The odyssey continues into the rock and roll archives as Freddie Mercury takes to the stage with Queen’s video dominated protest song.
Freddie Mercury, gone but never forgotten
The third installment of Rock’s Classics takes a look at the often forgotten gem by the quintessential British pop rock outfit Queen, “Radio Ga Ga”. Written by the band’s drummer, Roger Taylor, this semi serious protest against the growing trend of music television and video dominated industry that was swarming 1984 and beyond. “Radio Ga Ga” has the rare attribute of being a typically outrageously large Queen number whilst still retaining a quiet, reserved factor that makes it an underrated classic of both Queen and mid 80s rock.
Comprising of Roger Taylor on drums, John Deacon on bass, Brian May on guitars and the gone but never forgotten Freddie Mercury on lead vocals, Queen became, almost instantly, one of the most adored and revered rock bands that has ever existed. Quintessentially British and fiercely proud, Queen were taken to the hearts of almost everybody who has ever owned a pair of ears, their genre splitting resume includes hard rock classics like “Tie your Mother Down” and “Fat Bottomed Girls” to the stadium erupting “We will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions”. Foraying into the glam and even metal with “Bohemian Rhapsody” Queen’s magnum opus was number one in the UK single’s charts a staggering three times, its popularity unquestionably sustained as being one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
From the dizzying highs of Queen’s initial success in the 1970s, the band took to the new decade with little trepidation. As these features have proven, the 1980s were a turbulent time for musicians as new software and demands moved towards a more electronic and synthesized feel. It is with no shame or surprise that Queen would become one of the most popular acts to incorporate this into their repertoire. Thus in 1983 whilst living in Los Angeles, drummer Roger Taylor reportedly locked himself away with a keyboard and drum machine and began work on what would eventually become “Radio Ga Ga”. Having consulted with Deacon and Mercury, the pop protest against the domination of the visual world that was become feverant all over the music industry, “Radio Ga Ga” was immediately placed in the lineup as an encore for the subsequent tour that followed the release of Queen’s tenth studio album, The Works.
The song most notably does not feature a solo by Brian May who was being widely considered one of the best guitarists in rock and music in general at the time. The more electronic sound of the pulsing keyboards and synthetic drum machine give “Radio Ga Ga” the kind of scope that only a band like Queen could possibly master. Already setting the standard as THE act to see live, Queen had the difficult task of continuing this trend whilst remaining fresh and entertaining. “Radio Ga Ga” would soon be added to the list of the arena fan’s screaming wish list. The video, a pastiche of 1920s sci-fi movies, even included the new clap and chant in which the crowd was openly encouraged to participate in. Thus in 1985 when Queen graced the stage at Live Aid, the haunting image of Mercury standing as the lone figure at the front of the stage, silhouetted against the late summer evening’s sky and crowd, 72,000 strong, all clapping in unison with the music is one of rock and music’s defining moments in time.
“Radio Ga Ga” could quite easily be one of the least popular, popular songs by Queen. In a repertoire filled literally with dozens of songs that have become so popular they are now simply embraced into society’s sub consciousness, it is always pleasant to hear this reserved gem now and then. After his untimely death in 1991, Freddie Mercury for many embodies the showman, the grandeous figure of the frontman and the individual who lived his life before it was drastically cut short. It is therefore a fitting tribute that his and the rest of the band’s music is so well embraced by all cultures around the world and that songs like “Radio Ga Ga” are prime examples of their range and ability to make unquestionably good music.
Jonathan Whitelaw
The band’s official website has all details of discography and band bios. I would also recommend watching the live performance via youtube: http://www.queenonline.com
ive reali liked these classic rock articles youve done; how many more will you be doing??
x x
Hey Jo, so glad you enjoy the articles, as far as I am concerned there is no real reason to say that there will be a limit on the articles. Depending on the amount of work I have I will be aiming for at least one a week, the only real limit being the amount of clasic tracks and albums availible which, quite frankly, is limitless.