Currently taking-on frontman duties, Adam Lambert has said recently that he is open to recording new music with the band, providing the sound is right.
Brian May is also considered to be one of the best guitar soloists ever and recently celebrated his 69th birthday.
'On Air' will be released November 4.
