Queen

Queen name

Jun 27, 1970

The group Smile change their name to Queen and perform for the first time under that moniker.

Marquee

Apr 9, 1973

Queen play the Marquee Theater in London, their first concert since signing with EMI Records.

Leeds

Nov 12, 1973

In Leeds, England, Queen begin their first tour. They're the opening act for Mott the Hoople.

Blackpool

Mar 1, 1974

Queen launch their first headlining tour with a show at Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Tickets are £1 if purchased in advance.

USA

Apr 16, 1974

Queen make their US live debut at Regis College in Denver, Colorado, supporting Mott the Hoople. Their trek ends early when Brian May develops hepatitis a month later.

Sheer heart attack

May 16, 1974

Queen cut their first US tour short when guitarist Brian May comes down with hepatitis. They return to action November 30, touring behind their third album, Sheer Heart Attack.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Nov 10, 1975

Queen shoots the video for "Bohemian Rhapsody," which according to director Bruce Gowers, takes about four hours. It airs repeatedly on the British show Top Of The Pops and helps the song become one of the most popular in UK history.

UK hit

Nov 29, 1975

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" hits #1 in the UK and stays for a record nine weeks. In America, it becomes the group's first Top 10 hit when it peaks at #9 on April 24, 1976.

A day at the races

Dec 10, 1976

Queen release their fifth album, A Day At The Races, in the UK (US release is December 18). Like their previous album, A Night At The Opera, it's titled after a Marx Brothers movie.

Bicycle race

Sep 17, 1978

Queen stage a bicycle race with 65 naked models at Wimbledon stadium in England to provide the video and cover art for their "Bicycle Race" single.