Post-modernism of Queen.

"My mission is to bring ballet to the masses" - Freddie Mercury

Rejection of elitist & popularist division:

• Brian May - astrophysicist & musician
• Classical music, opera - Gilbert & Sullivan style and theatrical influence mixed with hard rock in music and live performances
• Outrageous costume - very theatrical, leotards.

Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon:

Barcelona with Montserrat Caballe:


Brighton Rock Solo:

The Millionaire Waltz:


Another One Bites The Dust:


Crazy Little Thing Called Love:


Contradiction: Explicitly pointed out that no synths were used on early albums but used them later when their music developed.


Ignoring structure within songs - Bohemian Rhapsody
Three songs combined into one. Taking inspiration from opera structure of composed in continuous act. Vocals layered to sound like choir of voices. Call and response style. 
Elitist music made popular - stayed at number 1 for 14 weeks. Top British single of all time.





Ignored "hierarchy" of music press & put messages into song:

• Famously didn't give many interviews
• Freddie had been called a prat by NME 
• News of the World album - We Will Rock You & We Are The Champions audience participation 
• Death on Two Legs - dedicated to ex-manager, Norman Sheffield

I Want To Break Free Music Video: 
Parody of Coronation Street



Radio Ga Ga Music Video:
Bricolage of scenes from sci-fi film Metropolis and footage from other Queen videos



Bricolage in songs commissioned for films: Flash from Flash Gordon, A Kind of Magic from Highlander.


Covers since:

• Another One Bites the Dust with Wyclef Jean:

• We Will Rock You with Five:

We Will Rock You Musical:
Is set in the future where computerized pop has taken over and rebellious kids are outcast.

Brian May, Roger Taylor and Ben Elton wrote the musical which features Queen songs, some lyrics where changed and the meaning changed to fit to the story. It pays homage to the rock n' roll era at the same time is a pastiche taking the mick out of the fashion and culture and also out of Queen themselves making references to Queen songs and characteristics. Also to musicians that came from before and after Queen's time.


Rip off: