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

The iconic album cover for Queen's "News of the World" is more than just a striking image; it's a piece of art steeped in science fiction and brought to life through the vision of a talented artist and the band's own creative input. Let's dive into the fascinating story behind this unforgettable artwork.

The Genesis of a Sci-Fi Masterpiece

The story starts with Queen's drummer, Roger Taylor. A science fiction enthusiast, Roger stumbled upon a cover of Astounding Science Fiction magazine from October 1953. The image, painted by Frank Kelly Freas, depicted a giant robot holding a lifeless body. This powerful image resonated with Taylor, sparking the initial concept for the "News of the World" album cover. He showed it to the other band members, and they were all captivated by its raw emotion and potential.

Freas himself was a legend in the world of science fiction art. His illustrations graced countless magazine covers and book jackets, bringing to life the imaginative worlds of sci-fi authors. Queen contacted Freas and commissioned him to create a similar image, but with a Queen twist. They wanted the robot to be holding the band members, portraying a sense of both power and vulnerability. The band felt this was a great representation of the music they were creating, powerful and emotionally gripping.

The band members didn't want to literally depict themselves as lifeless bodies. Instead, they wanted the robot to have just defeated them, and be holding them in the palm of its hand like dolls, which you can see on the inner gatefold art. This was achieved through the collaborative process, with Freas working closely with the band to refine the concept. The result was an image that perfectly captured the album's themes of strength, vulnerability, and the band's place in the world.

Frank Kelly Freas: The Artist Behind the Robot

Frank Kelly Freas, the artistic genius behind the News of the World album cover, was a highly celebrated and influential figure in the realm of science fiction and fantasy illustration. Born in 1922, Freas cultivated a distinctive style characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, vibrant color palettes, and ability to imbue his subjects with a sense of realism and emotion. His career spanned several decades, during which he created artwork for numerous science fiction magazines, book covers, and advertisements, earning him widespread recognition and numerous accolades within the science fiction community.

Freas's artistic journey began in his childhood, where he displayed a keen interest in drawing and painting. He honed his skills through formal training at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he studied various artistic techniques and mediums. Following his graduation, Freas embarked on a career as a freelance illustrator, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure in the science fiction art scene. His artwork graced the covers of esteemed magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction and Analog Science Fiction and Fact, captivating readers with his imaginative and visually stunning depictions of futuristic worlds, alien encounters, and technological marvels.

Beyond his work in science fiction, Freas also ventured into other artistic domains, including fantasy illustration and portraiture. His versatility as an artist allowed him to adapt his style to suit a wide range of subjects and themes, showcasing his mastery of various artistic techniques and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with remarkable precision. Freas's artwork is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate textures of alien landscapes to the nuanced expressions on the faces of his characters. His use of vibrant colors and dynamic compositions further enhances the visual impact of his illustrations, drawing viewers into the fantastical worlds he creates.

Throughout his career, Freas received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of science fiction art, including multiple Hugo Awards, the highest honor in science fiction achievement. His artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential and respected science fiction artists of all time. Freas's impact on the genre extends beyond his artistic achievements; he also served as an inspiration to countless aspiring artists, encouraging them to pursue their passions and explore the boundless possibilities of the imagination.

The Album Cover's Impact and Legacy

The "News of the World" album cover was an instant hit. Its bold and unforgettable image perfectly captured the spirit of the album and the band's larger-than-life persona. It became synonymous with Queen, appearing on merchandise, posters, and in countless publications. Even today, it remains one of the most recognizable and iconic album covers in rock history.

The artwork was so successful that the robot, affectionately nicknamed "Frank" after the artist, became an unofficial mascot for the band during the News of the World tour. A giant inflatable version of Frank loomed over the stage, adding to the theatrical spectacle of Queen's live performances.

The album cover has been referenced and parodied countless times in popular culture, a testament to its enduring impact. From animated television shows to other album covers, the image of the giant robot holding the band members has become a visual shorthand for power, vulnerability, and the spirit of rock and roll.

The "News of the World" album cover is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of science fiction. It's a reminder that great art can come from unexpected places and that even a simple image can tell a complex and compelling story.

Fun Facts and Trivia

• The original Astounding Science Fiction cover that inspired Roger Taylor featured a robot holding a dead soldier, not a group of musicians.
• Frank Kelly Freas also created the cover art for Queen's 1991 album, Greatest Hits II.
• The giant inflatable Frank used on the News of the World tour was notoriously difficult to transport and inflate.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks! The story behind the amazing "News of the World" album cover. It's a blend of sci-fi inspiration, artistic talent, and the unique vision of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Next time you see that robot, remember the story behind it and the impact it had on music history. Rock on!

It's really a testament to how one image can become so iconic and representative of an entire era. The News of the World cover remains a symbol of Queen's innovation and their ability to connect with fans on a visual level. It's more than just an album cover; it's a piece of art history!