Queen: Killer Queen Single (1974)

Queen
Oct 10, 1974
5 min read

A Glam Rock Masterstroke

Queen’s “Killer Queen” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 11, 1974, on EMI Records (catalogue: EMI 2229). Backed with “Flick of the Wrist,” this flamboyant glam rock anthem, written by Freddie Mercury, was the lead single from the album Sheer Heart Attack. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen, the A-side’s intricate harmonies, Mercury’s campy vocals, and Brian May’s sparkling guitar the single entered the BBC UK Charts at number 23 on October 20, - October 26, rose to No. 2 for two weeks November 10 - November 23, remaining on the chart for a total of 12 weeks and reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is about a high-class call girl and has been characterised as "Mercury's piano-led paean to a Moët-quaffing courtesan".

The song is included in Queen's 1981 Greatest Hits compilation. It is also recorded on the live albums Live Killers and Queen Rock Montreal.

History and recording

Mercury commented he wrote the lyrics before the melody and music, whereas normally he would do the opposite. He stated that the song was about a high-class call girl. The song's first verse quotes a phrase traditionally but falsely attributed to Marie Antoinette: "'Let them eat cake,' she says, just like Marie Antoinette". "Killer Queen" retained the essence of Queen's trademark sound, particularly in its meticulous vocal harmonies.

Unlike the first two Queen albums, this song was partly recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The recording features elaborate four-part harmonies (particularly in the choruses, and also providing backing parts in the verses), and also a multitracked guitar solo by Brian May which makes use of the bell effect. At one point there are two distinct bass guitar lines, one of which diverges into a descending run.

Release

When released as a single, "Killer Queen" was Queen's breakthrough hit, reaching number two in the United Kingdom and number twelve in the United States. It was released as a double A-side in the UK, the US, and Canada (where it reached number 15 in the RPM 100 national singles chart), with the song "Flick of the Wrist." Several different versions of "Flick of the Wrist" were used on different releases. In 1986, "Killer Queen" featured as the B-side to "Who Wants to Live Forever."

Queen on the song

Freddie Mercury:

People are used to hard rock, energy music from Queen, yet with this single you almost expect Noël Coward to sing it. It's one of those bowler hat, black suspender belt numbers – not that Coward would wear that. ... It's about a high-class call girl. I'm trying to say that classy people can be whores as well. That's what the song is about, though I'd prefer people to put their interpretation upon it – to read into it what they like.

Brian May:

'Killer Queen' was the turning point. It was the song that best summed up our kind of music, and a big hit, and we desperately needed it as a mark of something successful happening for us... I was always very happy with this song. The whole [album] was made in a very craftsman-like manner. I still enjoy listening to it because there's a lot to listen to, but it never gets cluttered. There's always space for all the little ideas to come through. And of course, I like the solo, with that three-part section, where each part has its own voice... It's vintage Queen. The first time I heard Freddie playing that song, I was lying in my room in Rockfield [a residential recording studio in Wales], feeling very sick. After Queen's first American tour, I had hepatitis, and then I had very bad stomach problems and I had to be operated on. So I remember just lying there, hearing Freddie play this really great song and feeling sad, because I thought, 'I can't even get out of bed to participate in this.' But then I got fixed up, thank God. And when I came out again, we were able to finish off 'Killer Queen.' They left some space for me and I did the solo. I had strong feelings about one of the harmony bits in the chorus, so we had another go at that too.

Critical reception and legacy

On the single's release, Cash Box said that it had "fine lead vocals, solid harmonies and an inventive production" and that "this song is bound to make you smile with its lighthearted whimsy and confident approach." Record World described it as "a cross between Bowie and Wings".

Retrospectively, "Killer Queen" was described by AllMusic as the true beginning of Queen's "radio sound" and "recalls the cabaret songs of yesteryear, but also shows how Queen was fast becoming a master of power pop".[8] Rock historian Paul Fowles wrote that "Killer Queen", with its "sleazy Parisian imagery", allowed "free rein" to Mercury's "unique brand of rock theater".

American pop singer Katy Perry cited "Killer Queen" as an important influence on her, saying it "made me discover music and helped me come into my own at the age of 15".

Japanese manga artist Hirohiko Araki references the song in his series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure as the name of a "Stand", a supernatural creature manifested from psychic energy.

Personnel

Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, grand piano, tack piano, finger snapping

Brian May – guitars, backing vocals

Roger Taylor – drums, triangle, chimes, backing vocals

John Deacon – bass guitar

Chart (1974–1975) Peak position

Australia 24

Austria 10

Belgium 7

Belgium 4

Canadian Top Singles 15

Finland 16

Ireland 2

Netherlands 3

Norway 4

UK Singles 2

US Billboard Hot 100 12

US Cash Box Top 100 12

West Germany 12

Released Variations:

Angola - EMI - 1974

Belgium - EMI - 1974

Brazil - EMI - 1974

Canada - Elektra - 1974

Finland - EMI - 1974

France - EMI - 1974

Germany - EMI - 1974

Greece - EMI - 1974

Ireland - EMI - 1974

Netherlands - EMI - 1974

Portugal - EMI - 1974

Spain - EMI - 1974

Sweden - EMI - 1974

USA - Elektra - 1974

Yugoslavia - EMI - 1974

Australia - Elektra - 1975

Chile - Odeon - 1975

Italy - EMI - 1975

Japan - Elektra - 1975

Mexico - EMI - 1975

New Zealand - Elektra - 1975

Philippines - EMI - 1975

South Africa - EMI - 1975

Streams on Spotify via Sheer Heart Attack deluxe editions preserve the analog sparkle. This single is a must-have for Queen fans and glam rock collectors.