Queen's News Of The World Album Cover: The Story Behind It

The News of the World album cover by Queen is iconic, isn't it? The striking image of a giant robot holding the lifeless bodies of the band members has captivated fans for decades. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this unforgettable artwork? Let's dive into the history, inspiration, and creation of this legendary album cover.

The Inspiration

The inspiration for the News of the World cover came from an unexpected source: science fiction magazines. Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor, was the one who discovered the image that would eventually become the album's iconic artwork. He was a big fan of sci-fi and was reading through various magazines when he stumbled upon a drawing by American science fiction artist, Frank Kelly Freas. The drawing was featured on the cover of the October 1953 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. It depicted a giant robot holding a dead man. Taylor was immediately struck by the power and drama of the image and felt it would make an excellent album cover for Queen.

Taylor showed the magazine cover to the other members of Queen, and they were equally impressed. They contacted Freas and asked if they could use the image for their upcoming album. Freas agreed, but with a few modifications. Queen wanted the robot to be holding the band members instead of just one man. Freas reworked the image to include Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor in the robot's grasp. The band members were depicted as limp and lifeless, adding to the dramatic and somewhat disturbing effect of the cover. The resulting image was a powerful and unforgettable representation of Queen's music and their place in the world of rock.

Frank Kelly Freas: The Artist Behind the Cover

Frank Kelly Freas, the artist behind the News of the World cover, was a highly respected and influential figure in the world of science fiction art. Born in 1922, Freas began his career in the 1950s and quickly established himself as one of the leading artists in the genre. His work was known for its technical accuracy, attention to detail, and dramatic use of color. He created covers and illustrations for numerous science fiction magazines, including Astounding Science Fiction, Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine.

Freas's artwork often featured robots, aliens, spaceships, and other futuristic themes. He had a unique ability to bring these subjects to life with his realistic and imaginative style. His work was highly sought after by science fiction fans and publishers alike. In addition to his work in science fiction, Freas also created artwork for advertising, book covers, and other commercial projects. He was a versatile artist who could adapt his style to suit a wide range of subjects and clients. Freas's contribution to the News of the World album cover is a testament to his talent and his ability to create powerful and memorable images. The cover has become one of the most iconic album covers in rock history, and it is a lasting tribute to Freas's artistic vision.

The Album's Themes

News of the World, released in 1977, reflected a band grappling with their place in a rapidly changing world. The album's songs explore themes of social commentary, rebellion, and the struggle for individuality. Given the album's themes, the News of the World cover perfectly encapsulates the band's state of mind at the time. The robot, representing the overwhelming forces of the modern world, holds the band members as if they are powerless. Yet, the band's music on the album is anything but powerless. Songs like "We Are the Champions" and "We Will Rock You" are anthems of empowerment and defiance. The album cover and the music together create a powerful statement about the band's determination to overcome the challenges they faced.

The Impact and Legacy

The News of the World album cover had a significant impact on the music industry and popular culture. It helped to solidify Queen's image as a bold and innovative band that was not afraid to take risks. The cover's striking imagery and its connection to science fiction themes also helped to broaden Queen's appeal to a wider audience. The News of the World cover has been referenced and parodied countless times in various forms of media. It has appeared in movies, television shows, commercials, and other album covers. The image has become so iconic that it is instantly recognizable even to people who are not familiar with Queen's music. The News of the World album cover is a testament to the power of visual art to enhance and amplify the message of music. It is a timeless image that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

Fun Facts About the Album Cover

• Robot Name: The robot on the cover doesn't have an official name, but fans often call him "Frank," after the artist, Frank Kelly Freas.
• Alternate Versions: There are alternate versions of the album cover where the robot has blood on its fingers, adding an even more gruesome touch.
• The Robot's Debut: The robot character made an animated appearance during Queen's concerts to promote the album, further cementing its iconic status.
• Freas's Fee: Frank Kelly Freas was reportedly paid a relatively small fee for his work on the album cover, but the exposure boosted his career.
• Lasting Image: The News of the World cover is consistently ranked among the greatest album covers of all time by various publications and music critics.

Conclusion

The News of the World album cover remains a powerful and enduring image in rock history. Its blend of science fiction, drama, and artistic vision has made it a timeless classic. So, the next time you see that robot holding Queen in its hand, you'll know the fascinating story behind it. It's a testament to the power of art and music coming together to create something truly unforgettable. The image is so powerful because of its simplicity. The colors are muted and the band members look helpless, but the robot exudes strength and power. Queen's choice to use such a strong image was a bold statement that paid off. The News of the World album cover has become one of the most iconic album covers in rock history, and it is a lasting tribute to the band's artistic vision.