Gillian Gaar explores the band’s breakthrough album
Fifty years ago, Queen released their best-selling album, simultaneously introducing their most impactful and enduring song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Released in 1975, A Night at the Opera has sold over 11 million copies worldwide and counting. In Queen & A Night at the Opera: 50 Years (The Great Albums), author, journalist, and rock historian Gillian Gaar takes a deep dive into the legendary English band’s most famous album on its 50th anniversary.
A Night at the Opera changed everything for Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon as the album hit the top of the albums and singles charts. Groundbreaking and massive, this is the story of a band operating at the peak of their creative powers, launching them into global superstar status. Gaar covers it all, including Queen’s formation and career arc with the three albums preceding A Night at the Opera; The recording sessions and the band’s ingenuity in the studio; Track-by-track analyses of each side; The tour to support the album, and awards and accolades; and The band’s career after the album—and after the death of Freddie Mercury.
In addition, numerous sidebars cover topics such as the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video, producer Roy Thomas Baker, Brian May’s “Red Special” guitar, as well as capsule bios of each band member.
Hardcover, with a beautiful hardcover slipcase, this authoritative tribute features stunning concert and off-stage photography alongside images of rare memorabilia. Queen and A Night at the Opera is a definitive and exquisitely produced homage to the iconic album by the legendary rock band. The book contains 176 pages and 250 images via Motorbooks, an imprint of The Quarto Group.
Gaar has written for numerous publications, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. Previous books include She’s a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll; Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana; Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback; Elton John at 75; and Bruce Springsteen at 75. She lives in Seattle.
The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, and Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, with more to come.
