THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB Spring/Summer 2014 Editorial From Queen to You

„Queen and Adam Lambert have managed to ace the nerve-wracking first night of their tour Hi Everyone! in North America, rocking Chicago‘s United Center to its foundations with a bombastic rock show to surpass all others.“ - Contactmusic.com All Pictures: Neal Preston I hope you are all well and happy wherever you are? Apologies for the delay in this issue - it has been manic in the fan club since the start of the year! When the North American/Canadian tour was announced, I had about a thousands new members within the space of a week, „The show epitomized Queen, in all its flamboyant glory“ - Chicago Tribune. and I am STILL trying to get them all entered into the database and sent out... then they announced Korea and Japan, then Australia! More new members! But I am not complai- Chicago, June 19, 2014 ning, it will ensure the fan club stays alive for a bit longer yet! Big thanks to Jim Jenkins for the fabulous article in this issue about the fan club and our 40 year reign! I am amazed at what we have managed to achieve in those 40 years (I have ‚only‘ done it for 32 of them...!). What a Queen year so far! I have seen footage of the shows - just AWESOME! The iHeart Radio show in Los Angeles on June 16th was quite brilliant - hopefully you have caught that on YouTube by now! Fingers crossed for dates THIS side of the pond in Europe and the UK! Obviously should I hear anything I will make sure you all know about it! Just make sure you are registered on our members website - www.queenmembers.com. Very important if you want to make sure you get all the latest information fast! Finally we are getting a great 70‘s show release - Live At The Rainbow! There is a great article in here from Greg Brooks about that, and it sounds like it will be pretty amazing, can‘t wait! Then end of September is convention time... it has been a long wait! But it will be worth it! There are still a few places left if you want to join us for the best Queen weekend of the year! Details in this magazine. That‘s it from me this time, enjoy this packed out bumper issue! The rest of this year is “This tour serves Queen and their legacy with purpose and pride... shaping up to be rather spectacular in Queen terms... bring it on!! Queen and its heart is still beating loud and proud.” - Anti-music.com Love and Hugs Hugs „The tour‘s opening show was a spectacle of the grandest order.“ -

Graphic Design: Printed and distributed by The Official International Queen Fan Club Christoph von Herrath Fox Print Services LLP P.O. Box 141, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 9AJ www.cvh-graphic-design.de Tunbridge Wells, Kent T: +44 (0) 1483 281995, E: [email protected] Mail: [email protected] 01892 617999

2 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 3 News Roundup News Roundup Taylor Made

On 4th January, Roger took over Radio Two here in the UK, and delved into his record collection! He played some of his favourite rock tracks, and told the stories behind them. Below is the playlist – what excellent tas- te this man has! Thin Lizzy – The Rocker Little Richard – Rip It Up Elvis – Let’s Have A Party Muse – Knights Of Cydonia Blondie – Denis – Walk This Way R.I.P. Wally! – When The Levee Breaks The irrepressible and very lovely Wally Gore – long ser- Foo Fighters – All My Life ving members of Queen personal security, lost his battle The Who – I’m A Boy against cancer in February. Wally was with the band for Rage Against The Machine – many years, and after that for years with Show Sec, he Killing In The Name Of was a regular feature at many rock shows over the years. Pretenders – Brass In Pocket He will be much missed. Queen – – Cat People Joe Walsh – Rocky Mountain Way Greatest Hits is Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The Uk Mott The Hoople – All The Young Dudes THE GREATEST Experience – Fire! Jeff Beck – Big Block Queen’s Greatest Hits achieved sales figures of Queen + Adam Lambert Janice Joplin – Me & Bobby McGee over 6 MILLION this year… which makes it the ONLY UK The Kinks – All Day And All Of The Night album to have sold that many, making it the highest sel - he North American tour was announced live on 7/13 Toronto Air Canada Centre Faces – Stay With Me ling album EVER. Greatest Hits 2 was at number 10 – Good Morning America... and tickets sold out very 7/14 Montreal Bell Centre Cream – Sunshine Of Your Love with sales of just under 4 million! T very fast as soon as the box offices openened! 7/16 Philadelphia Wells Fargo Center Bonnie Raitt – Love Letter Then they added Japan, Korea... and Australia! Fan Club 7/17 New York Madison Square Garden AC/DC – Back In Black members were, as usual, given codes for a pre-sale period, 7/19 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena Fleetwood Back – Man Of The World Emmy Award! ensuring they got the best tickets! 7/20 Washington, DC Merriweather Post Pavilion – Speed King On May 6th Brian was presented with an unusual pri- The dates are as follows: 7/22 – Boston, MA TD Garden Queen – ze… a “Sports Emmy” – at the 35th New York Sports 7/23 – E. Rutherford, NJ Izod Center – Get Off My Cloud Emmy awards ceremony. It was for a “” NORTH AMERICA 7/25 – Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena remix, as used at the Super Bowl! 6/19 Chicago United Center 7/26 – Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall 6/21 Winnipeg MTS Centre 7/28 – Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre 6/23 Saskatoon Credit Union Centre 6/24 Edmonton Rexall Place ASIA Fun On Earth 6/26 Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome 8/14/15 - Seoul, Olympic Park, World Record Store Day takes place on 6/28 Vancouver Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena Super Sonic 2014 Festival 19th April – it is a day to encourage peop- 7/1 San Jose SAP Center 8/16/17 - Tokyo, Summer Sonic Festival le to go to their local record shop and buy 7/3 Los Angeles The Forum records – not just get them through one 7/5 Las Vegas The Joint AUSTRALIA click on Amazon!! Roger released a 7/6 Las Vegas The Joint 8/22 - Perth, Perth Arena double vinyl version of his fabulous 7/9 Houston Toyota Center 8/26 & 27 - Sydney, Allphones Arena “Fun On Earth” album especially for 7/10 Dallas American Airlines Center 8/29 & 30 - Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena the day. A certain collectors item in a 7/12 Detroit The Palace of Auburn Hills 9/1 - Brisbane, Brisbane Entertainment Centre few years!!

4 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 5 News Roundup News Roundup QUEEN FAN CLUB Queen Extravaganza We Will Rock You

The excellent official tribute band is still out there play - Earlier in the year the CONVENTION 2014! ing to sold out audiences! They have been across Europe, sad news was announced and are heading back to the UK soon – dates below. that We Will Rock You in ne Band joining us from Holland, and Sunday we finally Sep 5 – Reading – The Hexagon (the “Mother- managed to book the excellent Gary Mullen and The Works! Sep 6 – Leamingon Spa – The Assembly ship” as Brian liked to Been trying to book this Stars In Their Eyes champion Sep 8 – Cardiff – St Davids Hall call it!) was to close it’s for years! Sep 9 – Tunbridge Wells – Assembly Hall Theatre doors for the final time he UK convention is taking place September 26 We also have sports, games, special guests, charity auc- Sep 11 – – O2 Academy on May 31st... after 12 to 29th, in Presthaven Sands, North Wales. This tion, quizzes, merchandise, beer, more beer, convention Sep 12 – Nottingham – Rock City great years! I started a Tyear our Friday night party will be specially ge- water (don’t ask..) cocktails and GREAT company on offer! Sep 13 – London – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire list of fan club mem- ared up to celebrate the fan clubs 40th anniversary!! We If you would like to join us, and there are only a few places Sep 15 – Cambridge – Corn Exchange bers who wanted to at- have three live bands lined up this year – Friday will be left, then go to www.arenatravel.com to book, or call Sep 16 – Leeds – O2 Academy tend the show – and friends and fellow fans The Deputies from Newcastle! their team on 01473 660800. It’s THE weekend of the Sep 18 – – O2 ABC there were 450 of us Then Saturday we have the quite amazing Robby Valenti- year for all Queen fans! Sep 19 – Newcastle – City Hall there on the night to Sep 20 – Salisbury – City Hall sing, laugh, cry and Sep 22 – Cheltenham – Town Hall make LOTS of noise, along with celebrity guests and The Perfect Road Trip?! Sep 23 – Worthing – Pavilion Theatre lots of the original and past cast members!! The cast For more information and ticket sales go to http://www. were struggling with emotions too it could be clearly The perfect road trip would in- queenextravaganza.com. seen in some parts of the script – and the audience chee- volve driving down Ame rica‘s Rou- red virtually every appearance, every song... And Brian te 66 and listening to Queen‘s and Roger come on at the end for Bo Rhap and The Show Don‘t Stop Me Now, with Holly Must Go On! An emotional night that finished with a bril- Willoughby and David Beckham liant aftershow party! as driving companions. But our But all is not really over just yet... Brian tweeted and driving nightmare would be to mentioned on his website that they had “secretly” work- have former star of The Apprentice Katie Hopkins in the shopped (meaning they had people reading the script front seat with us. and going through the songs) Ben Eltons new work... In fact, when asked to name their best driving songs, “We Will Rock You 2 – The Show Must Go On”! So we let’s nine out of 10 of the top 10 were from the 1970s and hope it wont be long before the West End is graced with 1980s, with Queen taking both first and second place, yet another smash hit Queen musical! with Don‘t Stop Me Now and . Meatloaf, Journey, The Eagles and Abba also made it on Brian & Kerry Ellis to the list, with the only recent song being Kings of Leon‘s The Top Ten Driving Songs Sex On Fire, which took seventh place. Brian and Kerry went back on the road with their highly 1. Don’t stop me now - Queen 2. Bohemian Rhapsody – votes. Londoners favoured Michael Jackson while Scot- TOP ROAD TRIP COMPANIONS “Acoustic By Candlelight” tour. As well as UK gigs they ven- Queen 3. Bat out of hell - Meatloaf 4. Don’t stop Believin’ tish respondents voted for Fleetwood Mac and Geordies 1. Holly Willoughby 2. David Beckham tured to Russia, with concerts in Moscow, Riga and Minsk, – Journey 5. Dancing Queen – Abba 6. Hotel California preferred to play Meatloaf. 3. Daniel Craig 4. Kate Middleton. then across to Malta. – The Eagles 7. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon 8. Walking on ITV’s Holly Willoughby topped the poll as the person we 5. Boris Johnson They released a DVD of their concert “The Candlelight Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves 9. Driving Home for would most like to invite on our fantasy road trip, beating WORST ROAD TRIP COMPANIONS Con certs Live In ” on 31st March, which inclu- Christmas – 10. I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – off competition form Kate Middleton, David Beckham 1. Katie Hopkins 2. Bruce Forsyth 3. Boris Johnson ded a bonus CD. The Proclaimers and Daniel Craig. David Beckham did however top the 4.Nigel Farage 5. Harry Styles On June 1st they performed at the Royal Albert Hall in Queen was named the nation’s favourite artist overall to poll for women. The survey, conducted by Mini to celebrate London for the “City Rocks” event, Brian also did a song play in the car (with 16 per cent of votes), having beaten Holly’s TV nemesis, Katie Hopkins, claimed top of the list its new car, also found that America‘s his- with Dan Gillespie, of The Feeling. the likes of Michael Jackson (9 per cent), Fleetwood Mac for the ultimate nightmare car companion. Others on the toric Route 66, which crosses the country On 5th May, Brian and Kerry played at the second “Wild- (8 per cent) and Meatloaf (6 per cent) in the national nightmare list included Bruce Forsyth, UKIP party leader from Chicago to Santa Monica, in California, life Rocks” concert at Guildford Cathedral – the line up poll. Nigel Farage and even One Direction‘s Harry Styles. was the road trip Britons most wanted to take, of people donating their time for the cause included The Their 1978 hit ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ was voted best dri- London Mayor Boris Johnson was listed as a nightmare followed by the winding roads of Italy‘s Troggs, Hawkwind, Katrina & The Waves and many more ving song with a quarter of the votes, and ‘Bohemian driving companion overall, although Londoners voted Amalfi Coast. artistes and guest speakers. Rhapsody’ claimed number two with 21 per cent of the him among their dream driving buddies.

6 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 7 40 Years Anniversary 40 Years Anniversary THE OFFICIAL INTERNAT IONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40TH ANNIVERSARY A Retrospective Review Of The Club By Jim Jenkins oon after the release of Queen’s Trident asked the band could they find jected the contents! Due to differences debut album, letters started pou­ someone who could reply to all the with the band Pat & Sue John stone left Sring into EMI Record Company mail. Pat and Sue Johnstone, two working for Queen, and in May 1976 the for information on the band. The com­ friends of Rogers from Cornwall were club found a new secretary in Therese pany had to designate staff to reply, but running an information service, and Pickard. due to the huge demand, this became a were suggested for the job. Trident be­ Therese changed the problem. In late 1973, Queen toured the gan sending all the mail to the ladies at Fan Club immensely UK with Mott The Hoople, and the audi­ Kensington Market, where they worked. and started using a ences at the concerts proved Queen to be Pat & Sue couldn’t believe the amount computer company to “more than just a support band”. It meant The very first Fan Club of sacks of mail that were being sent register the names the record company were flooded with yet membership card over! They started replying. and addresses of its more requests for information. They Forty years ago, the Trident organisa­ members, new com­ had never witnessed such an amount of correspond­ tion set up offices in their building at St Anne’s Court pu terised member­ ence for any of their other artistes, ever! EMI Records to house the information service the band so badly ship numbers were began forwarding the mail to Trident, the bands man­ needed, and asked Pat and Sue Johnstone to run it. issued. The quarquar­ Therese agement company, because, due to the ever increasing They agreed to take on the job. ‘The International terly newsletters be­ volume of mail EMI had run out of Queen Fan Club’ was born on 1 February came magazines, A4 size but they printed posters of a Doug Puddifoot 1974. Queen returned from Australia and looked more attractive than the early photo and 10”x 8” promo photos! Fans Brian in particular helped Pat & Sue. editions of stapled sheets of paper! found out who the bands publicist Many of the letters were asking how Brian The first was Summer 1976 issue. A was and bombarded his office with achieved the sounds from his guitar. The new idea was implemented, to offer first main job was to send out information renewal gifts to make fans want to about the new single (), continue being a member. The new album release (Queen II) and the first gift was a picture of the bands first headlining UK tour. The tour band performing ’39, crest brought more members into the Fan Club. stickers and a wonderful Exclusive merchandise was on offer such button badge of the crest! as transfers, stickers and posters to help On the 1st September the fund the club and everything sold incred­ name of the club changed to ibly well. These goodies have become collector’s ‘The Official International Queen items today. Fan Club’ and the Autumn 1976 Mag­ For the first anniversary of the club, which now had over azine included a new temporary mem­ 1.000 members, Brian decided to write a letter to be bership card. As the band continued to included in the February/March 1975 newsletter. A Queen moved offices to John Reid Enterprises in the tour and make new music, more and more people wan­ EMI’s first promotional poster which they sent out trade mark which has continued to this very day. A mem­ autumn of 1975 along with the club as they had a new ted to join the Fan Club. The office was inundated with when people wrote enquiring about the band. bership card was issued with the June/July News letter management company. Pat & Sue started meeting mem­ new membership requests and many fans sent gifts to Below: Pat & Sue housed in a thick paper card pictured­folder. The Fan bers of the club as they travelled to see the band on the band for their birthdays and Christmas via the club. Club informed members of the flight details the band tour and after that they started work on an official bio­ During that year new clubs were set up affiliated to phone calls and letters too. Tony Brainsby said “he were arriving on returning from Japan, some fans were graphy to help Fan Club funds, which was to be pub ­ the main UK branch. Debbie Barker ran the Australian had never witnessed anything like this before”! there to greet the band, who were surprised to see them! lished in 1976. It never materialised as the band re­ club and Kazuo Seo the Japanese club. The Fan Club

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opened their doors and allowed members to visit the offices, which was a treat as it was possible to meet members of the group whilst there if they were in the building! The winter issue of the magazine included the new credit card type membership card, the first of its kind! A signed poster of the band was included as a Christmas gift. New merchandise offered tote bags, kites, belts and a jacket. In March 1977 Amanda Bloom joined the Fan Club as assistant secretary. At this time new offshoot clubs Amanda were formed in Holland with Anja, Rosy and Hennie and also one in with Ralph, Ola and Siv. These extra clubs held meetings with their members, which The invite for the video shoot proved extremely popular, the Dutch club held monthly meetings and thrived. The Fan Club continued to grow The summer of ‘77 saw Therese’s departure onto pas­ in membership and staff! Tommy, Kipps, Philip, Dar­ tures new in South America but the club was put into rell and Geoff joined the happy throng! The magazine the capable hands of Amanda. Later in the year she had A picture from the We Are The Champions video shoot. Below on the left: Vicky. On the right: Geoff and Tommy changed style with the Autumn 1977 issue (this for­ 3 days to send out invites to ask members to attend mat remained until the Summer ’82 issue). A Fan Club the filming of We Are The Champions. Over 900 peo ­ biography booklet was published. Originally an A4 ple turned up. As a thank you for being there, Queen performed an impromptu gig! Fans were also given a copy of the single. A free single and a free gig, one of the most exciting events the Fan Club has ever organised! The Spring ‘78 issue brought a new mem­ bership card and then the Fan Club offices were on the of the magazines to mail out! One of those promo films were premiered! Some re­ move to temporary who used to go and help was Vicky Everett. cords shops around the area of the ven­ offices in Campden Vicky was offered a full time job to help ue sold out of the new album! The raffle Street. For the first time Amanda as membership increased con­ prize was one of the News Of The World the Fan Club reserved tinuously and they organised a very spe­ robots EMI used for the album promo­ tickets for the UK spring cial one day event. The very first Fan tion. How on earth did the winner get it tour. This is something Club Convention was held at the Empire home on the train??! Special t shirts were the club has successful­ Ballroom, in Leicester Square in London made for the event too and sold out! ly achie ved for every UK on 11 Novem ber 1978. The event was Sadly there were no more day events like tour since. Summertime compared by Alan “Fluff” Freeman and this and we had to wait 8 years before saw a new biography there was such a roar when he read a tele­ anything remotely similar in the UK! updated and published. gram Queen had sent over from Ameri­ The band were on the move yet again to A pen­pal service proved ca, where they were on tour! Promo films new offices secured at Cornwall Terrace Mews and so popular and friends were shown and many fans raced to the the Fan Club went with them! Another biography was The first fan club biography. The new credit card type membership card - first of its made in those days in front of the stage waving scarves as if the produced. Membership had now increased to over kind ever and the rejected fan club biography the 70’s still remain band were on stage! The then new album 5,000. A special competition was held to win one of through to today which Jazz was played in its entirety and two new the exclusive blue vinyl Bo Rhap singles, Roger gave size but the idea was rejected as the band didn’t like is incredible. A new mug was made available, the first away drumsticks as consolation prizes. Another com­ the format, so it was produced as an A5 booklet. (This of many! Fans turned up at the office and always The first convention invite, abowe and petition was to design a new t shirt! Miki Hohjo from size has continued to the present day). helped out, especially during the stuffing of envelopes the News Of The World robot - raffle win Japan was the chosen winner. There were no printed

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lyrics with the Jazz album so the t shirt for each of these events have now become col­ Fan Club provided a mini poster lectables! The conventions have evolved and a week­ with the lyrics to the songs on the end convention has taken place every year since and back. The club arranged for con­con successfully organised by Jacky and Arena Travel. cert tickets to be collected from The latest is in the planning stages. the theatre box offices for the bands On 15 May 1986 members were invited to take part in ‘’ as they had held an yet another video shoot, this time at Wembley JVC Stu­ allocation of front seats at each of Freddie at the Friends video shoot and Freddie re- dios to film . Everyone was giv­ the venues. hearsing at video shoot Vicky took over the running of the club when Amanda left at Christ­ mas, Tommy and Geoff left in the spring. Angela joined the club in the summer of 1980 to assist Vicky. Mem­ bership continued to grow on a daily Jacky at Hampstead Heath and Val basis. A new series in the magazine fea­ magazine, the ladies decided to rede­rede tured articles on sign the magazines and announced a the roadies such as special event for members. Fiona left Crystal and Ratty etc. the club and was replaced by Andy Evans. by herself. As she required The Christmas 1980 is­ A picnic was planned on Hampstead help she brought in her sis­ sue was the first full Heath on 7 August 1983 and many fans ter Val to help when nee­ colour magazine. travelled from all around the UK and ded as the club was concon­ Also a new biography was printed. Europe to attend the ‘Garden Party’. A special t shirt tinuously busy! Val spent Towards the end of the following was made for the event. longer at the club than she year Hannie Rogeveen took over A much bigger occasion was later in the year, when on thought she would! Tick­ The Friends Will Be Friends the run ning of the Dutch Fan Club. 24 November, Fan Club members where invited to ets for the ‘Live Aid’ con­ video shoot invite and ticket Hannie has continued with this Shepperton Studios to help the band film their video cert were secured which job to the present day and has for . This really was an exciting day and a was an achievement in itself as tickets sold out ex­ en a free T shirt to remember achieved much over more than great opportunity for autographs and photos and fans tremely fast. Christmas cards from all the band were the event! The band were al­ 30 years and has held many mee­ took advantage! Roger thanked everybody for attend­ included with the winter magazine that year. ways so friendly at the film­ tings and organised many events. ing in his letter in the magazine which followed the 1986 was a busy year with the ‘’ but for the ings and they genuinely ap­ During summer of 1982 the club, shoot. We were asked to help out again for the next Fan Club the big event of the year was the first week­ preciated our involvement. with approximately 20,000 mem­mem single I Want To Break Free on 22 March 1984 at Lime­ end convention, for which the band recorded special Queen Bee Friends, a penpal organisation formed in bers, was taken over by two new house Studios and again on 5 April. Some members messages. (This is something that also continues to spring 1987. It had been 6 years since a new biogra­ ladies, Fiona Kennedy and some­ attended the video shoot in . the present day). The seaside rendezvous took place phy had been produced, the most lavish yet was pub ­ one who has been at the helm ever Andy Evans left February 1985 and Jacky ran the club in April at Ladbrokes Seashore holiday camp, in Great lished full of recording history and live gig dates. The since, Jacky Gunn (as Yarmouth. It was a huge success. Snippets of new songs she was known in those from their forthcoming album were given to the fans days). New ideas were on a cassette tape. Freddie even offered his Hyde Park brought in and the diamante studded leotard for an auction item! Every­ From above: Angela, club escalated to new one who attended went to the cinema in town to see Fiona, Jacky and Andy heights! the UK premiere of the Highlander movie. Outside the The first com petition cinema the crowd sang We Will Rock You waving their they ran had a prize of meeting Brian for ‘Friends Will Be Friends’ scarves which was a gift to lunch. Janet Freak was the lucky Killer the attendees. Parts of the convention were filmed for Com petition winner. From the Sum mer ‘83 The Radio Ga Ga video shoot invite inclusion on the Magic Years video set. The annual Convention crowd in Gt Yarmouth outside cinema

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2nd convention, at Pontins iun Southport, Mersey­ We took a trip Düsseldorf in Germany, in October 1991 side, premiered Live In . The support film for a Cross concert, which was followed by a meet and was Queen At The Rainbow which Jacky had persuad­ greet for the fan club members. The concert was re­ ed the band to bring out of storage! In July, The Royal corded and eventually Live In Germany was released Vision club (which had been formed about 18 months on cassette tape on 26 May 1992 exclusively to the Fan previously by Theresa Meyers) in the United States Club. Another collectors item! An updated biography held their first weekend ‘Queen­ was made available during late autumn 1991, this was vention’ in Virginia. They orga­ the most informative to date. nised many more conventions Nothing could have prepared us for the events of 1991 in the USA including 6 Christ­Christ Backstage: The Cross and Roger Brian on stage with Jim at the London Astoria at the but the Fan Club became a stronger part of peoples mas parties! Also that year on backstage at Meltdown Christmas party auction lives due to Freddie’s tragic passing. The winter issue 8 October members were in­in of the magazine was a special one devoted entirely to vited to Pinewood Studios to like it! Strong friendships were also A new decade and plenty happening all over the world Freddie with a poignant letter from Brian, written late help Freddie film his Barcelo­Barcelo made from these superb trips! Always for fans to attend! The 5th Convention, back in on the evening of Freddie’s funeral. na video. The fans had to hold at these fan events monies was raised Southport, was once again a huge success. In The club secured many tickets for the trib­ lighters up in the air which re­ for charities. There was a protest at the May ’90 a trip was organised to Ger­ ute concert and we had our own trib­ sulted in quite a few burnt fin­ Royal Albert Hall ‘Smash Hits’ pop win­ many to see The Cross in New Isen ­ ute at the 1992 convention, again gers! The following month ners show due to the band not being berg. Another Christmas party in Southport. We raised over mem bers were invited to the nominated for any awards! This was on was held at the London Asto­ £20,000 for charity that year. inaugural performance by Rog­ live TV! Fans were told to take down ria Theatre, and once again Freddie would have been ers new band, The Cross, for the their banner due to a fire risk! The first The Cross played (which was proud! The German Fan Club re cording of a TV show called Christmas Party was held at London Hammer smith recorded for a Fan Club only held their first convention meeting Melt down. The Christmas ‘87 Palais, we had party games, a quiz, silly hat contest release) and Brian was a special guest. on 10 May 1992 and has organised many issue of the magazine gave and live music from The Cross with guest appearanc­ Brian came on stage during the charity auc­ events since and planned many trips to UK con­ away a free poster. es from and ! What a party! tion to help sell one of his shirts! The Fan Club exclu­ ventions with thanks to Helmut Priebe and all who The Cross toured at the begin­ During 1989 the German Fan Club was formed by An­ sively released a live Cross concert on tape on 26 help. ning of 1988 with tickets re­ dreas Voigts, Frank Steinmann and Ernst Paul. Fans April 1991 from the show titled Bootleg, which is quite For Freddie’s birthday in ’92 the Fan Club held an out­ served at the venues to ensure generosity to charities has been outstanding over the a collectors piece now! The Christ­ members could get them eas­ years and money was raised for many many causes. mas magazine for that year included The Christmas Party ily. There was another killer The Hillsborough Disaster Appeal was one of them. the last letter Freddie ever wrote and ticket above and Hannie competition with the prize of Fans presented a cheque to Football Club, a huge collage poster. At the 1991 going along to the studio to meet Queen! What a prize! who were thankful for our efforts. At that years con­ convention in Southport, we cele­ During the year a group of fans worked together to vention, the 4th, this time in Camber Sands, Rye, The brated Queens 20 years with John form the ‘The International Queen Swap Office’ to Miracle album was premiered. The applause for the I Deacon as a member of the band. help collectors all over the world. Want It All video could be heard all over Camber Many fans started their own fan­ Trips over to Holland to attend the excellent Dutch Sands! A free flexi disc with messages from the band zines, such as ‘Princes Of The Uni­ Meeting run by Hannie and Anja were so popular they were given to all attendees that year. Another biogra­ verse’, ‘The Queen Chronicle’ and ran for a number of years! There was no trip quite phy was issued in the summer of ‘89. During Decem­ ‘The Heaven Fanzine’ thanks to Neil French, Adam Tidd and Gary Taylor. Foreign fanzines also were produced, such as ‘Noblesse Oblige’ by French fan Yves Lafontaine. Some Queen fans even formed their own cover band, one of the first was Command Backstage at Hammersmith Palais Performance. Parties were organ­ ber Italian fans formed their own official club and ised by UK fans in such places as Whitehaven, Ply­ door garden party in Oxfordshire, with cakes and they called themselves the ‘We Will Rock You Fan mouth, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Liverpool and other silly games. A couple more Garden Parties were held Club’. The Christmas magazine of the UK club includ­ towns and cities, not just in the UK but around the over coming years. Brians album ed a free calendar poster. globe! was premiered at that first garden party! The Italian

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Fan Club organised an event in Milan called The Show The BPI films were premiered at the Must Go On to raise AIDS Awareness. The Dutch Fan convention in ’96, which was the last convention to be Club worked closely with the Dutch AIDS convention held in Southport. In Detroit the USA fans were treattreat­ and raised lots of money for them. At the annual Dutch ed to meet and greet with Brian May before his show Meetings recording artist Robby Valentine performed at the Royal Oak Theater. During December the UK and he did his own unique tribute to Freddie at the club took their first trip over to Montreux to see the ’92 meeting. This was special and appreciated by those Statue. There have been a number of present. The Fan Club organised charity events for a these trips since during summer and winter when you ‘Freddie Mercury Day’ to raise funds for MPT. This The Suffolk Gang dinner with the Lord Mayor literally walk into the lyrics of A Winters Tale. A visit has been done every year since. Many members helped should be on everyone’s bucket list! the MPT by organising events up and down the coun­ Brian’s guitar made an appearance at the try, organising shows at schools and village halls. Many ’97 convention, which was the first in Pontins, in Pr­ individual members undertook various activities to estatyn. Fans had the opportunity to have their photo raise money. Special mention to Rachel Brown who as taken with the hallowed instrument, in return for a a youngster raised tens of thousands of pounds! Com­ donation to charity! Brian then autographed every single photo that was taken! Summer ‘97 saw the Fan Club open a new page on the world wide web, and made a promising start on the internet! Chris ‘Crystal’ Brian at Reading party Taylor, Rogers P.A. wrote some funny stories of life with Queen! There was another Christmas party held 7” single of The Show Must Go On to raise funds for in the UK at the London Cine­Bar. The ‘sort of Cross’ AIDS charities. At the end of the year a ‘Christmas Ex­ played, which was The Cross... without Roger! A new travaganza’ was held at Shep­ biography was printed in 1997 and a herds Bush Empire and Mr T E Conway competition was run to design a t shirt. On the Dutch Trip turned up to play... Also known as Brian The UK convention was extended to May! There was also an exclusive Cruise FOUR nights for both 1998 and 1999, mendable! Areas of the country formed their own groups to Amsterdam which saw fans party with both in Prestatyn. Summer of 1999 saw such as The Suffolk Crazy Gang. the ‘Breakthru’ conga on the decks of the Freddie Garden Party in Reading, Another poster was given away with the ship! where Brian came along as a guest. It the Christmas 1992 issue of the To celebrate the 10th annual conven­ was also the first time any fans had magazine. The fan club organised 2 tion in 1995, which was still in South­ seen or heard from the “Cross Christmas Cracker” gigs at port, there was an exclusive pressing of USA, who flew over JUST to perform one the London Marquee, and at the 2nd the Bohemian Rhapsody single, com­ song with Brian... turned out to be the show SMILE reformed as Brian May missioned by the fan club, and made by first of many occasions! and Tim Staffell joined Roger on EMI. Now very collectible! Freddie’s August ’99 saw the first American stage. The first time the three had ‘Stamp Collection’ was also on display. ‘Breakthru’ event which was held in performed together since 1970. The A new Playstation game, ‘Rockstar’, was Cleveland and has now become a popu­ Royal Vision American club arranged premiered at the convention that year. lar annual event, which has also been for fans to attend The Tonight Show in The Suffolk Crazy Gang held a Queen The Guiness Book Of held in Canada. They are planning an­ April ‘93 to see Brian perform. The dinner with their local Lord Mayor! The Records certificate other event this summer. 1993 convention, still at Southport, T. E. Conway at the Christmas party. The purple Bohemian Rhapsody, Fan Club organised a special launch There was time for big celebrations in was the highest attended. 1 July 1993 Italys red Show Must Go On single and the convention video event at the during the summer of 2000, when the fan club made it into is a significant date as that’s when Jacky October ’95, and Roger presented the the Guinness Book Of Records for the longest running Smith took over the running of the ‘Queen Fan Club’ Earls Court! The Fan Club organised bus tours of Lon­ premiere of the new Made In Heaven alal­ Fan Club in existence in the world – EVER! The statis­ as a business. The band continues to fully support don, which started on 15 April 1994. Quite a number bum and Champions Of The World video. tic was first included in the 2001 edition. this venture. A new biography was compiled that year. of ‘Queen Tours Of London’ took place. Jacky was the Attendees received a goody bag of posters The 2000 convention, still in Prestatyn, saw ‘The Fred­ At the first Australian Fan Club Convention held dur­ tour guide! The UK convention that year was filmed and a t shirt. There were 2 launch parties die Mercury Photographic Exhibition’ on display. At ing March 1994 fans were glued to the screen watch­ and ‘Rockin At Southport ‘94’ was released on video! for the album in the USA, one in Royal the convention in 2001, Jim Hutton brought along ing the early footage concerts such as Hyde Park and In Milan fans persuaded EMI Italy to press a red vinyl Oak, Michigan and one in Los Angeles. Freddie’s ‘Live Aid’ studded belt, which became the

16 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY 17 40 Years Anniversary 40 Years Anniversary

most photographed item we have to celebrate the high accolade of Olde Kings Head Pub, the manager of this haunted es­ ever displayed!! We sold it at the being presented with a ‘star’ on tablishment was non other than Queens first manager Ken auc tion! We have sold some wonder­ ‘Hollywood Walk Of Fame’. Testi. A fan from Japan attended the 2nd event there! ful personal items at auctions. Queen fans are always generous One of the most popular events has now become the The movie Furia received its UK with their time and some mem­ annual Newcastle Queen Day run by two fans Jim and premier at that years convention too. bers have helped Winged Fellow­ Dave Stephenson. The Centre For Life becomes the In Holland Peter Freestone as sis­ ship (now Vitalise) in Southport centre for Queen fans each year. The first ted fan Martin Huizinga to ar­ during their ‘Queen Weeks’. There On the New York trip was held in May 2008 and has continued range ‘Freddie’s Dinner’ parties. was a convention in Japan in No­ every year since and another celebracelebra­ These were repeated a couple of vember 2002 and they have held 4 fans as well! A workshop consisting of tion will take place in June this year. times in following years. Brian and more since. fans met up to discuss the workings of There was a ‘Queen Walking Tour Of Roger joined the SAS band at the The Australian fans held a con­ the Fan Club. Jacky chaired a couple of Liverpool’ arranged before the Queen+ Queen Fan Club Tribute to Fred­ vention in Melbourne in August successful meetings. A compilation CD gig in Liverpool, headed die concert held on the 10th an­ 2003 to celebrate the opening of “An Unconventional Tribute To Queen” by myself, culminating at the famous niversary of his death, at the Ocean We Will Rock You. A Freddie birth­ was compiled and produced featuring Cavern Club Wall showing the ‘brick’ de­ in Hackney. day party was held in the prestigious Imperial College cover bands who had played at events. The Fan Club have secured front row seats for We Will on 13 September. Jeff Scott Soto once again showed Monies raised went to help club funds. Spe­ Rock You­The Musical shows, from the premier to an­ his support by playing at this event. The German Fan cial thanks to Richard Mace for all his work. nual anniversaries. As the show draws to a close late Club continue to hold events with a convention in Es­ Also in 2006, The Fan Club held a 60th Ken Testi spring 2014, once again the Fan Club negotiated tick­ sen. The Polish Fan Club was formed on Freddie’s birthday party for Freddie in Brierly Hill birthday in September 2004 and they continue to hold and over in Portugal the Portugeuse Fan Club cele­ annual conventions and their 13th is in the planning brated at the Lisbon Hard Rock Café. During October stages to be held in summer this year. Italian fans formed there was an exhibition of Queen record sleeves orga­ ‘Queenitalia’ and have organised many events. nised by the Mexican Queen Fan Club. A ‘Queen Memo­ The annual convention in 2005 was held in Septem­ rial Day’ was held in Moscow and the UK Fan Club ber, still in Prestatyn. It had to be moved because of held a ‘Tribute To Freddie’ event on 25 November 2006 the Queen+Paul Rodgers tour. We had Christmas in Tarporley and on the same day fans gathered in Sao early that year at the convention, as fans dressed in Paulo in Brazil for their own tribute. The Italian Fan their Christmas outfits, and brought along presents for Club held 2 evenings to celebrate Freddie’s life in Milan. dicated to Queen! Later an after show party was held disadvantaged children in North Wales. There were At the 2007 convention, which had moved to Brean at the famous club, members of the band came along, hundreds of presents and the ‘Rotary Club Of Pr­ Sands in Somerset, Jacky was presented with a pewter there were fans from Argentina at this event too. estatyn’ charity were overwhelmed with the generos­ Freddie statue, sent by Brian, with a message thank­ Roger fans were thrilled to see his at the ity of the fans. The attendees ing her for the 25 years running the Fan Club. We were 2009 convention in Brean Sands. At the 25th conven­ received a gift of their own ­ also given free Bohemian Raspberry ice cream by tion in 2010, now moved to Vauxhall Holiday Center, in The convention crowd ‘The Platinum Collection’ box Ben & Jerry’s! May 2007 saw the release Great Yarmouth, two very special guests set of CDs and a VHS video. of a DVD Queens London taking you on a attended ­ Freddie’s sister Kashmira ets for the final performances. Over in Poland a con­ There was a special raffle at tour of the capital with Queen connec­ came along and brought with her Fred­ vention was organised by Zbyszek Kaminski who the convention to win a trip tions. Jacky & Paul Bird, lifelong fan are die’s Rolls Royce. Fans formed a queue brought the group of fans together during March. At to New York to see Queen+ the tour guides. for literally hours to have their photo­ the UK convention we were treated to a special sur­ Paul Rodgers play a con­ The London tour DVD On 30 June 2007 graphs taken with both! You never know round sound of A Night At The Opera. The Dutch Fan cert. Rachel Pendlebury was Jacky celebrated what can turn up at these annual bash­ Club informed their members about the band per­ the lucky winner. She joi­ her 25th anniver­ The 25th convention es! A 25th presentation was made to Jacky, forming in Amsterdam at the annual ‘Queens Day’ ned an organised Fan Club The Fan Club cover band CD sary with a SilSil­ certificate Val and myself to celebrate 25 conven­ event in April 2002. Quite a number of events have trip to the show. A good time ver Jubilee par­ tions. What a wonderful surprise. Fans been held in Holland organised by members of the was had by all in the big apple! ty in Woking and received a who had attended all 25 conventions received a framed Dutch Fan Club, such as the annual Waalre event. At the 21st convention, in 2006, fans who had attend­ specially made commemo­ certificate. Jacky made a presentation to Arena and to In October 2002 a special party, organised by the fan ed all 21 conventions were awarded a framed certifi­ rative disc award from the Keith Harris to thank them for their organisation. The club, was held in Los Angeles, at the Hollywood Club cate. A free limited edition DVD was given to attend­ band. Two gatherings were Austrian Fan Club held a Freddie birthday party in 1650. Brian and Roger played at the party, which was ees too, of Flix I and II. DoRo did some filming of the organised in Chester at Ye on 5 September. A special event took place in

18 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY 19 40 Years Anniversary 40 Years Anniversary

Feltham on Freddie’s 18th anniversary, where a ‘star’ donic Haze and Flash Harry from N. headlined. to an end with a ‘Tribute Concert extremely active. The magazines are now collectable was unveiled for Freddie. The Fan Club organised a gathe­ A ‘Queen Walking Tour Of Liverpool II’ was arranged for Freddie’ at the Clapham Grand. items due to the bands personal letters and exclusive ring of the clan to attend the ceremony, which was also for Sunday morning! “The Sink” club where Ibex Brian made a surprise appearance photos! The club has always brought together Queen attended by Brian and Freddie’s family. played on 24 September 1969 opened its doors so at the start of the show on 25 NoNo­ fans, and assisted in so many things; organising events, people could see where Freddie, Brian and Roger ap­ vember. concert tickets, trips abroad to concerts and conven­ peared live on stage together for the very first time! In time for the convention in 2012, tions, raffle prizes and auction items, arranging little There have also been a couple of ‘Twixmas’ events the 27th, and still in Great Yar­ touches which never go reported or publically recog­ held in Coventry during those days in between Christ­ mouth, a new biography was print­ nised. Jacky has done a remarkable job keeping it all mas and New Year. A relaxing time was had by all who ed. It was the most informative yet, together. attended, silly games and a quiz were part of the itin­ and it has proved a great book to Queen are touring the USA, Asia and Australia this erary and there was much laughter for charades!! have for reference source – the record company even year with Adam Lambert once again taking on lead These were memorable events. asked for copies! Huge thanks to Gary Taylor, who, vocals, the club helped with pre­sale tickets for the At the ‘Stormtroopers In Stilettos’ exhibition in Lon­ along with myself, updated the biography. shows. We have our own members website on the clubs don the Fan Club was represented well with its own The year saw a new collaboration of Queen+Adam internet page and on Facebook. Many of us use this stand and showing letters the band had written for the Lambert and a short tour was lined up. Once again the newsletters from the 1970’s. Fans flocked to the event club provided tickets for the shows and early entry at from around the globe. the London gigs! More fan parties continue to be held, A book was published in time for the most recently Stoke have held events and they are Picnic at Knebworth Jamie Jeff and Spike 2011 convention, the ‘Friends Will Be planning another. Freddie’s mum celebrated her 90th Friends Cook Book’ featured 44 mouth­ birthday and members sent gifts and hundreds of watering recipes – some of which had bouquets. She was delighted with them all. The club been made and were on sale at the arranged tickets for the BBC ‘The One Show’ when event. This was put together by fans to Roger Taylor was a guest on the programme. help raise funds for the club with spe­ A trip was organised to Montreux for the opening of Convention fancy dress party cial thanks to Amy Tunney, Frank ‘Queen: The Studio Experience’ an exhibition in the Tunney and Mick Hoole. Two ex secre­­ old , within the casino complex. Those media to keep in touch and air our views on all things taries Therese and Vicky attended the who were there were lucky to attend the opening cer­ Queen! Friendships have grown from being a mem­ convention as guests, and Kipps was emony. The Cross celebrated their anniversary by ber. We’ve had marriages, births, sad deaths, and even there too! A CD single was also released by playing a Christmas gig in Guildford, for which the divorces! Many of the children who attended those Queenies United – Where Else even had its Fan Club once again ensured members got tickets be­ early conventions, are now bringing their OWN chil­ own promo video!! Many fans organised fore general release. An Italian Queen fan opened his dren along! various events to help out the club and there own museum for a day in Naples during April 2014. No other Fan Club in the world has been around this was a button badge exclaiming ‘Proud mem­ Queen fans are a most dedicated bunch! long EVER! It really is quite an achievement! Please Brian and Roger at the SIS exhibition ber of the Queen Fan Club’! Thanks to Brett Lin­ At this years convention in September, the 29th week­ join me and raise a glass and wish our Fan Club a very forth, Charlie Cook, Emily Westcott and all who helped end celebration of all things Queen, the Fan Club will Happy 40th birthday and let’s not forget absent friends! During 2010 the Fan Club organised a ‘Rock Magic raised much needed funds to keep the Fan Club celebrate its 40th birthday and a big party night is Cheers! Long may it reign. Exhibition’ at Knebworth House and a special preview afloat! Keep it up! planned as we return to North Wales. The conventions Thanks to Adam Tidd, Dave King, Dave Matkin, Paul event was held on 1 August which included a picnic The Spanish Fan Club held their first convention April have evolved over the years and we now have live mu­ Bird, Jenny Hodge and Carole Hill. and an impromptu gig from Spike Edney, 2011 and have recently held their 4th. sic and guests from Queens past, pre­ and Jeff Scott Soto. Peter A special one day event was held in CornCorn­ sent and future! They are jam­ Freestone also came along to join in wall on 9 August 2011, at the Driftwood packed events! One thing that has the celebration. Another exclusive Spars in St Agnes, the only pub that Queen remained is the friendly atmosphere DVD was released, Queen Talks which ever played in their career. A horde of guest the event creates. It has a unique included all the messages the band appearances by many from Queens histo­histo feel, there is nothing quite like it. For had recorded for the conventions ry, including Queens first bass player Mike members it is one of the most im­ throughout the years. Queen@Hallow­ Grose and one of the first Fan Club ladies portant dates of the calendar! It re­ een was a weekend event at Liverpool Sue Johnstone, and Rogers friends who ally is something that no Queen fan Cavern which saw live music from fans were in Reaction! It was one of the best should miss. who had formed their own band Bella­ events we have held. The busy year came Over the years the Fan Club has been

20 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 40 YEARs ANNIvERsARY 21 Rainbow ’74 Rainbow ’74

For all of us involved, this was an exci­ nues, with a new and much larger ligh­ ting prospect from the very start. How ting rig, and the band were using smoke could it not be!? This represents the and flash bomb effects on stage for the earliest concert footage of the band first time. Queen were noticeably more we have in the archive. We have some assured by the time of the second and audio recordings from ’72 and ’73, but third Rainbow gigs. Every element of the not on multitrack and not of this length show had improved and it’s very noticea­noticea or quality. Queen at the Rainbow is ble that Freddie engaged the audience the earliest we have, and what ama­ with renewed poise. zing footage it is! And, significantly, we These recordings sound extraordinari­ have the complete and unedited audio ly fresh and vibrant and are fascinating tapes too – so therefore the purest re­ for a host of reasons which I think you’ll cordings with which to work. One enjoy discovering every time you hear cannot hope to have better than that! them. Freddie’s banter with the audience There are lots of new Queen fans emer­ is amusing, of course, and there is com ­ ging all the time, so for anyone who’s ment from Roger and Brian too. The whole not sure I’ll outline exactly what it is visual aspect of Queen on stage in 1974 QUEEN AT THEIR I’m talking about here. still has enormous impact all these years Queen performed at the Rainbow later. Watching these concerts took me Theatre for the very first time in late vividly back to the time that I first encoun­ EXUBERANT BEST, March 1974. They then returned for tered Queen, and when I first saw footage two further shows in November the same year. All of them in concert. I recalled again how incredulous three concerts were recorded and the multitrack I was to discover that four people could sound as po­ LIVE AT THE tapes all survive in fantastic shape to this day. They werful and ‘together’ as eight, and create such a bril­ sound amazing. Some of this material was inevitably liant and rounded stage act. ALL of that came flooding bootlegged over the years, but never has it sounded as back to me with this new project. wonderful as it does now. It looks and sounds the best A few days ago I was reading a magazine article about RAINBOW ‘74 it ever has and fans familiar with the bootlegs will a British based company called Bowers & Wilkins, immediately see a dramatic difference. I think it is who make the most beautiful and dazzling loudspea­ By Greg Brooks: May 2014 nothing short of great, and, in various unexpected kers in the world. I plan to revisit the Queen cata­ ways, rather shocking too – especially some of things logue with new ‘ears’ if I can stretch to pair of these eople seem to imagine that my job as Queen behind them. I’ve spent close to 18 years playing that Freddie says! things and I would like to begin this process with the Archivist is sitting in a darkened room all catch up. There are songs particularly in the March perforperfor­­ P day listening to Queen, watching endless Every so often the Queen team is asked to go back to mance that will surprise you (to say the least). I had footage and scribbling notes. How difficult is that, they original source tapes and review every element of a no idea that Queen performed certain songs at this say! Why has it taken him so long? The reality is rather given project in the greatest possible detail to see concert, until we had the tapes rolling and there they different of course. Most of the time I’m busy looking what can be used, or perhaps in some cases what were leaping out of the speakers to be rediscovered, after and organising a large number of audio, video needs to be found. This happened approximately a crying out to be heard after a 40 year ‘sleep’ in the and film assets; not least so that we know precisely what year ago with the three concerts Queen performed at archive (but for a brief edited appearance in 1992 on we have, what condition everything is in, and where it the Rainbow in 1974. We scrutinized everything we a hard to find boxed set). You will not have heard all is, so that when a project like Queen At The Rainbow have, assessed how best to proceed, and then began a some of these live renditions EVER before. Not even comes up, we are ready to hit the road running. painstaking but fascinating process. Very considera ­ on bootleg. So prepare to be shaken and ready your ­ It is actually quite seldom these days that I get to sit ble time, effort and care went into this project; the self for Queen in viciously good form from tours at and listen to, or watch, something rare or unseen. sound and video, naturally, but equally so for with the both ends of 1974. Most of the archive has now been transferred and sa­ accompanying elements; the memorabilia, layout, Though the concerts happened in the same year and fety copied; we know exactly what we have and where photographs and text. Every detail was thought about only eight months apart, the March show (part of the to find it, and that is not insignificant when you’re so that everything could come together to make a ba­ ‘Queen II’ tour) is very different to those in November dea ling with a giant act like Queen with 40 years of lanced and thorough set that everyone’s happy with (‘’ tour). By late 1974 the live show history and a seemingly endless wealth of material – especially the fans. had been dramatically adapted to work in larger ve­

22 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 23 Rainbow ’74 Rainbow ’74

shows, as offered on the 1992 ‘’ packa­ ge. What you’ll find on the new product is something very different and with unbelievable impact and ener­ gy. All that I’ve said here is merely the tip of this par­ ticular Queen iceberg; there is much to discover n the Rainbow box, and it certainly merits multiple listens. But do hear it properly; no concerts deserve it more than these. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but a lot of research went into this project, and the text Gary Taylor and I put together, with help from the band, throws new light on the entire story. Aside from the impeccable care with the sound and vision, and anecdotes and reviews from those who were there, the packaging is rather lovely too and entails some great little touches Rainbow shows. The article said that its co­founder, gerous, to take risks, experiment, play with their set­ circuit, as well as on record. So... very soon you’ll of memorabilia and nostalgia to take you right back Mr Bowers, originally set out with the goal of creating list and lighting, try new songs, play with the au­ hear it all, in a clarity that will probably shock you, to the day. a speaker that would transport the listener to the very dience, push things to the max. Like them or loathe and you’ll see and hear a young ambitious Queen Before you ask, or become irate at Brooks the archi ­ place where the recording was originally made, to them, in 1974 nobody could ignore this band; Queen being generally more great than any new band had a vist dodging the obvious points again – which I’m of­ offer the listener the experience of being right there were emphatically here to stay, intent upon delivering right to be back in those days, or any days. ten accused of... no, the long lost footage of the entire in the room with the musicians at the moment of re­ the best possible show at every opportunity and esta­ To date, all we’ve had to look at of Queen at the Rain­ March concert never materialised. In fact, it’s not at cording. Well, listening to the newly mixed Queen at blishing themselves as a major force upon the live bow, is a 53­minute edited version of the November all certain that it ever existed. We know that two the Rainbow, 40 years on, with 2014 technology, with songs were filmed, and of course they are featured the meticulous attention to detail that’s gone into the here, but the rest of the show...??? We searched high sound aspect (leaving aside the footage for now) is and low for it. We looked everywhere, asked everyone astonishing – and that’s just using an old pair of near­ we could think of. We made every reasonable effort to death speakers. Imagine how this would sound on fab find it, and then we tried again. We also asked you the speakers!!! Genuinely, I was not prepared for what fans, several times on several forums, so there really Justin Shirley­Smith played me in the studio. To choo­ was nowhere else to look? It looks like that film has se just one word, I would say it sounds spectacular. gone, IF it ever existed. No matter, this package is still Certain moments in certain songs, for me anyway, – as Freddie would say – FAB! were impressive and rather moving, and that’s not Working on this project was a pleasure and privile ­ really what one expects from a rock and roll band in ge. My opinion is that the Queen team did great concert in the mid 1970s. Is it? work here; perhaps one of the best ever Queen pro­ I always loved Queen’s Rainbow shows; I watched my ducts. I hope it’s ok to say that. This is the best and poor quality bootleg VHS until it would play no more. most exciting product I could have hoped to be part Likewise, I played my March bootleg cassette back in of. Now, it’s over to you. You’ve waited long enough the day, until it chewed itself up and died inside my for the Rainbow shows. Make ready your TV screens. old tape machine. I have waited patiently to hear this ma­ Ensure that your hi­fi system and speakers are ‘man terial PROPERLY ever since. In fact, I have longed to enough’ to cope. If there’s any doubt whatsoever, have it. And now, finally, it is here. It looks and sounds then go buy the best system you can. Or borrow one. every bit as pure and flawless as I hoped it would. Like Position your speakers carefully, remove beloved my chum Jim Jenkins, I thought this project might pets from the room, and babies and valued glass or­ actually emerge too late for me to witness it in my naments, and when the time comes, when this pa­ lifetime. I thought it likely that I might die first! But, ckage arrives, direct the Rainbow audio at your ears like all fans who love early Queen, I waited and it has with appropriate decibels and take in some of the been well and truly worth the wait, a thousand­fold. most extraordinary and powerful Queen perfor­ Queen were on top of the world in 1974, willing to try mances ever captured on tape. And then listen again, anything, take on everything and everyone, to be dan­ even more carefully.

24 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 25 Leonardo (Archivist) Pelz Leonardo (Archivist) Pelz

ow I became a Queen fan... mmm, the first 2005 and I managed to attend 5 shows (Rome, Milan, 2012 was in all a great Queen year for me because I here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiyTjwD-2Xk ), clean memory of Queen that I have is on Florence, Pesaro and ) and it was an unfor- even organized a small Queen exhibition of some of shared with a lot of friends and with even three mee- Hmy 7th birthday (12/08/1989): I clearly gettable experience. We didn‘t meet the band this my Queen material in my town that was a success, a tings with the Doc, one even at the train station... un- remember that the radio was playing a lot a mighty time (too big venues this time) but it was nice anyway, lot of people came and they enjoyed seeing the re- forgettable, really unforgettable! song called „anorinòòòòò, anorinàààà“ (I want it all! I drove for more than 1.000 km in a week and it was cords, the books, the gadgets and stuff (you can see ;-). Then I vividly remember the day of Freddie‘s death worth every meter! the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= My collection and all the bad things that our Italian TV said about Then came the album and another concert, this time IZHZfkrKtzI and the pictures on my Facebook profile: him... but the real passion started with that wonderful only one, in Milan in 2008. I even had a backstage pass, http://www.facebook.com/leonardo.pelz) I always loved collecting Queen but I was never really documentary called „The Queen Phenomenon“ that I but some bad circumstances made this dream fade In November 2012 I attended the Born Free show in into vinyls (even if I have a hundred or so). I‘ve coll - High Wycombe and it was one of the “less rockin” ected for years live tapes and live videos (and I still moments in my Queen history, but also one of the do, that‘s why my “archivist” nickname) but my real most intimate ones, it felt like having Brian and Kerry love are the Queen books. I have more than 80 from all over the world (including My Queen life biographies, with of course “As it began”, tour books, spe- saw on Italian TV near the end of 1995. I immediately away. I was really sad cial Queen edition of Magazi- bought Made in Heaven and that became my first Queen and I was thinking nes, like Music Life, etc.) and album. I recorded the documentary and I watched it about leaving all some of them are really ex- ten thousand times or so (before internet, before You- about Queen, etc... cellent in terms of text and Tube, before „Queen trades“, that tape was almost all but that didn‘t last pictures. I also love cuttings. I had and I still remember every second of it!). Then very long, especially A friend of mine (Marino) came No-one But You, Queen Rocks and I started dis- after 4th December was a sort of “local press of- covering - one album every 3-4 months or so - eve- 2009! :-D fice” for Queen articles back rything about Queen (at least I thought so!). At the At the beginning of in the ’70 and the ’80, he col- time I wasn‘t a member of the fan club because I didn‘t 2009 the rumours of lected almost every article on feel like doing it, how wrong I was!!! So I missed both an Italian version of We Italian and Austrian magazi- the solo tours of Brian and Roger but in 2000, my Will Rock You started nes and now he kindly dona- passion reignited when I started surfing on the inter- to spread and I mana- ted them to me. He also recor- net. I found people from all over the world with things ged to buy 2nd row ti- ded that wonderful au di ence that I never heard of before (songs like Hangman, See ckets for the premi- tape of Zurich 1978, you can What A Fool I‘ve Been, A Human Body or videos like ère! I even met Roger imagine how much I envy Hammersmith Odeon, Hyde Park, etc.) and it was like after the show and it him! a dream to me. I started a lot of “Queen trades” of was one of the most My other big love are Queen unofficial material with people from all over the world adre nalinic moments posters, I have more than 20 and trade after trade some friendships were born, I ever remembered as but... not so many walls! :-D and some of them still last today after many years. a Queen fan, so unex- Once I got all my office co- Friendship between Queen fans is one of the best things pected, so perfect, so vered with Queen posters Queen ever did! We are all supporting the same team beautiful! but they weren‘t that happy and I still think the same about it! Then, as I was beco-- (I work in a bank). Well, I My first „Queen adventure“ on the road (not counting ming a father during tried! :-D the almost 30 cover-band concerts) was the Pavarotti this period, I wasn‘t able Ok, I think that I‘ve written too much, I hope to meet and Friends in 2003 in Modena. We went there 3 days to attend the Anthems Tour in 2011 but I collected in my room... during a pause between songs my photo each and everyone of you one day! In the meantime, before the event, we stayed hours at the Hotel and we every video that I found about the tour and, through a camera fell down to the floor and Brian stopped tal- you can find me here: http://www.facebook.com/leo- were lucky to meet Brian and Roger and the day of the wonderful and incredibly kind person, I was able to king asking me „is everything all right?“ and all the nardo.pelz. Drop me a message, it‘s always nice to show we were at the entrance at 10 am. All the day was send a copy of the collection to the Doc himself, and audience started to laugh! :D I couldn‘t imagine that talk to Queen fans, aren‘t we supporting the same amazing, Brian and Roger rocked the Novi Sad Park he was so happy for it! I met him properly the first another tour were to follow in 2013, with even 4 dates team? ;-) and it was sooo nice to read that Brian was less afraid time in Sanremo in February 2012 and he was one of in Italy! to call himself and Roger „Queen“ after this show! the kindest people I ever met. I‘m sure every fan who And this recent experience (the Milan concert) was Leonardo (Archivist) Pelz (Stone Cold Leo‘82 B.R.) Then came the Queen + Paul Rodgers first tour in met him will tell you the same. pro bably the best one for me (you can see our pics ...probably the longest nickname EVER! ;-)

26 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 27 Irene & David in Zanzibar

Brian has been working alongside his fellow experts on the London Stereoscopic Com– pany‘s third set of Queen Stereoscopic cards, featuring some stunning new images taken from the Radio Ga Ga video shoot! A Queen Nest Set will be made available on the forthcoming tour – but Brian and his team have kindly offered to allow fan club members to purchase them for a discounted price directly from the LSC online shop! Normal price for this set is £115, but fan club members can buy it for just £99. The set comprises the Nest Box, Platinum Owl View- er, and 3 boxes of 12 Stereo cards. And as an exclusive on the tour and for fan club mem- bers, there are a limited number of sets that will come with a fully signed certificate of authenticity from Brian. These are limited and will be sent on a first come first served basis, so order QUICKLY! To see some of the stunning Queen photos, go to www.londonstereo.com and click the modern stereo photos link near the top. To order your box set go to the same website and go to their shop. Please complete your order based on the full price. By entering n the words of Dr May, it is another world, when We spent the next 10 days visiting Stone Town the Birth­ your QFC Membership number in the special you touch down in Zanzibar after the long flight. place of a certain Farrokh Bulsara... Mr Mercury to instructions box, the discount will be applied IYou are met by heat and the reality that you have us all... and the famous Freddie‘s bar, a meet and eat when your payment is processed. arrived in the land of spices and the Birthplace of a by the sea place. You could be anywere if it were not certain Mr Mercury, of another time and place and for the smell of spices and all the Freddie t­shirts and future. 1946 seems so long ago and when we arrived other Queen related things you could buy. Did I men­ in 2013... not much seems to have changed. Well pla­ tion the T­shirts??! We found all the places to visit nes, cars etc of course... but everything else, mules on thanks to our tour guide, a drink here, a shop there the road, people on carts and the smell of spices, fish, and don‘t get us started on the fish market... the meat and everything that you would expect from Afri­ smell! Still it was an eye opener to visit the slave trade ca is there, as our tour guide points out. Yes you do places. And the heat, and street sellers, make sure need a guide, as you are, as tourists a new fad. Only you take some Money and get ready to haggle... we did the last 20 years have hotels turned up and slowly mo­ a lot of sunbathing and had a trip to see the Dolphins ney is being made. Our hotel was on the other end of and eat and Drink at our 5 star hotel. A different meal the Island, a good hour away, but when we arrived it every night and different local artists and far too was as I have said... Another world. White sand, won­ much pudding!!!... it was a great, once in a lifetime derful food, lovely local people. Jambo, (hello to you trip... everyone should put it on their „must visit“ list! and me) was the welcome, have a drink and welcome to Paradise!!! David and Irene Taylor.

28 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB Collectors Corner Collectors Corner Collectors Corner Many thanks as always to expert Gary Taylor!

This time we are concentrating on special Fan in Germany to promote a DVD player in 1997. This li- Club releases that have been given away over mited edition 35-track double sided DVD set was pre- the years. sented in an individually numbered maroon tri-fold card picture sleeve with gold titling and Queen crest on the front cover. Because there were so many un- used DVD’s in storage all these years, the band gave permission for copies to be given away at the 21st UK convention in 2006. than not in the form of a 3) In 2005 a box set specially made poster. Here edition of ‘The Plati- 6) A glossy colour copy of the ori- are some examples in black num Collection’ was ginal UK promotional poster for and white, on glossy paper given away free to at- the ‘Queen II’ album was sold at one of the UK conven- and with printed autographs, but there were also a tendees of the 20th UK tions in recent years. A poster from Brian’s personal few printed in colour. These posters were made from convention, having in- collection was autographed by Roger, John and Brian, 1976 through to the mid ‘80’s. We have also had other 1) Probably the most exciting, and now very rare, item itially been produced and printed off for fans to purchase. posters, a ‘Miracle’ calendar poster, pens, credit card made available for fan club members was at the 10th in 2003 to sell on a holder, patches, sticker sheets and badges. Official International Queen Fan Club UK convention German TV shopping 7) Over many years of being a member of the UK fan in 1995 when EMI/Parlophone produced a 7” purple channel. The product club you always got a renewal gift and more often vinyl single of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ / ‘I’m In Love With was stopped by the band and the set had spent the last My Car’ (EMI DJ95). Each record and picture sleeve couple of years stored in a warehouse. The set com- were hand numbered by Jacky, and was a limited edition prises the 3 individual ‘Greatest Hits’ CD’s, a booklet of 2,000 copies and available to each person at the and a VHS video of the first ‘Greatest Flix’ home video convention for £5.00. The specially printed label and re-titled ‘Greatest Video Hits’, all presented in a thick cover was based on the original UK sleeve from 1975. card long box.

4) A cassette called ‘A Message From Queen’ was gi- ven away at the first UK convention in 1986, and inclu- ded spoken messages from Brian, Roger, Freddie and John, as well as teaser versions of ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’, ‘Don’t Lose Your Head’, ‘One Year Of Love’, ‘Pain Is So Close To Pleasure’ and ‘Gimme The Prize’.

5) A 7” flexi-disc also called ‘A Message From Queen’ was gi- ven away at the 4th UK convention in 1989 and inclu - 2) The first ever Queen DVD was ‘Greatest Flix I & II’ ded spoken messages from the band with ‘The Invisi- and was a promotional only DVD (QDVD001) issued ble Man’ played in the background.

30 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB 31 „...this is for all You lovely crazy people out there...“

Brian with original “Troggs” guitarist Chris Britton at Wildlife Rocks. Photo Cass Churchill.

Mike Cooke, Roger Taylor and the Very Poor Roger Taylor! Brian planting “Brianswood” in Dorset, with helpers Freddie (7) and Frankie (5) Jenkins.

Mark Hansons fabulous Freddie tattoo!

A belated very happy 70th birthday to John “Smudge” Smith, from his wife Pat, his children, and his grandchildren! This is a small part of his massive Queen collection!

Anja & Hannie from the Dutch fan club, with Roger, Maaike and Marco. 24 THE OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FAN CLUB