- Gatefold Album Cover
"Live Killers" is the first official Live album released by the British Rock band "QUEEN". This album comes with two LP's packaged in a gatefold album cover ( aka FOC Fold Open Cover ). Each record in this double LP album has a different coloured label (red or green)
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
A band as bombastic, theatrical, and undeniably talented as Queen was always going to produce a live album that was either a glorious triumph or a spectacular flameout. "Live Killers" manages to be both, a testament to the band's ability to command a stage and a reminder that capturing lightning in a bottle is never easy.
Released in 1979, "Live Killers" arrived at a pivotal moment for Queen. They were already superstars, but the musical landscape was shifting. Punk had exploded, leaving little room for the kind of over-the-top theatrics that Queen embraced. Disco was dominating the charts, and the band's brand of operatic rock felt increasingly out of step.
Recorded across Europe during their 1979 Jazz Tour, "Live Killers" was a defiant statement. It showcased Queen at their most excessive, a band determined to go out with a bang even if the world was moving on. From the opening roar of "We Will Rock You" to the closing strains of "God Save the Queen," it's a relentless assault on the senses.
Freddie Mercury's Performance : Of course, no discussion of "Live Killers" is complete without mentioning Freddie Mercury. His stage presence is electrifying, his vocals soaring above the mix. From the playful banter with the audience to the sheer power of his voice, Mercury commands attention at every turn. It's a performance that cements his status as one of the greatest frontmen of all time.
The Setlist : "Live Killers" boasts a setlist that spans Queen's career, from early hits like "Keep Yourself Alive" to more recent classics like "We Are the Champions." It's a testament to the band's songwriting prowess, showcasing their ability to craft anthems that resonate with audiences across generations.
Brian May's Guitar Solos : Brian May's guitar work is another highlight. His solos are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant, adding another layer of depth to the band's sound. "Brighton Rock" is a particular standout, with May's extended solo showcasing his mastery of the instrument.
Musically, "Live Killers" is a mixed bag. The band is clearly firing on all cylinders, with Brian May's guitar solos soaring and Freddie Mercury's vocals reaching stratospheric heights. But the production is muddy, and the album suffers from a lack of focus. It's a sprawling, two-hour behemoth that tries to cram in everything but the kitchen sink.
There are moments of brilliance, of course. "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a tour de force, showcasing the band's ability to blend rock, opera, and vaudeville into a single, unforgettable song. "Brighton Rock" is a showcase for May's guitar virtuosity, while "Killer Queen" is a reminder of the band's pop sensibilities.
But there are also missteps. The inclusion of "Mustapha," a bizarre, multi-lingual song that even die-hard fans struggle to appreciate, feels like a self-indulgent misstep. And the album's overall sound is hampered by the limitations of late-70s recording technology. The Album's Legacy : Despite its flaws, "Live Killers" remains an essential document of Queen at their peak. It captures the energy and excitement of their live shows, showcasing a band that was truly larger than life. It's a reminder of Queen's impact on music history and their enduring legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
"Live Killers" was produced by Queen themselves, a decision that reflects the band's desire for complete control over their music. It was recorded at various venues across Europe, including the Pavillon de Paris, the Festhalle Frankfurt, and the Rotterdam Ahoy.
Rock, Pop, Glamrock
EMI Electrola 1C 164-62 792 / Raincloud Productions
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1979 Germany
This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains many photos of the Queen band performing on stage.
Producers:
Queen - Producer
John Etchelis - Sound Engineer
Freddie Mercury - Lead Vocals, Piano
Brian May - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Roger Taylor - Drums, Tambourine, Timpani, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals On "I'm In Love With My Car"
John Deacon - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals, Whistle
Record Label Details: 1C 164-62 92,LC 0542, GEMA ℗ 1979 Raincloud Prodts. Ltd. Rim-text in German language
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