Press Release: 40 Years Of Queen Book

40 Years of Queen Introduction by Brian May and Roger Taylor

Published in hardback by Goodman on 3rd October 2011, £30.00

CAPTIVATING UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPHS AND INTIMATE MEMORABILIA REVEALED FOR THE FIRST TIME, ALONG WITH UNTOLD ANECDOTES PUBLISHED TO CELEBRATE AN INCREDIBLE 40 YEARS

Here’s a secret. As I write this, I actually haven’t read what Harry has written for the book, to string the images together. This is unusual – letting go of control is not one of my usual talents – normally I’m all over something like this, editing it to get rid of the inaccuracies. But in this case, I don’t want to go there. Harry is one of the very few people I trust to speak the truth as he sees it. I probably won’t agree with everything he has said here – but I know that it will all have come from a place of goodwill, and a spirit of sharing his thrills – he never lost his boyish enthusiasm. As I’m sure you will be able to see. In fact, Harry specifically asked me to tell you that his words for this publication are intended as a feast for fans, as pure pleasure. Thanks Harry. I think the rest of the contents of this book are self-explanatory. Enjoy! Brian May

Good luck writing about this strange and unusual collection of musicians called ‘Queen’. I wish you happiness, and luck. Roger Taylor

Queen: one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. 40 Years of Queen is an official publication, fully approved by the band, telling their story right from the very beginning. It showcases stunning moments in the band’s history through photographs, as well as truly unique pieces of memorabilia from the private collections of Queen’s members.

This tribute will give fans unprecedented access to all areas, and the chance to get their hands on some fascinating, intimate memorabilia for the first time ever: backstage passes, handwritten lyrics, ultra-rare posters, original tour itineraries, handwritten letters, limited-edition records, invites to the now-legendary tour parties, a CD of all four members of the band talking and more….

Harry Doherty has worked as a music journalist since the early 1970s, when he joined Melody Maker as a staff writer. He continued to write on rock for the next four decades. He writes features for music publications including Classic Rock magazine.

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Below is the latest update on the countries that will be releasing the '40 Years Of Queen' book. Also listed is the release date information and where applicable the language that the book is being released in.

UK - October 3rd

Australia - November

Canada - October

Czech Republic - November (Slovakian)

France - October 13th (French)

Germany - October (German)

Italy - End of October (Italian)

Spain - October (Spanish)

USA - October (Please note the book in USA does not come with the CD interview disc)

UPDATED: The book includes: 

Liverpool concert poster, Christmas 1973

Very early Rainbow poster 1974

Ticket from Rainbow concert, November 1974

First US tour press pack including press release, photos and poster,  1973

Hand-drawn tour map, Europe 1974

Four handwritten letters from the band to the Queen Fan Club, 1975

Bohemian Rhapsody blue vinyl record with cover, 1978 (paper facsimile)

Race card from Kempton Park race course, A Day At The Races launch, 1976

Signed poster for A Day At The Races, offered by the fan club, 1976

EMI promotional flyer for A Day At The Races, 1976

Press release from US version of News of the World, 1977

European tour backstage pass, 1979

Unused ticket from Nagoya, Japan concert, 1979

European tour menu, 1978

Flash Gordon film premiere ticket, 1980

Invitation to the Hot Space end-of-tour party, 1982

Hot Space promo cube, 1982

Four handwritten song lyrics from The Works: “I Want To Break  Free” (John); “Hammer To Fall” (Brian); “It’s A Hard Life” (Freddie);  “Radio Ga Ga” (Roger).

Unused ticket to Knebworth, August 9, 1986

The Miracle promotional poster, 1989

Crazy tour poster, 1979

Sticker sheet

Interview CD featuring all members of the band talking to Tom Browne  on BBC Radio 1. Originally broadcast in December 1977.

Click here to Pre-order "40 Years of Queen" through Amazon.