Queen on Camera, Off Guard 1965-91

 

Featuring pictures from 1969 to 1982, the images collected here include the first ever photographs of Freddie Mercury as a performer with Ibex in Bolton in June 1969, taken by songwriter Chris Smith who recounts his experiences of the night. Further early images of Mercury include pictures taken at Ealing Art College and outside his home in Shepherd's Bush where Queen's first official photo session took place in 1973. Images from their first Japanese tour, from the "Fat Bottomed Girls" cover shoot, on tour in South America with Mercury's boyfriend, and many more allow fans to get closer to Mercury and the rest of the band than any previous book. Furthermore, many of the photographers of these amazing images give their insights and stories, providing an intimate insight into Queen backstage, onstage, and at play.

Mark Hayward is the author of The Beatles: On Camera, Off Guard and The Rolling Stones: On Camera, Off Guard.