Queen Demos Of Released Tracks (R-Z)

This page includes full details of all Queen demos and early versions of tracks that have subsequently been released on Queen or Solo projects. It includes genuine demos and early versions (as far as can be determined), other tracks which are often claimed to be demos, and also a guide to 'faked demos' which are known to exist. Details of other tracks can be found on page 1 and page 2, while full details of Queen's BBC Session tracks, which are often claimed to be demos, can be found here.

The links at the top of this page are grouped according to the type of recording, whilst the actual details are listed alphabetically. A brief guide to the various types of recording is given below.

These pages were generated by collating a number of other sources, and from my own collection of recordings. Not much information is known about many of the tracks, so if you can provide further information or believe there to be any errors or omissions, please email me.

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Genuine Demos, Early Versions & Alternate Mixes:
Rain Must Fall
Ride The Wild Wind
Rock It
Sail Away Sweet Sister
Save Me
Scandal
See What A Fool I've Been
Seven Seas Of Rhye
Sheer Heart Attack
She Makes Me
Somebody To Love
Staying Power
Stealin'
Stone Cold Crazy
Tear It Up
Tenement Funster
The Dark
The Hitman
The Invisible Man
The Kiss
The March Of The Black Queen
The Miracle
The Night Comes Down
The Prophet's Song
There Must Be More To Life Than This
These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Tie Your Mother Down
Too Much Love Will Kill You
Under Pressure
We Are The Champions
We Are The Champions (with Robbie Williams)
We Will Rock You (fast version)
White Queen
Who Needs You
Who Wants To Live Forever
You And I
You Take My Breath Away

KEWB Radio Tracks:
Tie Your Mother Down
Under Pressure

Faked Demos:
The Millionaire Waltz
The Night Comes Down
Who Needs You
You And I
You Take My Breath Away

Other Tracks:
See What A Fool I've Been
Seven Seas Of Rhye
The Hero
The Invisible Man
The March Of The Black Queen
The Miracle
The Miracle Demos Medley
We Are The Champions
We Will Rock You

Genuine Demos, Early Versions & Alternate Mixes:
These are genuine tracks which come from the original recording sessions, or before. A demo is classed as any track which features the base ideas of a track, but the lyrics and/or music are very under-developed. An alternate mix is classed as any track which features the same (or very similar) lyrics and music to the album version, but has minor lyric changes, some extra or missing elements, or a different balance between the instruments. Early versions fall somewhere between, when the song is obviously being developed and while instantly recognisable it features different elements, lyrics, or vocalists. Many of the earlier demos are only rumoured to exist, but fortunately many of the later tracks (from 'Hot Space' onwards) are fairly widely available in generally very good sound quality, while a handful have been released officially on the 2011 double-disc reissues. Full details and lyrics are given (where known) but due to quality issues or ad-libbing, some lyrics are unknown or inaccurate.
'KEWB' Radio Tracks
KEWB is a radio station in the USA, which Brian visited as part of a promotional tour of radio stations in 1991 to promote the "Innuendo" album. These six tracks feature Brian playing along to a number of Queen tracks and as result they sound different to the original tracks, and are often claimed to be demos. The give-away is that in most cases dialogue from Brian or the DJ can be heard. However, all of the tracks run slightly too fast, but the dialogue sounds normal, so they were clearly played too fast at the radio station (and not subsequently copied at the wrong speed). Click here for full details of the various radio sessions he performed.
Faked Demos
Many bootlegs feature tracks which are claimed to be demos, but many of these are simply the album version with slight tinkering, most often changing the speed and applying stereo effects. Whilst a few of these are quite interesting in their own right, the majority are completely unconvincing. Some bootlegs also feature excerpts from live performances or remixes, and these are also included. 'Faked Demos' is hence a broad term for anything which is claimed to be something that it isn't. As such this will never be a complete list, but will hopefully be as thorough as is possible, and provide a guide as to what is available (and equally, what to avoid).

Rain Must Fall
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Demo Version Excerpt
This is a simple demo of the track which only features cymbals from Roger, and multiple vocal overlays from Freddie. Obviously the music is much more stripped down compared to normal, but lyrically it is fairly similar to the album version. The track has a 20 second cymbal intro, and ends abruptly mid verse. It was recorded in the same week as the 'Khashoggi's Ship' and 'Face It Alone' demos, in November 1988. Length 1:13.
Vocal Takes
Apparently as many as eight different vocal takes also exist, although how complete these are, and how much they differ from the album version or above demo is unknown.
Demo Version Excerpt Lyrics:
I can see it in your stars
Life is so exciting
Acting so bizarre
Your world is so inviting
Playing really cool
And looking so mysterious, honey
Your every day is full of sunshine
But into every life a little rain must fall
Uh huh
Be cool

Anyone who imagines
They can blind you with science
Bully you all over
Property and finance
But you have position
To call the shots
And name the price, honey (honey)

Ride The Wild Wind
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Instrumental Drum Based Demo
This track was played at the fan club convention in 2001, and as the name implies features heavy drums throughout, and a different beat. Roger sings lead vocals, although how far developed the lyrics are is unknown.
Early Version with Guide Vocal
This version has a rougher feel, with additional heavy drums, a different guitar solo, and Roger on lead vocals. The lyrics are very similar to the finished version, but some of the verses are swapped, and some lyrics are missing. Altogether it is an excellent track, superior to the album version. It is available on the 'Innuendo' 2011 double disc reissue. Length 4:13.
Lyrics:
Get your head down baby, we're gonna ride tonight
Your angel eyes are shining bright
I wanna take your hand, lead you from this place
Gonna leave it all behind, come join the human race

Ride the wild wind
Push the envelope, don't sit on the fence - hey, hey, hey, hey
Ride the wild wind
Live life on the razors edge - hey, hey, hey, hey
Gonna ride the wild wind
It ain't dangerous enough for me

We're gonna get down baby, we're gonna ride tonight
We got freaks to the left
We got jerks to the right
Sometimes I get so low
I just have to ride
Gonna take your hand
Gonna be your guide

Ride the wild wind
Push the envelope, don't sit on the fence - hey, hey, hey, hey
Ride the wild wind
Live life on the razors edge - hey, hey, hey, hey
Gonna ride the wild wind
It ain't dangerous enough for me

Ride the wild wind
Push the envelope, don't sit on the fence - hey, hey, hey, hey
Ride the wild wind
Live life on the razors edge - hey, hey, hey, hey
We're gonna ride the wild wind
It ain't dangerous enough for me
Enough for me

Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey
Ahhhh

Rock It (Prime Jive)
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Various Demo Versions
There are believed to be at least three different demos of the track in the vaults. The first two are different demos, one featuring Freddie on vocals, and the other featuring Roger on vocals. While the album version features two verses sung by Freddie and the rest by Roger, it is likely that each demo features them singing the entire song, rather than just parts. The third demo is a rumoured 'live rehearsal' of the track, although nothing else about it is known.

Sail Away Sweet Sister
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Instrumental Demo
This is an instrumental take of the song, and was apparently one of the first takes of the track, believed to be recorded in 1979. The music is very similar to the finished album version, but the drums are quite heavy in comparison. The track ends abruptly in this take, rather than having the slow outro. Length 3:30.
Instrumental Demo Excerpt
This is a 16 second instrumental excerpt of an take, which is musically similar to the album version, but more improvised. It is included on 'The Game' 2011 double disc reissue, before the Guide Vocal, so presumably comes from the same recording session. Length 0:16.
Demo Version with Guide Vocal
This track, which is also available on 'The Game' 2011 double disc reissue, is musically similar to the album version, but the lyrics, sung by Brian, are very undeveloped, improvised, and sometimes ad-libbed. It includes the above instrumental excerpt at the start, followed by some short dialogue from Freddie and Brian, then ends with some more dialogue from Freddie. Length 2:06.
Guide Vocal Lyrics: (some of the lyrics are hard to make out, so those below may well be incorrect)
Freddie: OK, one, two, three, four (Brian: Turn me down a bit)

(Ad-libbed lyrics) ain't my baby
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
All that you love my baby
All that you had to stay

Love (ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
Love don't you want me baby
All that you've gone away, oh

Sail away sweet sister
Gone across the sea
Gone and find nobody
(Unknown lyrics) and as hell as me

Sail away for ever
Call me when you do
Love you now sweet sister
Sail on back to me

Wooh, oh, little darling baby
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
Happiest time of all

(Ad-libbed lyrics)
(Ad-libbed lyrics) hurt you may
(Ad-libbed lyrics)
All that you had to leave

Sail away sweet sister
Take away my love
Sail across the sea
But you ain't got the heart of me

Heart makes a fool of me
Call me when you do
Sail away sweet sister
Sail on back to me

Oooh, oh, oh, oh

Freddie: Well I think I know it perfectly know

Save Me
Click here for details of the version on 'The Game'.
Piano Demo
According to an interview with Greg Brooks in 2005, there is a piano demo of the track by Brian May in the vaults. Nothing else is known about the track, so how complete it is, and whether it also includes vocals, is unknown.

Scandal
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Early Version
This demo is fairly similar to normal, but it is a more basic arrangement and the guitars are more prominent. It contains three verses of the song, but the 'scandal' vocals are missing. The track fades out during Brian's guitar solo. Length 1:38.
Lyrics:
Scandal - now you've left me there's no healing the wounds
Hey, scandal - and all the world can make us out to be fools
They'll see the heart-ache
They'll see the love break
They'll hear me pleading
I say for God's sakes
Over and over and over again

So let them know when they stare
It's just a private affair
They'll have us hung in the air
And tell me what do they care
It's only a life to be twisted and broken

They'll see the heart-ache
They'll see our love break, yeah, oooh
They'll hear me pleading
I'll say for God's sakes
Over and over and over and over again

See What A Fool I've Been
Click here for details of the version released as the B-Side to 'Seven Seas Of Rhye'.
'Queen' Album Version
This track is rumoured to have been recorded for the debut album 'Queen', which is quite likely, given the amount of original material available to the band at the time. However, nobody really knows for sure, or whether any of it survives.
Live Version, Hammersmith Odeon 1975
This live track is clearly not a demo, but I have seen it described as such (even though the audience can be clearly heard in places). It is included here as it includes lyrics from both the album version and the BBC version. Length 4:05.
Lyrics:
Freddie: We'd like to leave you now with a number called 'See What A Fool I've Been'

Well she's gone
Gone this morning
See what a fool I've been
Oh Lord, I said
What a fool I've been

I caught a train
I caught a train to Georgia
Ooh, sixteen coaches long
Oh Lord, I said
Sixteen coaches long, sure did
Yeah

Ooh, ooh
Ohhh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Oh yeah
Alright, yeah, yeah

Oh, my dog ain't too hungry
He just, he just kept on barking, yeah
Oh, he said, he just don't feel the same, oh Lord he said
Just don't feel the same, he said I don't
He said I don't, he said I don't feel the same
Oh, but I know that I do
Come on

Ooh
Oooh

Well she's gone
Gone this morning
See what a fool I've been, oh lord I said
What a
Fo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oool
I've been
Oh yeah

Freddie: Thank you, goodbye

Seven Seas Of Rhye
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen II'.
'Queen' Vocal Version:
A short instrumental preview of the track appears on the debut 'Queen' album, and it is rumoured that the band recorded a full vocal version of the track, before it was reworked for the 'Queen II' album.
Alternate Mix:
An alternate mix of the track appears on a UK 7" promotional single, and apparently this features a different backing track. However, the mistake was realised and the copies were destroyed, and only a handful are believed to now exist. Naturally, this means that the exact details of this mix are unknown.
I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside
An a-capella version of this track, which closes the 'Queen II' version of 'Seven Seas Of Rhye' is believed to exist. While it is likely that the track was recorded, and it may well still exist, it is only likely to be a short version as the track was only used to close the album, rather than being a song in it's own right.

Sheer Heart Attack
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Demo Version
This track was originally planned for the 1974 album of the same name, but wasn't finished until 'News Of The World' in 1977. Sources suggest that the 1974 demo features Roger on vocals, which is likely, but how complete it is and whether a copy still exists is not known.

She Makes Me
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
Early Demo Version
An early demo of this track is believed to exist, but if so it has yet to be played at conventions or circulated online.

Somebody To Love
Click here for details of the version on 'A Day At The Races'.
Instrumental Out-takes
These are instrumental takes of the start of the track, featuring Roger, Freddie and John in the studio with no involvement from Brian. They do not contain any lyrics, and feature in total five attempts at recording the track. They include some dialogue from Freddie and also presumably engineer Mike Stone. Length 3:52 in total, the longest section recorded is 1:45.
Vocal Out-take
This is an outtake of the central choir part of the track, which features even more operatic vocals than the album version. Freddie's vocals on the 'somebody to love' line are multi-tracked, and the track features suprisingly prominent hand-claps as the vocals build. Length 1:21.
Alternate Chorus Edit
This is a very short excerpt of the above vocal out-take, containing the second and third to last lines. Length 0:08.
Vocal Out-take Lyrics:
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love, love, love
Find me somebody to love
Find me somebody to love
Somebody, somebody, somebody, somebody
Somebody find me somebody find me somebody to love
Can anybody find me
Somebody to love

Anybody, anybody, anybody, anybody
Find me, find me, find me, find me
Somebody to

Instrumental Out-takes Dialogue:
Freddie: Just er, start it a bit later
(A scream)
Unknown: Take 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4

Freddie: Sorry
Unknown: Five

Unknown: Take six
Freddie: Alright

Freddie: Oh shit, I'm sorry.
Unknown: Take Seven
(Unknown dialogue follows)

Staying Power
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
Early Alternate Mix
This version is very similar to normal, but does not have any horns or saxophone. As a result, the horn solo at 1:41 is replaced by a new guitar solo, and the horns at 3:05 around 'power, power' are missing, leaving only the vocals, bass and drums. Lyrically the track is very similar to normal, with no significant lyric changes, the main addition is that Freddie sings 'let's make contact' before the first verse. As well as the full 4:12 version, there is also an edited version in very bad quality which trims off the first second and cuts off abruptly at about 2:59. Length 4:12.
Lyrics:
Ha
Let me show it to you
Yeah
Oh
Ha, yeah
Let's make contact

See what I got
I gotta hell of a lot, yeah
Tell me what you feel
Is it real
Is it real, huh
You know I got what it takes
And I can take a lot
Did you hear the last call baby
You and me got staying power, yeah
You and me we've got, huh, staying power
Staying power, I got, I got it
Ha

I wonder when we're gonna make it
I wonder when we're gonna shake it, tell me
Rock me baby rock me
Come on you can shock me
Let's catch on to the groove
Make it move, make it move, yeah
You know how to shake that thing
We'll work it, work it, work it
You and I can play ball baby
You and me got staying power, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
You and me we've got staying power

Oooohhh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, ha
I wonder when we're gonna make it, tell me
I wonder when we're gonna shake it
I've got fire down below
I'm just a regular dynamo
Want some smooth company
Don't lose control just hang on out with me
Got to get to know each other
But we got plenty of time
Did you hear the last call baby
You and me got staying power, yeah
Huh, you and me we've got staying power
Ha, yeah, yeah
Power, power, power, power
Power, power, power, staying power

I wonder when we're gonna stick it
I wonder when we're gonna trick it
Blow baby blow
Let's get down and go, go
Get yourself in the mood
Got to give a little bit of attitude
Baby don't you crash
Let's just trash, trash, trash
Did you hear the last call baby
You and me got staying power, yeah, huh, huh
You and me we got staying power, I like it
Staying power, yeah, yeah, gotcha

Stealin'
Click here for details of the version released as the B-Side to 'Breakthru'.
Demo Version
This demo is obviously much longer than the normal version, and is extended by more verses and choruses and some additional instrumental sections. In places, the music and vocals are so similar that it seems that the B-side version is possibly an edit of this track. The only part of the normal version that isn't present here is the fast finale, so that possibly comes from another song. This demo features vocal overdubs by Freddie, which are in response to his normal vocals, but in some places these are hard to decipher. This track is also in stereo, with many vocals coming through the left channel only, so by removing either stereo channel gives a different version. The track ends with an acoustic/bass guitar solo. Length 11:40.
Lyrics:
Freddie: OK, so we're going, start it off anywhere you want, and I'll, I'll bring

That's the way I am (uh)
Does anybody want to know (no way)
Ha, this is the way I lead my life, you know (big deal babe)
Wheelin' and dealin' (so what) and a little bit of stealin' (ha, ha, ha, ha)
You know, that's the way I grew up
That's the only life I know (so do I)
That's the way my mother told me (so what)

And they go stealin'
Hey
Stealin'
Hey, yeah
Stealin' (tell me another thing)
I gave you the key to my home (and what)
I left you alone (so what)
In charge of my heart (tell me another thing honey)
Hey, stealin' (is that what you're doing)
You got me wheelin' and dealin' (yeah)
Playin' with my feelings (yeah)
Right from the start (OK boy, know you're trip)

Because stealin', stealin' (huh)
I gave you the key to my home (ooh, hey, hey, hey, hey)
I left you alone (ha, ha, ha)
In charge of my heart
Stealin', stealin' (that's what they call it)
Yeah, you got me wheelin' and dealin' (wheelin' and dealin')
Played with my feelings (that's what they call it)
Right from the start, uh, uh, uh, uh (OK you ain't from Harlem I know that)

Listen
Can't afford to pay my rent (so what)
I had to use my common sense (big deal)
To get you some lovin' I owe, oooh, oooh (I owe a lot of money to the bank and the rear's having a heart attack, straight)
This guy said look in my head (yeah)
Make some easy bread (look in my head), so
Stealin' is the only way that I know (tell me something else, babe)
Because stealin', stealin', hey
Stealin', stealin', ha, ha, ha, ha
That's the only life
I'm not bleedin'
Stealin'
My real cards I'm dealing
Stealin'
Stealin' (you keep that, Buster)
Only way that I know (is that all you can tell me honey)
Stealin'
There's a lot of things that I know about (I know) so what

Can't afford to play my cool (oh big deal)
I had the world in my living room, ha, ha, ha (give it a)
I owe my money too (over and over, ha)
This sad and lonely man (yeah)
The pain that I left (yeah)
Lovin' is the only way that I know (say, everybody knows that), hey
Stealin' (tell me somethin' else, hey)
Stealin' (is that what you know about)
I gave you the key to my home (big deal)
Left you alone (so what) right from the start, ha, ha, ha, ha
Stealin' (I can get a better job than that - are you telling me?)
You got me wheelin' and dealin' (so)
Played with my feelings (big) right from the start (you fool around)
Yeah, but I'm stealin', baby, stealin'
Stealin', stealin'
I gave you (ha) both my heart and my home (yeah)
Left you alone (yeah) now you're breaking me apart
So what about this, ha, I can't stand you talking about all this all night
Stealin' (big deal)
Uh

Alright
You know there's been a lot of stealin' (uh huh, huh, huh, huh)
I only make my living stealin' (I'm gonna go home and get my chicken feed, big deal)
Make my livin' only stealin'
Stealin' (so what), stealin' (that's your problem honey)
Of my heart (goodbye)
You're my baby's heart
(Only, only) OK, kill it
(Ad-libbed lyrics) stealin'

Uh, uh, uh
Uh, uh, uh
Stea-eeeee -
Oooooh - eeeee

(Ad-libbed vocals)
(Ad-libbed vocals)

You've got me wheelin' and dealin'
And playin' with my feelings
Right from the start
You got me rollin' and a rollin'
(Ad-libbed lyrics)

You're in charge of my heart
I gave you the key
Charge
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge
You are in charge
You are in charge of my heart
Da, da, ba, da, da, dap
Ba, ba, ba, da, da, dap
Ba, ba, da, da, da, dap
Because you are in charge of my heart

You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
You are in charge of my heart
I gave you the key
And turned on the bed
I gave you the key
(Ad-libbed lyric) I said my baby
You are in charge of my heart
And you are in charge of my heart, yeah
You are in charge of my heart, babe
You are in charge of my heart

I gave you the key my home and left you alone
I left you with my lovin' and made it my heart
And all my pleadin', and dealin' and pleadin' with my heart
I gave you wheelin' and dealin' right from the start
I left you in charge, in charge of my heart
I left you, babe, in charge of my heart
I left you in charge of my heart
I said I left you in charge of my heart, yeah

Stealin'
Bleedin'
Dealin'
Real in my heart, hey

Right from the start
In charge of my heart
Baby let 'em bleed
You know I gotta getta bit of dealin'
You know I've been pleadin'
You got me wheelin' and dealin'
Everywhere I go
Playing with my feelings right from the start

Can't afford to pay my rent
I can use my common sense
Get some money love my babe
Get my strength my lover babe

I can't afford to pay my rent
I had to use my common sense
To get some money I, I owe
The guy said look and (unknown lyric)
I got kneelin'
I got stealin'
I got bleedin'
I got wheelin'

Can't afford to pay my rent
I had to use my common sense
To get back some of my money I owe
For God's sake go
For God's sake break
God's sake money, money I know, oooh
Got to move my stealin', the only way I know
Got the way to my stealin', yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, hah

Now
I gave you the key to my home
I left you alone in charge of my heart
Gotta do my wheelin' and dealin'
I played with my feelings right, right from the start

Can't afford to pay my rent
I had to use my common sense
To get the money I let 'em owe
You said that my love had gone
And I'm stealin'
Got me dealin'
Wee dah, hey, ah
Hey, ah, dee de dah, bop, ba

Make some easy bread
Ain't no other way
That's the only life I know
That's the only way I wanna go
I'm stealin'
Dealin'
Only way I know

My baby loves me
She knows that I love me
(Ad-libbed vocals, then dialogue from Roger which sounds like 'let it strip', followed by coughing)

Stone Cold Crazy
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
'Queen' Album Version
'Stone Cold Crazy' is believed to originate from Freddie's time in Wreckage, and was a live favourite in Queen concerts in their early shows. It is rumoured, and quite likely, that they attempted to record the track for the debut album 'Queen' in 1973, but there has been no confirmation of this.

Tear It Up
Click here for details of the version on 'The Works'.
Demo Version
Apparently an early demo exists from 1983, which has Brian singing vocals, presumably intended as a guide for Freddie.

Tenement Funster
Click here for details of the version on 'Sheer Heart Attack'.
Early Demo
An early demo of the track is believed to exist, which was known as 'Tin Dreams' at the time it was recorded.
Instrumental Take
This is an early instrumental take, featuring Roger, Freddie and John, which is very similar to the album version, with only minor differences. The track begins with a short cymbal intro, and ends with most of the piano segue into 'Flick Of The Wrist'. It has some minor disturbance at around 2:22, when somebody appears to move the microphone. An edited version is also available, which contains the section from around 1:05 to 2:54, giving a length of 1:48. Length 3:05.

The Dark
Click here for details of the version on 'Back To The Light'.
Queen Version
This track, which was released on Brian's 1992 album 'Back To The Light', features orchestral music recorded during the 'Flash Gordon' sessions in 1980. As such, it is rumoured that a full Queen version of the track exists, though how much is just orchestral music and how much genuinely features the other members of the band is unknown.

The Hero
Click here for details of the version on 'Flash Gordon'.
Film Version
Like all the tracks from the album, the film features a slightly different version, with a much rawer and under developed feel, with a couple of lyric changes. Rather predictably this has hence been claimed to be a demo. Length 3:36.

The Hitman
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Early Version
This is apparently a full length demo of the track, which is similar to the album version, but features Brian on lead vocals. The track was originally intended for Brian's solo album 'Back To The Light' so it is probable that there are also solo demos of the track in the vaults.
Early Version Edit
This is an edit of the full version, featuring the first two verses, with a number of lyric changes; the most notable is that the line 'I'm just it man, you might get fried' is changed to 'don't gimme no shit man, you might get fried'. It is officially available on the promo only 'Hints Of Innuendo' cassette. Length 0:54.
Lyrics:
Yeah, I'm the hitman, stand aside
I'm the hitman and I want your life
Ain't no escaping
Don't run and hide
There goes the neighbourhood
I'm gonna kill for your love

I'm the hitman, now don't you cry
Don't gimme no shit man, you might get fried
Gun in my pocket
Don't get me wrong
No, I'm the hitman
I'm a fool for your love
Bite the bullet babe

The Invisible Man
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Early Version with Guide Vocal, August 1988
This early version features Roger on vocals, and has heavier drums, rawer guitars, and a new verse by Freddie which is dominated by bass and features completely different lyrics to the album version. The track also features most of Brian's guitar solo and some of Freddie's vocals, both of which either made it through to the album version or, more likely, were added to this mix to make it more complete. The track ends with a lengthy instrumental outro. Altogether this is a superb take and vastly improves on the album version. It is available on 'The Miracle' 2011 double-disc reissue. Length 5:01.
Freddie Vocal Early Version
This demo is a more basic version of the album track, but it is restructured and adds the additional verse. Click here for the lyrics. Length 1:19.
Fan Club Convention Message
This message was played from tape at the 1989 Fan Club convention, and begins with Brian's guitar solo, then has a long instrumental section (obviously derived from the album track) and fades out in a similar way to the album version. The track has no lyrics as such, but retains Freddie's introductions of 'Brian May, Brian May' and 'Roger Taylor' from the album version, and features messages from Brian, John, Freddie (mostly sung) and Roger in turn. It was released on a 7" flexidisc called 'A Message From Queen', which was given away at the convention. Click here for the dialogue. Length 2:04.
Early Version with Guide Vocal Lyrics: (click here for Freddie's vocal demo lyrics, or here for the convention message dialogue)
Mm, mm, hmm, mm

When you hear a sound
That you just can't place
Feel something move
That you just can't trace
And then something sits
On the end of your bed
Don't turn around
When you hear me tread

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
It's criminal how I can
See right through you

And I'm in your room
And I'm in your bed
And I'm in your life
And I'm in your head
Like a CIA
Or the FBI
You'll never get close
Never take me alive

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
It's criminal how I can
See right through you

Was it the shinings of my soul
That made me lonely just like you
No-one noticed I was there
When I walked into the room

Never had a real good friend - not a boy or a girl
No-one knows what I've been through - let my flag unfurl
Swore I'd make my mark
From the edge of the world
From the edge of the world
Edge of the world

Now I'm on your track
And I'm in your mind
And I'm on your back
But don't look behind

I'm your meanest thought
I'm your darkest fear
But I'll never get caught
You can't shake me dear

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how I can
See right through you

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
It's criminal how I can
See right through me

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
It's criminal how I can
See right through you, you
I can

Freddie Vocal Demo Lyrics:
I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

When you hear a sound
That you just can't place
Feel something move
That you just can't trace
When something sits
On the end of your bed
Don't turn around
When you hear me tread

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
It's criminal how I can
See right through you

Was it the shinings of my soul
That made me lonely just like you
No-one noticed I was there
When I walked into the room

Never had a real good friend - not a boy or a girl
No-one knows what I've been through - let my flag unfurl
Swore I'd make my mark
From the edge of the world
From the edge of the world (edge of the world)

I'm the invisible man
I'm the invisible man
Incredible how you can
See right through me

Fan Club Convention Message Dialogue:
Brian May, Brian May

Brian: Hello this is Brian here, hello, this is for the fan club, how are you all doing folks? I hope you're having a lovely, lovely time this is Brian here and I'm with Roger and John here and Freddie's around somewhere. Where are you? Oh he's down there. Right, and I just hope you have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful time at the convention and we hope to see you very, very soon, with lots of la musica

John: Hello this is John Deacon, hope you're enjoying the er, convention, having a nice time, having a few drinks, and we've been working hard all year making the album, and we hope you enjoy it.

Roger: We're going off skiing now

Freddie: Hello, it's Freddie here. I hope each and every one of you at the convention is having a swell, humdinger of a time, yeah, yeah

Roger Taylor

Roger: Hello, this is Roger here, we hope you have a wonderful fan club convention, and er, we hope you enjoy the new album as well. Bye everybody.

The Kiss
Click here for details of the version on 'Flash Gordon'.
Early Version, March 1980
This is a slow piano and vocal version, by Freddie alone, with vocals very close to the final album version. Freddie's piano continues after the vocals end, eventually briefly becoming the main theme from 'Football Fight'. It is available on the 'Flash Gordon' 2011 double disc reissue only. Length 1:10.

The March Of The Black Queen
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen II'.
Standalone Version
An early version of the 'Queen II' album features standalone versions of both 'The March Of The Black Queen' and 'Funny How Love Is'. However, nobody seems to have heard of it for some time so exactly how the two tracks differ is unknown.
Instrumental Takes 3-5
These are three instrumental takes of the start of the track, which generally appear together on the same MP3, which also contains an intro by Greg Brooks and some studio noise between takes. The demos feature Freddie, Roger and John, there are no lyrics (other than a few ad-libs), and the dialogue that you can hear is minimal. Musically, the takes are very similar to the album version but there are subtle differences, mainly in tempo. Lengths 1:10 (take 3), 0:53 (take 4), 3:15 (take 5) and 6:44 (combined).
Instrumental Takes 3-5 Dialogue:
Greg Brooks: Somewhere on this [recording cuts out] two days before they find the masters, so let's try and find that
Unknown voice: Take 3
Greg Brooks: By the way, before we hear it, if you really listen carefully, if you're allowed to in this room, erm, you hear, you hear erm, at some point in this take, Brian says something to Freddie, and Freddie ponders it, and he says "yeah, you're absolutely right. You're dead right, actually" he says, and erm, then they carry on. We don't know what he says, but whatever it was, it was dead right. You can't, this isn't really the ideal place to hear those little details, but you, when you get this on the box set, you'll hear that Brian is probably in the control room, Freddie will be on the piano, and John will be there and Roger, and he's directing tempo, and erm, there's, there's interaction between them. And then when they get the rhythm track, he'll go in the next day and do the guitar. So this, let's hear this.

Freddie: Ohhh, (unknown dialogue), take 4. It was me. Oh shit. That was good, just, not too slow. Alright then. Two, three, four

Unknown voice: Take 5
Freddie: Two, three, four

The Millionaire Waltz
Click here for details of the version on 'A Day At The Races'.
Faked Demo
This version runs faster than the album version (4:53), and the main differences are that the lead vocals are much quieter than normal (but still audible), some of Brian's guitar parts are either missing or quieter, and it is also missing the first couple of seconds of the track. Length 4:36.

The Miracle
Click here for details of the version on 'The Miracle'.
Fan Club Message
This message was played from tape at the 1990 Fan Club convention, and is simply the first 49 seconds of the album version, with John Deacon's spoken message over the top. Click here for the dialogue of the entire message. Length 0:49.
Early Version
This is basically an early version of the start of the track, just until the 'if every leaf on every tree' verse would normally begin. Again this is a more basic performance of the album version, and it loses the backing vocals but adds a single additional lyric (Freddie sings 'the miracle' just before 'we're all waiting for'). The track is missing guitar from some places, whilst there is additional guitar in others. Length 1:38.
Lyrics:
Every drop of rain that falls in Sahara Desert says it all
It's a miracle
All God's creations great and small, the Golden Gate and the Taj Mahal
That's a miracle
Test tube babies being born, mothers, fathers, dead and gone
It's a miracle

We're having a miracle on earth
Mother nature does it all for us
The wonders of this world go on, the hanging gardens of Babylon
Captain Cook and Cain and Able, Jimi Hendrix to the tower of Babel
It's a miracle
It's a miracle
It's a miracle
It's a miracle

The one thing
We're all waiting for is peace on earth an end to war
It's a miracle we need - the miracle
The miracle (the miracle) we're all waiting for
Today

The Miracle Demos Medley
This is a track which contains five different demos, for six different tracks, one after the other. The word 'medley' implies that it is one continuous track, with each demo segueing into the next, but in reality there is a definite start and end point to each track. Length 14:10.

The tracks are:
My Baby Loves Me (fake version, 3:36)
I Guess We're Falling Out (2:36)
Hang On In There (AKA A Fiddley Jam) (2:59)
A New Life Is Born (1:22)
I Want It All / Chinese Torture (instrumental demo, 3:37)

The Night Comes Down
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen'.
Demo Version
This demo actually appears on the debut album 'Queen'. The band were unhappy with their own subsequent performances, and with Roy Thomas Baker's production of the track, so they resorted to using the demo version for the album. However, of course, this means that there are a number of subsequent recordings and mixes which remain unreleased.
Faked Demos
These 'demos' are just the familiar 4:23 album (demo) version, running slightly faster or slower. The 4:32 version seems to be unchanged, and presumably this also applies to the 4:17 version. Lengths 4:17 and 4:32.

The Prophet's Song
Click here for details of the version on 'A Night At The Opera'.
Queen II Version:
This track is rumoured to have been recorded for the 'Queen II' album in 1973 or 1974. Given how complex the final album track is, it is probable that this early version is quite different.
Demo or Early Mix Version
On 'The Making Of 'A Night At The Opera'', interviews with Roger and Roy Thomas Baker reveal that the track was still being mixed at the time of a press conference, and so a 'cobbled together' version was used, and subsequently played on radio by Kenny Everett. Apart from this, nothing else is known about this version.

There Must Be More To Life Than This
Click here for details of the version on Freddie's 'Mr Bad Guy', or here for details of a demo version with Michael Jackson.
Queen Version
This Freddie solo track was initially developed for 'Hot Space', and then intended to end 'The Works', before 'Is This The World We Created...?' replaced it. Some sources suggest that the Queen version backing track is actually on 'Mr Bad Guy', although this seems unlikely. However, the existance of this track has been confirmed by archivist Greg Brooks.

These Are The Days Of Our Lives
Click here for details of the version on 'Innuendo'.
Alternate Version
Greg Brooks has apparently confirmed that an alternate version of the track exists and may appear in the Anthology boxed sets if or when they are released. How the track differs from the album version, and whether it is an early version or just an alternate mix, is not known.

Tie Your Mother Down
Click here for details of the version on 'A Day At The Races'.
Guide Vocal Demo
This demo is musically very similar to normal, although there are some minor differences, including more guitar in places. However, it features a guide vocal from Brian, and no involvement from Freddie. The vocals are only very faint and in places difficult to make out, but definitely there. Some of the harmonied vocals are probably present on the album version. Length 3:41.
KEWB Radio
This version includes the entire 'A Day At The Races' guitar intro, and Brian adds extra guitar throughout the rest of the song. Unlike some of the KEWB tracks, there is no dialogue present, but there is however a nasty glitch at about 3:09. Length 4:27.
Guide Vocal Lyrics:
Get your party gown
Get your pigtail down
Get your heart beating, baby
Got my timing right
I've got my act all tight
It's gotta be tonight my little schoolbabe
Mamma says you don't
And your daddy says you won't
And I'm boiling up inside
Ain't no way I'm gonna lose out this time

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Lock your daddy out of doors
I don't need him nosing around
Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Give me all your love tonight

You're such a dirty louse
Go get out of my house
That's all I ever get from your
Family ties, in fact I don't think I ever heard
A single little civil word from those guys
But you know I don't give a light
I'm gonna make out all right
Got a sweetheart hand
To put a stop to all that
Fighting and sniping

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Take your little brother swimming
With a brick, (unknown lyric)
Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Or you ain't no friend of mine
You ain't no friend of mine, no

Oooh, your mummy and your daddy gonna
Plague me till I die
They don't understand it
I'm just a peace loving guy

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down

Tie your mother down
Tie your mother down
Give me all your love tonight

All your love tonight

Too Much Love Will Kill You
Click here for details of the version on 'Made In Heaven', or here for details of Brian's solo demos.
1988 Demo, Freddie Vocal
This demo, originally intended for 'The Miracle', is similar to the version that appeared on 'Made In Heaven', but features a different vocal from Freddie. However the structure of the song is slightly different - instead of two verses then a chorus it has the first verse, then chorus, then the second verse and a chorus, before fading out. However the demo seems to be edited between the first verse and first chorus, and seems to continue after it fades out, so the original take may well be different. Length 2:01.
1988 Demo, Brian and Freddie Vocal
This demo was played at one of the fan club conventions, and apparently features a much longer guitar solo, more drums, and vocals from both Brian and Freddie, with Brian singing guide vocals and Freddie's vocals over the top.
Freddie Vocal Demo Lyrics:
I'm just the pieces of the man I used to be
Too many bitter tears are raining down on me
I'm far away from home
And I've been facing this alone for much too long, ooh

Yeah, too much love will kill you
If you can't make up your mind
Torn between the lover
And the love you leave behind
You're headed for disaster
'Cos you've never read the signs
Too much love will kill you - every time

I feel like no-one ever told the truth to me
About growing up and what a struggle it would be
In my tangled state of mind
I've been looking back to find where I went wrong

Yes, too much love will kill you
Just as sure as none at all
It'll drain the power that's in you
Make you plead and scream and crawl
And the pain will make you crazy
You're the victim of your crime
Too much love will kill you - every time

Under Pressure
Click here for details of the version on 'Hot Space'.
Demo Version
The original version of this song was called 'Feel Like' and full details are available here, although it is different enough to be considered a separate track. It is also believed that genuine demos of the track exist, either with or without David Bowie.
KEWB Version
This version contains three parts - a 1:12 guitar intro, a 1:38 edit of the album version, and a 23 second outro. So far I have seen versions which include various edits of these, but all include dialogue from Brian or the DJ and so they are all easily identifiable. Brian introduces the album track with a guitar version of the famous bassline, then the song cuts in on the 'blind man' vocals (at about 2:07), and continues to the end. Brian's extra guitar is alongside the album version, rather than drowning it out, and the result is a great version with a different feel; it's just a pity that it's such a short version and that it has dialogue in places. Length 3:13.

We Are The Champions
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Some of the recording out-take footage listed below was used to create the 2011 promo video for the track, however, the footage in the documentary is longer and slightly different.
Recording Out-Takes, Excerpt 1
This excerpt, from the 'Days Of Our Lives' documentary, features out-takes including Freddie's vocals, some of them double-tracked, some instrumental excerpts, and studio dialogue from Freddie and Mike Stone. Some of the track however is obscured by interviews with Roger and Brian. Length 1:41.
Recording Out-Takes, Excerpt 2
This excerpt, also from the 'Days Of Our Lives' documentary, features an early instrumental take of the track, which features harder and rawer guitar from Brian, though it is musically very similar to the album version. It is a complete instrumental, with no lyrics or dialogue. Length 1:18.
Top Of The Pops Version
This version of the track features a few changes, including some alternate guitar from Brian, and the crowd singing and clapping along to the track. I seem to recall that there was some or other ruling that bands could not just go on and mime to the single version of tracks, and that they had to have some 'live' elements to them, which may explain the differences.
Recording Out-Takes Excerpt 1 Lyrics:
I've paid my dues
Time after time
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand
Kicked in my face
But I've come through
And I need to go on and on and on and on

We are the champions, my friends
La, la, la, la, la
Freddie: If I were you, we'll soon find out, let's get the sound in there, let's get like, a, raw sound on the drums (unknown dialogue)
We are the champions
No time for losers (ooooh, oooh)
'Cos we are the champions

Mike Stone: 'Cos here we've got three tracks of, four tracks of vocals, one with a solo guitar, then that's got end bit solo
Freddie: Well listen to them darling, that's the only way we can do it

We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cos we are the champions

We Are The Champions (with Robbie Williams)
Click here for details of the version on 'A Knight's Tale'.
Demo Version
This remake was apparently presented to the record company, but was rejected as it is too much of a departure from the original version. Some sources suggest it contains acoustic guitar throughout.

We Will Rock You
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Acetate Version
This was pressed onto a 7" acetate and is actually an edit of the album track. It omits the introductory beat, starting with Freddie's vocal, and fades out during the guitar solo, reducing the length to 1:45. As edits go it seems fairly pointless, and would have a big impact on the song for a not particularly big time saving.
Percussion Track
Not a demo in any way, but somebody has probably claimed it to be. This is simply an instrumental version of the track without any vocals, or even Brian's guitar. So basically it is 2 minutes of feet stamping and hand clapping, and could hardly be less interesting. Length 2:03.

We Will Rock You (fast version)
Click here for details of the version performed at the BBC in 1977 and at numerous live concerts.
Studio Version
It has long been rumoured that the band recorded a studio version of this track for the 'News Of The World' album, but apparently the nearest we'll get is the BBC version from 1977 which was 'released' on The Sun promo CD in 2002. As the track has always been a live favourite, it is not unreasonable to expect it to have been attempted in the studio, but apparently this is not the case.

White Queen (As It Began)
Click here for details of the version on 'Queen II'.
Home Recording
A home recording of the track by Brian from 1969 is rumoured to exist, probably called 'As It Began'. Whether this is true and whether it still exists is another matter.
Smile Version and Early Queen Version
In addition to the above, the track is strongly believed to have been recorded both by Smile and by Queen for their debut album. If so, neither version has ever materialised anywhere.

Who Needs You
Click here for details of the version on 'News Of The World'.
Reggae Version
There are rumours that the band may have recorded a reggae version of the track, though how accurate this is, how complete it is, and whether it still survives is unknown.
Faked Demo
I haven't heard this track, but apparently it loses most of Freddie's lead vocals, which would mean that the right stereo channel has been removed. This would give an (almost) instrumental version, but Freddie's vocals would be just about audible.

Who Wants To Live Forever
Click here for details of the version on 'A Kind Of Magic'.
Demo Version
Apparently upto 4 different demos of the track exist, although very little is known about them. It is possible that these demos are quite different to the album versions, as the track was changed even between appearing in the film Highlander and the release of the album.
Skip Demo
This demo was recorded by Brian on a synthesiser, and features the basic melody of the track, which is surprisingly close to the album version, given how early this must have been recorded. The track was apparently recorded in the studio and used as a guide for the Queen version, before being thrown away, then somebody found the tape in a skip. The track is available as either a standard take, or with some warm-up chords beforehand. Length 5:05, or 5:47 with the warm-up..

You And I
Click here for details of the version on 'A Day At The Races'.
Instrumental Take
This track features Freddie, Roger and John, and is musically very similar to the album version, minus Brian's guitar. It retains a few backing vocals, not all, and most notably the 'do, do' vocals are missing. Where the track normally fades out, this version has a proper ending with a slow piano and drum 'wind-down'. Length 3:43.
Faked Demo
This version runs slower than the album version (3:24), and seems identical to the album version apart from one change. During the 'you know I never could foresee the future years' verse, the right stereo channel has been removed, which means the 'do, do' backing vocals are lost. It would actually have been more interesting if they had removed the left channel, as this would have removed Freddie's lead vocals. Length 3:32.
Instrumental Take Lyrics:
We'll go walking in the moonlight, walking in the moonlight

We'll go walking in the moonlight
Walking in the moonlight

And
I

You Take My Breath Away
Click here for details of the version on 'A Day At The Races'.
Demo Version
This track was played at one of the fan club conventions and apparently just features Freddie on piano and vocals. It is not known how complete the track is, or how the lyrics may differ.
Faked Demo - "Mono Demo Duet"
This version omits the intro and outro, equivalent to the album version from 0:46 to 4:35 (approx), and runs slower than the album version (the section should last 3:49). However, there do not seem to be any other changes. Length 4:01.

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