As one half of the "Sonic Volcano" that was Queen's rhythm section, complimenting the smooth bass playing of John Deacon, Roger Taylor brought a distinctive "big" and "flamboyant" drum sound to the group. His searing falsetto and rough-edged vocal style blended seamlessly with the vocals of bandmates Freddie Mercury and Brian May. It is Roger who hits the highest notes in songs such as "Bohemian Rhapsody", " '39" , and "My Fairy King".
Taylor joined the band after answering an advert posted on his college noteboard by one Brian May, seeking a "Ginger Baker type drummer". He became fast friends with the quiet guitarist and would be an integral part of the "Queen machine".
In the years after Mercury's death, Roger continued with his solo career, and he, along with Deacon and May, worked together to finish songs recorded prior to the lead singer's untimely passing for what would be Queen's final album of "new" material - 1995's Made In Heaven.
Taylor, with long-time bandmate Brian May, would partner with Free and Bad Company lead singer Paul Rodgers to form a temporary venture that was titled "Queen + Paul Rodgers". The three toured in 2005 and again in 2008 with great success, albeit mixed reviews from "Queen purists" who felt it was a disservice for Rodgers to sing tracks previously sung by Freddie. The partnership culminated with the 2008 album "The Cosmos Rocks", and Rodgers amicably parted ways with the two Queen bandmates in 2009.
Of the four members of Queen, Roger had the biggest reputation for living in the "fast" lane - hard drinking, "fast" women, and even faster cars!
Queen Songs Written by Roger:An asterisk ( * ) denotes song he sang lead on. Two asterisks ( **) are songs he shared lead on with Freddie Mercury.
Albums the songs are from are in parentheses. Modern Times Rock 'n Roll *
(Queen - 1973) The Loser In The End *
(Queen II - 1974)Tenement Funster *
(Sheer Heart Attack - 1974)I'm In Love With My Car *
(A Night At The Opera - 1975)Drowse *
(A Day At The Races - 1976)Sheer Heart Attack **
(News Of The World - 1977)Fight From The Inside *
(News Of The World)Fun It **
(Jazz - 197 cool More Of That Jazz *
(Jazz)Rock It (Prime Jive) **
(The Game - 1980)Coming Soon **
(The Game)Action This Day
(Hot Space - 1982)Calling All Girls
(Hot Space) Radio Ga Ga
(The Works - 1984)A Kind Of Magic
(A Kind Of Magic - 1986)Don't Lose Your Head
(A Kind Of Magic)The Invisible Man
(The Miracle - 1989)Breakthru
(The Miracle - 1989) Ride The Wild Wind **
(Innuendo - 1991)These Are The Days Of Our Lives
(Innuendo - 1991)Heaven for Everyone
(Made In Heaven)Songs Co-Written by RogerWith Brian May:Machines (Or Back To Humans)
(The Works)No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)
(Queen Rocks - 1997)
[Primarily written by May]Queen + Paul Rodgers songs written by Roger:Cosmos Rockin'
Small
C-Lebrity
Say It's Not True
Surf's Up...School's Out!
Small reprise
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Ring-Ring! ;D
Now let's get smashed!
How do I look? :3
Of course I accept, you cheeky monkey! ;D