Rock Encyclopedia

Four decades later, the music of Queen hasn’t just survived, it’s thrived. The band, who recently received the “Global Icon Award” at the MTV European Music Awards, has sold more than 300 million albums, 16 of which were No. 1 chart-toppers.

They’ve written and recorded 18 No. 1 singles, played over 700 live concerts in every part of the world, have amassed a planet-wide fanbase whose members number in the hundreds of millions, and remain one of the most influential groups of all time. And to hear Queen drummer Roger Taylor tell it, they’re just getting started.  The last thing they are doing is standing still. (more…)

Formed in 1971, Queen (Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon) signed their first recording contract with EMI in late 1972. In July 1973, Queen released their first single ‘Keep Yourself Alive’, followed closely by their debut album, Queen. 1974 saw the release of the band’s second album, Queen II, containing their first hit single ‘Seven Seas of Rhye’ which charted in the UK at number 10. This was followed by a second hit single (their first US hit), ‘Killer Queen’, taken from the Sheer Heart Attack album, followed later in the year by a major UK tour. (more…)

Queen, one of the most dynamic and influential rock bands of all time, will be honoured with the Global Icon Award at the “2011 MTV EMA“, MTV announced.

The legendary rock band will also take the stage for a special performance.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Queen’s formation in 1971; since then, these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers have garnered a long list of accomplishments and accolades, including career sales of more than 300 million albums, 16 No. 1 albums, 18 No. 1 singles and the UK’s top-selling album of all time (their Greatest Hits compilation has sold a staggering 5.7 million copies). Hosted by Selena Gomez, the “2011 MTV EMA” will take place Sunday, 6th November at 9PM CET* from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and is sponsored by Dell, Replay, Hyundai and Swatch.

In the U.S., the show will premiere on Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas on Sunday, November 6th at 6:00PM ET/PT, and on mtvU on Monday, November 7th at 12:00PM ET/PT.

“We are honoured to be designated a Global Icon.  We will do our best to be worthy!” said Queen’s Brian May .

“Over the past four decades, Queen has made an indelible impact on the pop music landscape. They are passionately revered by generations of fans and musicians across the globe,” said Bruce Gillmer, Executive Vice President of Talent and Music Programming/ Events for Viacom International Media Networks. “We are absolutely thrilled that they will be joining us at this year’s MTV EMA, and we look forward to a very special performance.”