THE MARCH OF THE BLACK QUEEN

A fan favourite. It's interesting how this album was such a masterpiece in spite of having been so quickly (and relatively cheaply) recorded. This song gave the lads the idea of having white and black sides and yet again brings out Freddie's early lyrical content, over which loads of deep psychological studies could be made. Yet nobody will ever know what on earth did he mean by the words, so it's better to interpret them freely.

General Information:

Music & Lyrics by: Freddie Mercury
Arranged by: Freddie Mercury
Written: 1973
Length: 6:34
Released on: 8th March 1974

Produced by: Queen, Roy Thomas Baker & Robin Geoffrey Cable
Mixed by: Mike Stone
Engineered by: Mike Stone

Recorded: August 1973
Recorded at: Trident Studios, 17 St Annes Court, Soho, London

Keys: B Hijaz, Em, Am, F, Cm, E
Metre: 4/4
Form: Cyclic

Acoustic Drums: Roger Taylor
Tubular Bells: Brian May
Electric Bass: John Deacon
Electric Guitars: Brian May
Acoustic Piano: Freddie Mercury

Lead Vocals: Freddie Mercury & Roger Taylor
Backing Vocals: Freddie Mercury (chiefly)
Screams: Freddie Mercury & Roger Taylor

Songwriting:

Fred admitted that this song took him "ages".

Recordings:

Probably done in bits and then pieced together.

Equipment:

Bechstein Concert Grand Piano

Fender P-Bass

Ludwig Drums

Red Special Electric Guitar

Tubular Bells