Conference: The Phenomenon of Queen (online, 27 May 2021)
A Free Online Event Comprising Academic Papers and Interviews with Special Guests
Thurs 27 May 13:00 - 17:00
In the 2019 IFPI Global Recording Artist Chart published in 2020, Queen were placed at no5, making them the no1 group in the world (BTS were no7 the Beatles no10). This is a remarkable feat considering the band continue with half of their original line-up since Freddie Mercury’s untimely death in 1991 and John Deacon’s retirement from the music industry some time later.
For the band to arguably be more popular now than ever before, how is such a legacy created? That question and others will be asked in the world's first academic conference dedicated to the study of Queen.
The conference will present a selection of academic papers and a series of interviews with special guests who have unique insights into aspects of the band. One of these is Tim Staffell who was lead vocalist and bassist in the band Smile with Brian May and Roger Taylor, which provided the basis from which Queen evolved. His departure to join a band called Humpy Bong, depicted in the record breaking 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, made way for Freddie Mercury and John Deacon.
Other speakers include guitar expert Phil Hilborne, who amongst other Queen related activities was one of the guitarists from the Queen musical We Will Rock You. Also, Simon Bradley who collaborated with Brian May to write a book dedicated to the instrument known as the Red Special, the guitar that Brian May built with his father, which became a key element of the distinctive sound of Queen.
The conference is in two parts, the first consists of academic papers and the second featuring interviews with the special guests.
The conference will be available to watch on YouTube live giving viewers a chance to ask questions through the comments section.
Links below
Part 1 – Academic Papers
Part 2 - Interviews