I was looking at the cover, and realised I knew very little about it. The back cover does not require much thought, but what about the front? Who was the artist and who selected it as the cover?
It's a photo taken by the fella credited on the sleeve - Douglas Puddifoot. He and Brian then cut Freddie out, enlarged him and positioned him closer to the light. they then put a purple transparency over the top and (I presume) re-photographed it.
Who selected it? We can only guess that it was a group agreement, but Brian has said he felt strongly that Freddie should be the focal point at the time - I don't think anyone's ever even spoken about any alternative existing.
Nice info!
Does anyone have this group shot from 1972 (Mercury with bunch of grapes in his hand) which was used for BBC 1995 CD in High Resolution (not CD booklet scan)?
I can't remember the year where Brian spoke in his soap box about the idea of the cover and the collage of back , how was created and that (if I remember correctly) the final result was to be like the Bow (front part of ship) of a royal ship. Also said about the changes that Elektra records did.
I have Hollywood records cd back and pictured LP signed by Roger and Brian. Unfortunately is in my parents home many miles away.
A bit more info for you, the photo is from a Marquee Club gig in London, 20.12.1972.
Also, a picture from this show was used for Made In Heaven inlays/posters.
Here is a better resolution pic that can be found on queenlive.ca: link link
cheers!