Queen -De Lane Lea Demos

In 1971, De Lane Lea opened a new studio in Wembley and needed a band to test its equipment. Brian May and Roger Taylor, having recorded there with their pre-Queen band Smile, volunteered their new band, Queen. Between late August and early December, they helped out at the studio, and in return, engineer Louie Austin recorded a five-track demo between Dec 16, 1971, and Jan 7, 1972. The tracks included: “Keep Yourself Alive,” “The Night Comes Down,” “Jesus,” “Liar,” and “Great King Rat.”

Though originally intended to secure a record deal, the band preferred the demos' raw energy and natural sound over the polished album versions. Brian May said the demos were “closer to what we dreamed of,” while Roger Taylor recalled their “total blind faith” at the time.

For their debut album, they used the De Lane Lea version of “The Night Comes Down” rather than re-record it. The demo of “Jesus” stands out with its heavier, slower feel and extended solos.

Now restored from the original multi-tracks, these rare demos are officially released on 12" vinyl for the first time.

Tracklist
SIDE A:

• Keep Yourself Alive (De Lane Lea Demo, 2024 Mix)

• The Night Comes Down (De Lane Lea Demo, 2024 Mix)

• Great King Rat (De Lane Lea Demo, 2024 Mix)
  SIDE B:

• Jesus (De Lane Lea Demo, 2024 Mix)

• Liar (De Lane Lea Demo, 2024 Mix)