- 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
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Record Label Details: 1C 164-62 92,LC 0542, GEMA ℗ 1979 Raincloud Prodts. Ltd. Rim-text in German language
By 1979, Queen had already established themselves as one of the most innovative and flamboyant rock bands in the world. Their albums were a kaleidoscope of musical styles, from hard rock and heavy metal to progressive rock and opera. But with "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," they took a sharp left turn,
Crazy Little Thing Called Love b/w We Will Rock You 7" Vinyl Single e
"A Day at the Races" marked a turning point for Queen. Following the success of "A Night at the Opera," the band took the reins for production, a first for them. This newfound creative control is evident in the album's diverse soundscapes, ranging from the operatic flair of "Somebody to Love"
QUEEN - Day At the Races Gatefold (1976, France) QUEEN - Day At The Races (1976, Gt Britain) QUEEN - Day At The Races (1976, Italy)
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Greatest Hits 12" Vinyl LP
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Hot Space 12" Vinyl LP
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Innuendo 7" Vinyl Single
From the opening strains of "Mustapha," with its Middle Eastern-flavored chant, it was clear that Queen was not content to rest on their laurels. "Jazz" was a deliberate exploration of musical genres, a sonic kaleidoscope that defied easy categorization. The album careened from the rockabilly swagger of ....
Queen - Jazz (1978, France) QUEEN - Jazz (1978, Germany)
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Kind of Magic 12" Vinyl LP
"A Ladder to the Stars" is a testament to Queen's restless spirit and their unwavering commitment to musical exploration. From the anthemic opener "We Will Rock You" to the operatic grandeur of "Bohemian Rhapsody," the album showcases the band's versatility and their willingness to take risks.
Ladder To The Stars 12" Vinyl LP
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
Live Killers 12" Vinyl LP
Recorded during Queen's legendary 'Magic Tour' in 1986, 'Live Magic' is a raw, unfiltered document of a band at the height of its powers. The album opens with the anthemic 'One Vision', Mercury's voice soaring over a wall of guitars, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Live Magic 12" Vinyl LP
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The Miracle 12" Vinyl LP
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French Release of "News of the World" Italian Release of "News of the World"
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Night at the Opera 12" Vinyl LP
"Play the Game," the A-side, arrived like a bolt from the blue. Gone were the operatic bombast and multi-tracked harmonies of yore. In their place, a leaner, synth-driven sound emerged, courtesy of producer Reinhold Mack and the state-of-the-art Musicland Studios in Munich.
Play The Game b/w Human Body 7" Vinyl Single
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QUEEN - Self-Titled Debut Album 12" Vinyl LP
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Queen II 12" Vinyl LP
'Sheer Heart Attack' isn't just about bombast. It's also a record that revels in its own eccentricities. Roger Taylor's 'Tenement Funster' is a glam rock anthem with a punk sneer, a hint of the raw energy that would soon explode onto the scene. 'Flick of the Wrist' is a twisted cabaret number that drips with menace
Sheer Heart Attack 12" Vinyl LP
'The Works' was Queen's attempt to reclaim their rock 'n' roll crown, while still flirting with the shiny new toys of the 80s, like synthesizers and drum machines. A risky balancing act, for sure, and one that left some folks crying "sell-out!" louder than a televangelist at a revival meeting.
The Works 12" Vinyl LP
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Under Pressure 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single
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We Will Rock You b/w We Are THe Champions 7" Vinyl Single