Queen to Release Legendary De Lane Lea Studio Demos on Vinyl for Record Store Day 2024
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.
These sessions were overseen by De Lane Lea's chief engineer, Louie Austin. The recordings have been remixed from the original multitrack master tapes, restoring the sound quality and preserving the authenticity of the performances. Previously available only on CD as part of the "Queen I" box set, this release marks the first time these demos are available on 12-inch vinyl.
For audiophiles and Queen enthusiasts, this release offers a rare glimpse into the band's formative years. The De Lane Lea demos provide insight into the early development of Queen's signature sound, making it a valuable addition to any vinyl collection.
