Queen

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British glam-rock group 1971–91 credited with making the first successful pop video, for their hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (1975). The operatic flamboyance of lead singer Freddie Mercury (1946–1991) was the cornerstone of their popularity; other members of the band were Brian May (1947– ), John Deacon (1951– ), and Roger Taylor (1949– ). Among their other hits were ‘We Will Rock You’ (1977) and the rockabilly pastiche ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ (1980).

Mercury's career as a solo artist was not very successful, but his contribution within the group as a technically gifted singer and musician, and a highly camp style, established him as a major cultural figure whose wide appeal was only truly apparent after his death. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Red, white, and blue recall the French tricolour. Red, yellow, and green are the pan-African colours. Red represents the common blood of mankind which links African and European nations. Effective date: 1 December 1958. >>