80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Wednesday 06-14-23
![Queen, posing for a picture in a photo shoot at Tokyo, Japan, February 1981. (L-R) Brian May (guitar), Freddie Mercury (vocals), Roger Taylor (drums) (back) John Deacon (bass)](https://wdhafm.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2023/06/queen-2-297x300.jpg)
(MANDATORY CREDIT Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images) British rock band Queen, photo shoot at Tokyo, Japan, February 1981. (L-R) Brian May (guitar), Freddie Mercury (vocals), Roger Taylor (drums) (back) John Deacon (bass). (Photo by Koh Hasebe/Shinko Music/Getty Images)
In tonight’s 80’s at at it ‘s a Dbl Play of Queen. In celebration of Pride Month I rocked a a Queen Dbl play as the frontman the late, great ,Freddy Mercury was a gay man. The first track was “Flash”. Certain songs have become synonymous with iconic moments in pop culture. One such timeless masterpiece is “Flash” by Queen, which was created for the legendary 1980 film “Flash Gordon.” With its electrifying energy, powerful vocals, and epic guitar riffs, “Flash” has secured its place as a rock anthem for the age. I had this track on 45 when I was a kid and played it over and over and went to the theater every chance I could to see the movie. I must have seen this movie 4 times in the theater and then it hit HBO. and forget about it! I watched it every chance I could. I actually caught it on cable a couple of years ago. It definitely is not as good or high tech as it was back in the early 80’s. My, how times have changed.
Upon its release, “Flash” quickly captured the attention of music lovers worldwide, It reached #1 on the US Mainstream Rock Chart and #42 on the US Hot 100, showcasing its appeal beyond the rock genre.
“Flash Gordon” the album, served as the official soundtrack for the movie,it was released in December 1980 ant achieved considerable success, reaching number 10 on the 200 album chart in the US.
The 1980 film “Flash Gordon” directed by Mike Hodges brought the popular comic strip character to life on the big screen. The movie followed the adventures of Flash Gordon, played by Sam J. Jones, as he battles the evil Ming the Merciless, portrayed by the late, great, Max von Sydow.
Queen, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, was commissioned to compose the soundtrack for the film. “Flash” served as the theme song, embodying the film’s energy and capturing the essence of the Flash Gordon character. The song’s bombastic sound, combined with Freddie Mercury’s commanding vocals, perfectly encapsulated the grandeur and excitement of the space-faring adventure.
Flash” by Queen is a testament to the band’s artistic genius and their ability to create anthems that resonate with audiences across generations. Its chart success along with the accolades received by the “Flash Gordon” album, speak volumes about the enduring legacy of this iconic song.
The music video for “Flash” has Queen performing the song on stage with clips of the movie being shown in the background. You can check it out below:
The second track in the Queen Dbl Play in celebration of Pride Month was “Rock It(Prime Jive)”. It’s a deepcut from their 1980 album The Game. The album represented a turning point for the band, as they incorporated a synthesizer for the first time into their signature rock sound. “The Game” not only showcased Queen’s versatility but also became their best-selling album at the time, receiving critical acclaim and resonating with a broader audience. The album peaked at number one on the 200 album chart in the United States and was certified Quadruple Platinum. It was also Queen’s first chart-topping album in the country. In the U K, it reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying their position as one of Britain’s most beloved bands.
Despite not being released as a single, “Rock It (Prime Jive)” resonates with fans who appreciate Queen’s deep cuts and enjoy exploring their expansive discography. It serves as a testament to the band’s ability to craft diverse, yet cohesive, albums that transcend traditional boundaries.
Due to “Rock It (Prime Jive )” is a deepcut by Queen there was no music video made. But, you can check out the lyric video below: Happy Pride Month!
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