I usually hear people say that Roger wrote it, but some people say Freddie... some both of them. One of them wrote the lyrics and other the music?.
Has anyone (from the band or someone close to them) ever said who wrote it?. Or is all that is said about it pure speculation?.
On Bechstein Debauchery it sais: Freddie put the melody to Innuendo and started off the words, Roger completed them. Music-wise it's still basically Mercury's although the initial idea had been brought by the other three, who were jamming around in Switzerland. Song is arranged by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon & David Richards, written in 1989 and recorded in Spring 1989 at Mountain (Montreux), and possibly Metropolis (London). Solo was Freddie's idea and was played by Steve Howe from Yes. Cheers
Several sources have confirmed Roger as the chief lyricist.
As for the music:
- David Richards confirmed (to me on an e-mail seven years ago) that Mercury had played keyboards on 'Miracle', 'Was It All Worth It' and 'Innuendo' and had played a strong role in the writing of those songs.
- Brian May confirmed (Guitar Mag, 1994) that Fred had put the middle bit, but he didn't actually say who was the (main) author of the other sections.
- The main section, according to David Richards, was begun by John, Brian and Roger. When Fred heard them started the melody.
- Musical evidence (which is much more than 'pure speculation') points to Freddie as well.
boca wrote:
On Bechstein Debauchery it sais: Freddie put the melody to Innuendo and started off the words, Roger completed them. Music-wise it's still basically Mercury's although the initial idea had been brought by the other three, who were jamming around in Switzerland. Song is arranged by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon & David Richards, written in 1989 and recorded in Spring 1989 at Mountain (Montreux), and possibly Metropolis (London). Solo was Freddie's idea and was played by Steve Howe from Yes. Cheers
All four guys had some input with the writing of this song, but musically mostly freddie and lryics were mostly roger, except the middle section lryics which was freddie. The song started from a Jam session. Most later queen was like this. Only a few songs like headlong and I want it all were composed by one guy.
I heard the band except Freddie was in the big hall (Freddie was in the mixing desk/Booth with David Richards )when Roger said he had an idea they 3 of them JD
No he doesn't. He didn't take part in the writing of the song, so no publishing royalties for him. Reportedly, David Richards programmed the synth orchestra during the interlude.
Would have been interesting to hear what the song would have sounded like had Brian and Roger also done the harmony vocals instead of just Freddie.
My favourite Queen track and one of the most varied.
Micrówave wrote:
Does Steve Howe get equal royalties from this song?
At best, he'd only get paid as a session musician, I guess. Or unless he accepted a one-time fee otherwise.
It depends on the artist, management and label(s).
Sebastian wrote:
No he doesn't. He didn't take part in the writing of the song, so no publishing royalties for him. Reportedly, David Richards programmed the synth orchestra during the interlude.
He might get performance fees, depending on what was agreed upon (and put in writing) when they asked him. Was the guitar-part he played completely written out before he got involved?
Sebastian wrote:
No he doesn't. He didn't take part in the writing of the song, so no publishing royalties for him. Reportedly, David Richards programmed the synth orchestra during the interlude.
He might get performance fees, depending on what was agreed upon (and put in writing) when they asked him. Was the guitar-part he played completely written out before he got involved?
Must have been. Because Brian aparently tried recording it and it didn't sound right.
Thank you all for answering so thoroughly, even though - I've noticed now, reading older threads - this had been really discussed already. [img=/images/smiley/msn/teeth_smile.gif][/img]
Having listened to more Queen music now, I have to agree that it really doesn't sound as something that Roger could write.
It's just that I had been in another forum and almost everyone said it was Roger's, except one person who insisted it was Freddie's. Anyone knows why is it that so many people think Roger wrote it?, where does that come from?.