Queen to Release Legendary De Lane Lea Studio Demos on Vinyl for Record Store Day 2024
By HiFi Editorial1 February 2026
Key Highlights
First-ever vinyl release of Queen's legendary De Lane Lea studio demos for Record Store Day, April 12th.
Features remixed early versions of iconic tracks, showcasing the band's raw energy and initial vision.
Restored using original multitrack tapes for enhanced sound quality and authentic performance.
Queen are releasing their legendary De Lane Lea studio demos on vinyl for the first time ever, as a special Record Store Day exclusive on April 12th.
Back in late 1971 and early 1972, before signing with EMI, Queen recorded these demos at the De Lane Lea Studios in north London. The band took advantage of an opportunity to test the studio's new equipment, resulting in recordings that captured the raw energy and ambition of their early sound.
The demos include early versions of "Keep Yourself Alive," "The Night Comes Down," "Great King Rat," "Jesus," and "Liar." These tracks showcase the band's initial vision, with open drum sounds and a unique ambience on the guitar parts. Brian May noted that these recordings were closer to the sound they were aiming for compared to later sessions.
