Queen's News Of The World Album Cover: The Story Behind It

The iconic album cover for Queen's News of the World is instantly recognizable. Guys, have you ever stopped to wonder about the story behind it? It's way more interesting than you might think! This article dives deep into the origins and creation of this legendary piece of art, exploring the artist's inspiration, the band's reaction, and the cover's lasting impact on music and pop culture.

The Inspiration: A Sci-Fi Magazine

The story of the News of the World album cover begins not with Queen themselves, but with drummer Roger Taylor. Taylor, a huge sci-fi fan, was reading a copy of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. Specifically, it was the October 1953 issue. The cover art, painted by Frank Kelly Freas, depicted a giant robot holding a dead man. The image, while somewhat gruesome, captivated Taylor.

He immediately envisioned a powerful image for Queen's next album. He showed the magazine to Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and John Deacon. The band members were intrigued by the concept. They saw the potential for adapting the image to fit their own unique style and message. The original artwork portrayed a robot, but Queen wanted something more dramatic. They decided that the robot should be holding the lifeless bodies of the band members themselves! It was a bold and controversial idea, but Queen never shied away from pushing boundaries.

Frank Kelly Freas: The Artist Behind the Masterpiece

With the concept solidified, Queen needed to find a way to bring their vision to life. They tracked down Frank Kelly Freas, the artist who had created the original magazine cover. Freas was a renowned science fiction artist with a long and impressive career. He had created artwork for numerous magazines and books, and was highly respected in the sci-fi community. Queen contacted Freas and explained their concept. Initially, Freas was hesitant about depicting the band members as dead. However, after speaking with the band and understanding their artistic vision, he agreed to take on the project.

Freas worked closely with Queen to develop the album cover artwork. He created several sketches and drafts, refining the image until it perfectly matched the band's expectations. The final artwork featured a giant robot holding Freddie Mercury in its hand, with Brian May and John Deacon falling to the ground. Roger Taylor was cleverly placed on the robot's finger, seemingly about to meet the same fate as his bandmates. The image was both shocking and captivating. It perfectly captured the raw energy and theatricality of Queen's music. The band was thrilled with the final result, and they knew they had something truly special.

The Band's Reaction: Shock and Awe

The band's reaction to the final album cover was one of both shock and awe. They knew it was a bold and controversial image, but they also recognized its power and impact. Freddie Mercury, in particular, was a huge fan of the artwork. He loved the dramatic and theatrical nature of the image, and he believed it perfectly captured the essence of Queen's music. Brian May, always the thoughtful one, appreciated the artistic skill and attention to detail that Frank Kelly Freas had put into the artwork. He also recognized the cover's potential to spark conversation and debate. John Deacon, the quiet member of the band, was initially a bit hesitant about the gruesome nature of the image. However, he eventually came to appreciate its artistic merit and its ability to grab attention. Roger Taylor, who had originally suggested the concept, was thrilled to see his idea come to life in such a spectacular way. He knew that the album cover would be instantly recognizable and would help to solidify Queen's place in rock history. He felt vindicated that the band shared his vision and his love for the unusual.

The Impact: A Lasting Legacy

The News of the World album cover had an immediate and lasting impact on the music world. Its striking imagery helped to propel the album to the top of the charts. It became one of Queen's most successful albums, selling millions of copies worldwide. The album cover also sparked a great deal of controversy and debate. Some critics accused Queen of being morbid and sensationalistic, while others praised them for their artistic daring and originality. Regardless of the critical reaction, the album cover undeniably captured the public's attention. It became a symbol of Queen's rebellious spirit and their willingness to push boundaries. The robot from the album cover, affectionately nicknamed "Frank" after the artist, became a mascot for the band.

Frank appeared on stage during Queen's concerts and was featured in their music videos. The image of the robot holding the band members became synonymous with Queen's music and their larger-than-life persona. The News of the World album cover continues to be celebrated as one of the most iconic and memorable album covers of all time. It has been featured in numerous books and articles about album art, and it continues to inspire artists and designers today. The cover's enduring popularity is a testament to its artistic merit and its ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. It perfectly captures the raw power and theatricality of Queen's music, and it remains a symbol of the band's enduring legacy. It solidified the band's image as innovators and artists who were unafraid to take risks.

Fun Fact: The Robot's Name

Did you know the robot on the News of the World album cover actually has a name? The band affectionately nicknamed him "Frank," after the artist Frank Kelly Freas! It's a fun little detail that adds another layer to the story behind this iconic image. The robot's name embodies the collaboration between artist and band that created such a lasting image. This shows the fun-loving nature of the band and their appreciation for the artist behind the work. This is a testament to the relationship between Queen and Freas.

In conclusion, the News of the World album cover is more than just a piece of art. It's a symbol of Queen's creativity, their willingness to take risks, and their lasting impact on the world of music. The story behind the cover, from its inspiration in a sci-fi magazine to its creation by a legendary artist, is a fascinating glimpse into the world of one of rock's greatest bands. So next time you see that iconic image, remember the story behind it and appreciate the artistry and creativity that went into making it. It is a lasting symbol of Queen's legacy, and it will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. The collaboration between Roger Taylor, Frank Kelly Freas, and the other band members resulted in a piece of art that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. It's a perfect example of how art and music can come together to create something truly special.