Was Smile’s music recognisable as Queen?

“Very much so. The sound of Queen was there. Brian always had that very distinctive guitar sound, even back then. We have been playing together, almost telepathically, ever since. You’re very lucky to be in a band and have the kind of musical relationship Brian and I have. We make a lot of noise together!”

Roger Taylor (x)

John Deacon and Roger Taylor: Two-for-one here, because when the guy at the front of the stage is perhaps the greatest lead singer in Rock history and guy off to the other side is arguably the most underrated guitarist alive, there’s plenty of anonymity to go around. John and Roger were the rhythm section for Queen, and if you never paid them much attention, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. But they played an incalculable role in the band’s success – Deacon the cool, perpetually bored looking bassist who never did anything except play perfectly and occasionally write a smash hit (“You’re My Best Friend,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Spread Your Wings,” and he also jacked out the bass line for “Under Pressure”). Taylor, in contrast, was simply electric – I’m not sure there has ever been a better drummer who fewer people paid attention to. He was also a tremendous vocalist. Many people hear some of the band’s anthemic moments and assume that Freddie is the one responsible for all those majestic, soaring high notes. Nuh-uh. Those high tenor spots were all Roger.

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