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The Untold Story Behind the Iconic Queen - News of the World Album Cover

By Mateo García 7 min read 1119 views

The Untold Story Behind the Iconic Queen - News of the World Album Cover

The fourth studio album from the British rock band Queen, released in 1977, "News of the World" was a game-changer in the world of music. Not only did it feature some of the band's most beloved tracks, including "We Are the Champions," "We Will Rock You," and "Get Down, Make Love," but its provocative and iconic album cover art has become an enduring cultural symbol of the era. However, what many people may not know is the story behind the artwork, which has become synonymous with the album. In this article, we will delve into the making of the cover and the story behind it.

The cover art, designed by Richard Kalvar, is a simple yet striking image of Brian May's zurcada flat top guitar sliced in half with a girl's bare breasts positioned in the focal point. The design created quite a stir upon its release, with some calling it "obscene," while others praised its artistic licence. However, when asked about the design, Kalvar explained that the design was intended to reflect the cultural attitudes of the time, specifically the emerging explosion of punk rock movement which often blurred lines between the outrageous and the art.

The Design Process

The design process began with Richard Kalvar's concept, which was met with initial resistance from Queen's management and record label. According to Queen's manager at the time, John Reid, the design was most likely going to be rejected due to its explicit nature. However, the band members were vocal about their love for the artwork, with lead vocalist Freddie Mercury stating in an interview that the design captured the essence of their music and artistic intention.

The Art Movement Behind the Design

The design was inherently linked to the emerging punk art movement, whose proponents sought to push boundaries and defy social norms through their work. Kalvar has stated that he was intrigued by the symbolism of destruction and chaos associated with the movement and wanted to reflect this in the design. "My intention was to show the viewer the dark side of the human psyche," Kalvar said. "The actual seeing or not seeing of the breasts was just a small part of the overall concept."

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The Revolution and Critics

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Legacy of the Album Cover

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The design process began with Kalvar's concept, which was initially met with resistance from Queen's management and record label. However, the band members were enthusiastic about the artwork, with lead vocalist Freddie Mercury stating that it captured the essence of their music and artistic intention. Kalvar's intention was to show the viewer the dark side of the human psyche, and the use of the zurcada flat-top guitar was a deliberate choice to reflect the classic American design and its innocent facade.

The design was linked to the emerging punk art movement, which sought to push boundaries and defy social norms. Kalvar has stated that he was intrigued by the symbolism of destruction and chaos associated with the movement and wanted to reflect this in the design. The artwork became a reflection of the era's cultural and artistic tendencies, showcasing the band's willingness to challenge convention and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

Despite the controversy surrounding the artwork, the album itself went on to receive critical acclaim and became a commercial success. The cover art has become an iconic representation of the era, with many artists and designers referencing the image in their own work. The legacy of the design continues to influence contemporary art and music, serving as a testament to the innovative spirit of Queen and the punk rock movement.

In conclusion, the story behind the album cover of Queen's "News of the World" is a fascinating example of the intersection of art, music, and culture. The design has become an enduring symbol of the era's rebellious and nonconformist spirit, reflecting the band's willingness to challenge convention and push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable.

Written by Mateo García

Mateo García is a Chief Correspondent with over a decade of experience covering breaking trends, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights.