Inspired by the fairy feller’s master-stroke, my favourite Queen song off my favourite queen album - Queen 2. I always loved the concept of side White/ side Black. The March of the Black Queen versus the White Queen.
Taking elements of the imagery of the fairy feller holding his axe aloft, daring to make his stroke combined with the static lions from Freddie’s original crest, which I wanted to make more animated. I have brought together the lions ,rampant in a classic Freddie 75’ era pose represented by Fred’s White, ‘messenger of the Gods’ outfit and counterpointed with the Black queen/lion, ( by the complementary black version).
As is often the case, I often feel that the sketchy early under-painting can have more energy than the finished version.
The axe is the same as the Dadd painting, (are they chestnuts or Hazelnuts/? I can never tell).
My other slight bugbear with the original phoenix was that on the cover of ‘Day at the races’ it looks like a Swan and on ‘Night at the Opera’ it looks like a Goose! (Sorry Brian/Roger). I never felt that the fire element was represented strongly enough. A Mythological bird emerging from the flames, I wanted the flames to engulf the Creature so its form is made entirely of flame. This, Which then in turn engulfs the band/characters with its wings, a ‘cleansing by fire’ as it were, as they move forward musically, always re-inventing themselves.
Brian’s symbol, the Crab, was I felt always somewhat dwarfed in comparison by the Lions, so I have made it larger and more central. I was going to add Fred as the ‘Najinsky’ Faun’ at the front but time and finally composition restraints didn’t allow for this. In some respects it’s a representation of the 3 remaining members, the fire still burns, we will always have Freddie with us in one form or another- ultimately his energy will continue to re-invent and Invigorate the fan base and the fan base yet to be born. All Hail Queen!! –the world’s greatest rock band!!
Managed to get to meet Brian at the Birmingham Symphony Hall 'Anthems' (Kerry Ellis) show Monday 9th May 2011
What a charming and sincere man he is, I was a tad in awe-
