Queen In Cornwall

by Rupert White

A partial history of the world's greatest rock band. On June 27th 1970 the rock group Queen gave their first ever public performance. The concert was in Truro, a small city in the rural county of Cornwall in the far South West of England. 'Queen in Cornwall' tells the story of the events that lead up to, and immediately followed, this historic moment. It describes drummer Roger Taylor's early musical career, and includes the definitive history of his first semi-pro group 'The Reaction'. The book also describes the social milieu that he encountered when he first moved to London, and his return visits to Cornwall with 'Smile', the band that within two years had evolved into Queen.

Genres: Nonfiction

290 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2011

Reviews

[Stewart Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've seen the Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," you know most of the major beats of their story (even though the screenwriter takes huge liberties with the timeline.) Here, though, is the fascinating story of Queen's pre-fame days in Cornwall. Drummer Roger Taylor lived there and Queen found it much easier to get well-paid gigs down there instead of up in the Big Smoke of London.

The research by author Rupert White is painstaking and, even if someone you might never have heard of before is quoted, there are always amazingly precise recollections and levels of detail about a music scene and a time long gone.

It's fascinating to read about a young, penniless Freddie Mercury (or Farookh Bulsara as he was then) doing tiny shows in obscure pubs and clubs in Cornwall as he and the band try desperately to make it. No one could have known they would one day take over the world.

Eventually, Roger and his pals leave Cornwall and move up to London and the stage is set for Queen to make it.

The book goes up as far as Queen's first number one hit with "Bohemian Rhapsody" in 1975. Like all good books, it left me wanting more. I would've given it five stars but for the numerous typos in it that sometimes spoil otherwise well-written passages, but even books by major writers have those. Take a chance and enjoy. (There's a documentary by the author on Queen in Cornwall on YouTube if you'd like a little taste of what the book is about.)

[Sharon Patchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The focus is on Roger Taylor

The story follows Roger Taylor from primary school until fame, with a heavy focus on high school and college years. The book is made up of very many quotes from River's early friends from Cornwall. I was amazed at slow development of Cornwall compared to the US. Telephone and television ownership in 1960 was in the minority and most of the TV reception in the country was snowy. Then the roads connecting towns were one lane. The book was well written .

[John Endacott · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re familiar with Truro and Cornwall in the 1970s then you will really enjoy this book. Even if you’re not then it’s a wonderfully entertaining tale of the early days of Queen.

[April S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Learned a lot about Roger Taylor and the early beginnings of Queen from their friends and others that knew them.

[Robin Sinewitz]

Went into the earlier years of their career .

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

It was refreshing and enjoyable to hear about Susan's early days. I completely loved the book . I hope others will enjoy it as much.

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very specific short time in the history of Queen.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential book for all serious Queen fans. Lots of people who knew them in the very early days talk very freely about them.

Roger Taylor, of course, came from Cornwall - so this isn't a random choice of county.

It's 75% Roger Taylor as a very young musician and 25% of how Smile etc turned into Queen.

I also think it's pretty accurate. And it fills in lots of gaps that help things that didn't make sense before make sense now.