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Our Complete List Of Queen Band Members presents the various lineups of a band Formed in London in 1970. Queen consisted originally of Freddie Mercury (vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). The band gained popularity in the mid-1970s and soon became known for their flamboyant stage presence, complex harmonies, and eclectic styles, which ranged from rock and opera to disco and funk. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1973, but it was their 1974 album, “Queen II,” and the subsequent “Sheer Heart Attack” later that year, that catapulted them to stardom.
The group achieved international acclaim with the release of “A Night at the Opera” in 1975, which featured the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The song stayed at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks and popularized the music video format. Over the years, the band produced iconic hits like “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” among others. They performed at the Live Aid concert in 1985, a performance often hailed as one of the greatest live performances in the history of rock music.
Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991 was a huge blow to the band, but Queen’s remaining members have continued to tour and record, initially with a variety of guest vocalists and later with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert. Throughout its history, Queen has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling music artists. The band’s legacy has also been cemented through the biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which focused on Mercury’s life and the band’s evolution.
Queen’s Legendary Band Members
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Tanzania, was the iconic frontman of the rock band Queen. He joined Brian May and Roger Taylor in 1970, after the disbandment of their previous band, Smile. Mercury’s first album with Queen was their self-titled debut in 1973. He played on all of Queen’s studio albums, from “Queen” (1973) to “Innuendo” (1991). While primarily a vocalist, Freddie Mercury also played piano and occasionally guitar. He was the creative force behind many of Queen’s hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and “We Are the Champions.” Mercury remained with Queen until his untimely death on November 24, 1991, due to complications from AIDS.
Outside of Queen, Freddie Mercury had a relatively brief but impactful solo career. His solo albums include “Mr. Bad Guy” (1985) and the posthumously-released “Barcelona” (1988), which was a collaboration with Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé. The album “Barcelona” mixed rock and opera and was a commercial success. He also contributed to soundtracks and released several singles. One of his most popular solo tracks is “Living on My Own,” which became a posthumous hit.
Mercury’s impact on the world of rock music is immense, not just for his incredible vocal range and stage presence, but also for his songwriting abilities. His composition “Bohemian Rhapsody” broke the mold for what a rock song could be and remains one of the most innovative pieces of music ever created. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen in 2001, and he was listed in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. In 2018, his life and career were the subjects of the biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which received several Academy Awards.
Brian May
Brian May, born in Hampton, London, England, is best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen. He co-founded Queen with drummer Roger Taylor and bassist Tim Staffell in 1970 under the name Smile, which later evolved into Queen when Freddie Mercury joined as the lead vocalist. May played on all of Queen’s studio albums, starting from their self-titled debut album in 1973 to “Innuendo” in 1991, and participated in their various live and compilation albums thereafter. Recognized for his distinctive guitar tone, May primarily played a Red Special guitar that he built with his father. He is the composer of some of Queen’s popular songs, including “We Will Rock You,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “I Want It All.” Brian May has never officially left Queen and has participated in various incarnations of the band after Freddie Mercury’s death, including performances with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert.
Outside of Queen, Brian May has had an extensive solo career. His solo works include albums like “Back to the Light” (1992) and “Another World” (1998). He has also collaborated with a variety of artists and has been active in various philanthropic and academic endeavors. Notably, he earned a Ph.D. in Astrophysics in 2007 from Imperial College London, several decades after abandoning his doctoral studies to focus on Queen. He has subsequently published research and has been an advocate for animal rights.
Brian May’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. He was ranked the 26th greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen in 2001. Additionally, he received the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors in 2017.
Roger Taylor
Roger Taylor, born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, is widely known as the drummer for the iconic rock band Queen. Taylor originally teamed up with Brian May in the band Smile before it transformed into Queen with the addition of Freddie Mercury as lead vocalist and John Deacon on bass in 1970. Taylor has played on all of Queen’s studio albums, from their debut in 1973 up to “Innuendo” in 1991. Known for his distinctive falsetto and versatility as a musician, he also contributed backing vocals and occasionally played guitar and keyboards on some tracks. Taylor penned some of Queen’s most celebrated songs, including “Radio Ga Ga,” “I’m in Love with My Car,” and “These Are the Days of Our Lives.”
Outside Queen, Roger Taylor has had a notable solo career. He has released several solo albums, beginning with “Fun in Space” in 1981 and continuing with works such as “Strange Frontier” (1984) and “Happiness?” (1994). These projects allowed him to explore different styles and musical influences beyond the framework of Queen. Additionally, Taylor has been a part of side projects like The Cross, where he took up duties as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. The Cross released three albums between 1987 and 1991.
Throughout his career, Roger Taylor has received multiple accolades, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Queen in 2001. He was also honored with the Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors. Taylor remains active, participating in various Queen-related activities such as touring with Adam Lambert and being involved in the production of the biographical film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which portrays the life of Freddie Mercury and the history of Queen. His sustained contributions to both Queen and his solo projects have solidified his standing as one of the most influential drummers in rock history.
John Deacon
Photo: Eddie, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
John Deacon, born on August 19, 1951, in Leicester, England, is best known as the bassist for the legendary rock band Queen. He was the last member to join the group in 1971, completing the classic lineup alongside Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and Roger Taylor. Deacon played on all of Queen’s studio albums from their self-titled debut in 1973 up to “Innuendo” in 1991. Besides playing bass, he also played keyboards and acoustic guitar on some tracks. Known for his unobtrusive yet complex basslines, Deacon contributed significantly to the band’s sound. He is the composer of some of Queen’s biggest hits, including “You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “I Want to Break Free.”
Outside of Queen, John Deacon has kept a relatively low profile compared to his bandmates. However, he did release a few singles and contributed to other artists’ works in the 1980s. One notable collaboration was with former Free vocalist Paul Rodgers. He also produced the single “Picking Up Sounds” for the band Man Friday & Jive Junior. Following Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Deacon essentially retired from the music industry and has largely stayed out of the public eye. His last appearance with Queen was in 1997, and he did not participate in any subsequent reunions, effectively retiring from the band but never officially announcing it.
John Deacon’s musical contributions have not gone unnoticed. Along with his bandmates, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. He also received an Ivor Novello Award for songwriting. Although he has distanced himself from the limelight, his influence on rock and pop music remains enduring, especially through his skillful songwriting and versatile musicianship. Deacon’s work continues to be celebrated, and his bass lines are studied and emulated by musicians worldwide.
Queen Members Post Freddie Mercury
Paul Rodgers
Rock fans were shocked when Paul Rodgers joined Queen. It did not seem like the right fit. Yet, they made it work and even released a studio album The Cosmos Rocks, in 2008 and a live album. Paul Rodgers toured with Brian May and Roger Taylor from 2004 to 2009 under the name Queen + Paul Rodgers.
Paul Rodgers, born on December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England, gained initial fame as the lead vocalist of the rock band Free. Rodgers co-founded Free in 1968, and the band released their debut album “Tons of Sobs” the same year. He was a primary songwriter for the band, co-writing hits like “All Right Now,” a staple of classic rock radio. Free disbanded in 1973 after releasing six studio albums.
After the dissolution of Free, Rodgers co-founded the rock supergroup Bad Company in 1973 alongside Mick Ralphs, Boz Burrell, and Simon Kirke. As the lead singer and one of the main songwriters, he was a critical element in the band’s success. Bad Company’s debut album, released in 1974, included classic tracks like “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” which Rodgers co-wrote. He remained with Bad Company until 1982, after which the band went on hiatus. They reunited several times with Rodgers back on vocals, the last being from 2008 to 2010.
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert, born on January 29, 1982, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is best known for his work as the lead vocalist for Queen under the name Queen + Adam Lambert. He first performed with Queen in 2009 during the season 8 finale of “American Idol,” where he was a runner-up. Officially joining Queen in 2011, he has since toured extensively with original band members Brian May and Roger Taylor. While he hasn’t recorded a studio album with Queen, he has performed various classic Queen songs during their live tours, capturing the essence of the late Freddie Mercury while adding his unique vocal flair.
Before joining Queen, Adam Lambert had already achieved significant fame in his solo career, particularly following his stint on “American Idol.” His debut album “For Your Entertainment” in 2009 included hits like “Whataya Want from Me,” earning him a Grammy nomination. His follow-up albums “Trespassing” (2012) and “The Original High” (2015) have also been well-received, with “Trespassing” debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200. Lambert’s vocal range and theatricality have marked him as one of the most dynamic performers in contemporary pop and rock music.
Outside of Queen and his solo career, Adam Lambert has also dabbled in acting and activism. He had a recurring role on the TV show “Glee,” and he’s been involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2019, he launched the Feel Something Foundation, aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.
QUEEN TOURING MEMBERS
Spike Edney
Spike Edney, originally from Portsmouth, England, is a British musician best known as the unofficial “fifth member” of Queen. He first joined the band in 1984 during the Works tour, serving primarily as a keyboardist but also showing his versatility by playing guitar, trumpet, and other instruments as needed. Edney has been involved in numerous Queen tours and has featured in several live albums including “Live at Wembley ’86.” Although he hasn’t been involved in Queen’s studio albums, his role in live performances has been significant, particularly for adding layers to Queen’s elaborate stage productions.
Outside of Queen, Spike Edney has had a broad career as a session musician, working with artists like Duran Duran, The Boomtown Rats, and Thomas Dolby. He is also the musical director and band leader of the SAS Band (Spike’s All-Stars), which has featured a rotating cast of significant musicians and vocalists.
Neil Fairclough
Neil Fairclough is a bass guitarist from Manchester, England, who has been touring with Queen + Adam Lambert since 2011. He plays bass guitar and provides backing vocals during live performances, effectively filling the space left by Queen’s original bassist, John Deacon, who retired in the late ’90s. Fairclough is not featured on any of Queen’s original studio albums but has played a crucial role in keeping the band’s musical legacy alive during their contemporary live shows.
Before joining Queen + Adam Lambert, Neil Fairclough played with various bands and musicians in the UK, further solidifying his credentials as a capable and versatile bass guitarist. His contributions to Queen’s recent live performances have been met with critical acclaim, helping to introduce Queen’s music to a new generation of fans.
Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren, an American musician, joined Queen + Adam Lambert in 2017 as a percussionist and supporting drummer alongside Roger Taylor. He also provides backing vocals for the band during live performances. Like Neil Fairclough, Warren has not contributed to Queen’s studio recordings but has become a valuable addition to their live line-up.
Outside of his role with Queen + Adam Lambert, Tyler Warren has been active as a musician, producer, and songwriter. He has worked with various artists and has had a role in several projects that span different musical genres. His inclusion in the Queen + Adam Lambert line-up serves as a testament to his versatility and skill as a musician.
Morgan Fisher
Morgan Fisher is a British musician known for his stint with Queen as a session and tour keyboardist. He joined the band during their “Hot Space” tour in 1982. Though not featured on any studio albums, Fisher’s contributions were primarily live and can be heard on recordings such as “Queen on Fire – Live at the Bowl.” Before joining Queen, he was a member of the band Mott the Hoople, contributing significantly to their discography.
Fred Mandel
Fred Mandel is a Canadian musician who joined Queen in the 1980s as a session keyboardist and guitarist. Though he didn’t contribute to Queen’s original studio albums, he participated in the band’s live performances and tours during that period. Fred Mandel has also worked with other big names in the music industry like Elton John and Supertramp, displaying his skills across multiple instruments.
David Grosman
David Grosman is less prominent in Queen’s history but served as a bassist during a brief period in the late 1980s for The Cross, a side project led by Queen’s drummer, Roger Taylor. Grosman’s role was limited, and he hasn’t had a long-standing association with Queen.
Jamie Moses
Jamie Moses is a British-American guitarist who has played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals for the Queen + Paul Rodgers and Queen + Adam Lambert tours. Though he didn’t contribute to the original Queen studio albums, his role in the live performances has been crucial, filling in for multiple parts that in the studio were often overdubbed.
Danny Miranda
Danny Miranda is an American musician who played bass for the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour from 2005 to 2006. He has also provided backing vocals during these live performances. Prior to this, he was a member of the band Blue Öyster Cult, which adds to his music career’s diversity.
Neil Murray
Neil Murray is a British bassist who joined Brian May’s solo band for live performances and also participated in The Brian May Band’s “Back to the Light” tour in 1993. While not a member of Queen, his involvement with Brian May’s solo projects ties him into the extended Queen family.
Rufus Tiger Taylor
Rufus Tiger Taylor, son of Queen’s original drummer Roger Taylor, has served as a percussionist, drummer, and backing vocalist for the Queen + Adam Lambert lineup since 2011. Like Neil Fairclough and Tyler Warren, he has not contributed to Queen’s studio albums but has been instrumental in their modern live performances. Apart from his work with Queen, Rufus has also been a member of the band The Darkness.
