A Literalist Reaction to Death on Two Legs by Queen

[@carolinebutler4480]

Their manager was driving around in expensive cars, while the band could barely make rent. Roger Taylor (drummer) was told to stop breaking drumsticks because they couldn’t afford new ones!

[@Sassypaws4927]

Possibly, the very first "diss" song, was written by Freddie Mercury as a “hate letter” towards the band’s former manager, Norman Sheffield. It incorporated a vast range of vicious lyrics, and was described by Freddie as being, “so vindictive that Brian felt bad singing it.” Following that statement, Freddie Mercury says the following: "I don’t like to explain what I was thinking when I wrote a song. I think that’s awfuy, just awful. When I’m dead, I want to be remembered as a musician of some worth and substance." Freddie also stated that he believes this song was an inspiration for Brian May to write “Tie Your Mother Down”. THE BACKSTORY Queen was a struggling band in 1972 that was full of confidence, new ideas, and overflowing with talent. It took a lot of money to record and they had none (they were still borrowing equipment and building their own just to play gigs). Then Norman Sheffield, who owned Trident studios with his brother (the cutting-edge facility at the time), discovered them. Norman offered them an agreement with Trident for recording and publishing. Queen had no management at the time and the boys were naive and ignorant about the business side of music. They insisted that Trident also take on the responsibility of managing them. Trident, initially reluctant, eventually agreed and Queen signed an agreement with Trident Recording, Publishing, and Management, on 1 November 1972. The agreement allowed the band full access to the studio's facilities and supported them by providing the best producers and engineers - so long as the band only recorded in the 'off peak' hours. The deal also paid each member of Queen a stipend of £35 per week. In exchange, the Sheffields and Trident would own all Queen's output. After the first Queen album was completed the Sheffield brothers had great difficulty finding a record label to take on the album. Finally, eight months later, the brothers decided to take on the risk and fund the release themselves and Queen released their self-titled first album under the Trident label in a licensing deal with EMI Records in the UK and Elektra Records in the US. The self-titled debut album Queen wasn’t a hit. While the band started to build a name from it, the LP failed to enter the album chart in the UK while peaking at #83 in the US. Their second album, Queen II, was released in March 1974 (delayed significantly due to an oil shortage as well as a cover misprint) to expectedly mixed reviews, the album peaked at No. 5 in the UK and No. 49 in the US, while the sole single release, Seven Seas Of Rhye, reached No. 10 in the UK. Some bands have found their third album to be their greatest challenge but Queen’s third album, Sheer Heart Attack, heralded their arrival as a major musical force. Killer Queen,” the album’s outstanding single, was an instant classic that soared to No.2 on the UK chart and No.12 on the Billboard chart in America - the band’s first foray into the US Top 20. Retrospectively, the album has been listed by multiple publications as one of the band's best works and has been deemed an essential glam rock album. But the boys in the band were noticing that things were not right. They were each now making a stipend of a mere £65 per week, but Norman Sheffield had a new swimming pool and was driving in a brand new Rolls Royce. Roger Taylor (Queen's drummer) could not afford to replace the drum sticks that broke and requested additional money. He was told no and to "stop hitting the drums so hard" so he wouldn't keep breaking sticks. The band was getting angry and frustrated but the final straw was when John Deacon (Queen's bass guitarist) was getting married and asked for a loan of £10,000 to buy a house for his new bride. Norman refused. John Deacon was the last member of the group to join (1971) and was only 19 at the time. Freddie, who was 5 years older, immediately took John under his wing and began mentoring him. They maintained a close, big brother/little brother relationship until Freddie's death in 1991. When Norman refused John, that was the last straw for Freddie, who declared that they would get no more music from of him. Needless to say, Queen severed their arrangement with the Sheffields and Trident and hired a new manager, John Reid. John Reid was a highly respected and savvy manager (he had been Elton John's manager) but he had to spend a great deal of his time extricating the group from its Trident deal. Freddie was so frustrated with Sheffield that he wrote not one but two songs denouncing him: "Flick of the Wrist" and "Death on Two Legs."

[@LiteralistReactions]

Thank you for the awesome back story! - JD

[@GinMae]

Thanks for all of this - I totally think the "first diss song" - gotta be "Flick of the Wrist" on Sheer Heart Attack album...

[@r1pster05]

I remember hearing this for the first time and thinking "Geez, tell us how you REALLY feel...."

[@sharonhalliday3180]

Freddie always did a " reverse bow" during concerts as a reminder to their old boss that they missed out on Queen's success

[@leslielisty]

Yep...I saw him do that, he would also point at his arse when he did it!!

[@kendallneason3645]

When Freddie Mercury calls you a “ sewer rat decaying in a cesspool of pride” you know you messed up. lol. Queen has 200 songs to hear. There are so many brilliant songs as every member composed songs. Brilliant band! You gotta listen to all of the deep cuts albums as they are journeys. Legends.

[@andreakormosnekacso4804]

Freddie said it: "I was changing lyrics every day, trying to get it as vicious as possible. I was a demon for a few days."

[@deboraclark5791]

March of the Black Queen and White Queen. Great reaction

[@LiteralistReactions]

Your request has been added! Thank you! - JD

[@deboraclark5791]

@@LiteralistReactions great can't wait 😊

[@betseyclark2832]

There is a precursor to this song, from their Sheer Heart Attack album. Flick of the Wrist, the title, refers to the act of signing a contract. It's not quite as nasty as Death on Two Legs. It's a great song; you'll enjoy it.

[@patricka.crawley6572]

I first heard it in...1975.

[@Owlstretchingtime78]

Ditto! I bought the album when i was eight!

[@lisaargyrou1488]

Wow 🥰 beautiful sweet Freddie ❤️ we still love you Freddie ❤️ now and forever ❤️♾️

[@MyFlipperLikesIce]

Nice reaction. I love this song. My favourite line is "make yourself null and void"

[@davep8221]

It is a crime to not flow into _Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon_ To anyone who is just hearing this song for the first time, listen to them both back to back. It shows that album/ song order arrangement is an art form in itself. The first four albums are great front to back. However, Queen made *albums* and listening to individual tracks isn't the best way to experience them. Queen II (side Black) is almost like one song with very different movements, pieces often flowing into one another. _Sheer Heart Attack_ has a lot of that, too. Back in the days before gapless mp3, album sides were ruined. And don't forget _Innuendo_ which, IMO, was a return to classic Queen form. Plus, Steve Howe plays a "wandering minstrel guitar somewhere in the middle" of _Innuendo_ itself.

[@wesleyrodgers886]

Melancholy blues (queen) Just subbed

[@LiteralistReactions]

Thanks for subbing! Welcome to the insanity and memories. Your request is added to our Master Request List, thanks! - JD

[@wesleyrodgers886]

@@LiteralistReactions 👍

[@dianecourtney2724]

Don’t piss Freddie off 👍 ( I’m always on Freddie’s side 😂✌🏼 )

[@davep8221]

See also _Flick of the Wrist_ from _Sheer Heart Attack_

[@debramoore7513]

One of the best intros in music!! Beautiful piano playing .. then .. wait .. huh? In crawls those awkward sounds of Brian’s guitar!! It’s brilliant! The diss is against former manager Norm Sheffield who mismanaged Queen!! 😠 Years later, Sheffield did see the remaining three members of Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert! He said John pointed at him & said, “And if it hadn’t been for that man we wouldn’t be here.” (Life On Two Legs)

[@Jimi-ld2vw]

This would be on my roster of Queen's Greatest Hits, for sure. The next one too, which is a complete departure from Death On Two Legs, is an interesting little ditty, and only takes up a minute of time. The one after that too, In Love With My Car.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

John wanted to put a down payment on a house for his new bride and was refused. I believe that’s what pushed Freddie over the edge. Regardless, they were all poor while their manager at the time was spending all their money. They got out of the contract with him & whenever you see Freddie “mooning” the crowd, that’s directed to that guy; he said they’d never make it without him. 🤣

[@Owlstretchingtime78]

Roger couldn't even afford new drum sticks. Remarkable!

[@carolefournier345]

You can also listen to "flick of the wrist" from the previous album "sheer heart attack". this song is about the exact same person 😁

[@melissalee5622]

Love Death on two legs....Freddie at his vicious best venting about Norman Sheffield of Trident!

[@johngraham5996]

it was'nt just norman but his brother barry aswel, the sheffield brothers, they must've regretted losing Queen as they went on to be one of the biggest and most popular bands in the world! 👑✊🇬🇧

[@Jimi-ld2vw]

I would recommend Tenement Funster, Great King Rat, and/or Ogre Battle.

[@annecraycroft9989]

" Find Me Somebody To Love - must be from Montreal 1981 - you will be amazed! Thank you, Anne (I enjoyed your reaction and subscribed). Take care

[@LiteralistReactions]

Your vote has been added to this specific request! Thanks and welcome to the Fellow Humans Club! - JD

[@warrenreddaway5734]

Brilliance

[@jeffhauf5598]

Live killers was my first experience with this song as well. I had The Game and then the live album which were my initial experiences for Queen. For future reactions, I would suggest Stone Cold Crazy, Good Company, or ‘39. His spin on the lyrics would be interesting.

[@GinMae]

Thanks, guys! Lesson: Do not piss off Freddie - before this was "Flick of the Wrist" on the Sheer Heart Attack album... check it out when you have time & inclination...

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Not just a favorite queen song but a favorite song of Alta time love love love

[@cogline]

I was thinking about requesting Queen. Killers is a killer live album. My fav album is Jazz. Dead on Time rocks hard

[@AnotherViewer]

My usual recommendation Queen to do list: Bohemian rhapsody Official- headphones required Stone cold crazy -live at the rainbow You Take My Breath away live Hyde Park 1976 White Queen Live Hammersmith Killer Queen official video Don't Stop me now official video Somebody to love - Live Montreal Fat bottom Girls official video I want to break free official video The Miracle official video Barcelona by Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé Dr. Brian May Brighton Rock kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y56ZanWoq6-BnMk Live Aid!!

[@LiteralistReactions]

Long List! Added, thank you! - JD

[@lindsaycrellin4588]

Have subscribed great reaction x Tie Your Mother Down from Montreal 1981 Now I’m Here from Wembley 1986 anything from the Wembley concerts is amazing Liar from the Rainbow 1974 the rock & roll medley from London 1977 is something different amazing too a few suggestions x

[@LiteralistReactions]

Thanks for subbing! Request added! Thanks! - JD

[@roccaclassico9028]

May I suggest more songs from this same album: "Good Company", " '39", and "The Prophet's Song" (all written by Brian May). All three are exceptionally creative in different ways. May simulates a Dixieland band in "Good Company". " '39" is a sci-fi tale done in a folk-like style. And "The Prophet's Song" is proggy with some of the most creative analog vocal effects ever recorded.

[@LiteralistReactions]

All added to the list, thanks! - JD

[@carlajimenez5483]

Great reaction. I would try BLACK QUEEN and/or WHITE QUEEN live at the Odeon Hammersmith 75. STONE COLD CRAZY at the Rainbow 74

[@LiteralistReactions]

Suggestion added, thanks! - JD

[@marciv2964]

Please react to The Prophet's Song 🎵 🙏

[@LiteralistReactions]

Your vote counts! - JD

[@flea1972]

Dragon Attack (1980). Dead On Time (1978). It's Late (1977). Definitely react to the studio versions first if you've never heard these songs before.

[@LiteralistReactions]

Added and/or voted on, thanks! - JD

[@SiriuslyCold]

Love to hear what you think of what is possibly their "heaviest" song - The Prophet Song

[@LiteralistReactions]

Vote counted! Thanks! - JD

[@MarcoGoethe]

Great reaction guys

[@christineirving4491pluviophile]

Yes, no one did vitriol quite like dear Freddie!

[@TimWright623]

Another great reaction video! My suggestions for Queen songs: Prophets Song I'm In Love With My Car (interesting to see reaction to a Roger Taylor vocal) Brighton Rock

[@LiteralistReactions]

Votes counted! Thanks. - JD

[@elifaudio1472]

A treasure chest of high level insults!.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

The song on the album which comes next is such a wild contrast to this one. :) Perhaps meant as some kind of redemption or balance to the scheme of things?

[@jman3927]

Man, Brian May never gets enough love.

[@lucasroth7922]

This song is the reason I got the album, not Bohemian Rhapsody ✌🤘

[@geniousatqw]

Your music mirrors your mind Song suggestion: Space Into/Fly Like an Eagle Band: Steve Miller Album: Fly Like an Eagle Speaking of being lost in a song intro, I think Dave would agree

[@LiteralistReactions]

Added, my friend! I would think Dave has most-certainly heard this song in passing but probably never the album version. - JD

[@patriciakent6728]

React to Someone to love from Queen you won't regret it LOL

[@LiteralistReactions]

Assuming you mean "Somebody To Love"? Your vote has been added. Thanks! - JD

[@patriciakent6728]

Oops, thanks so muc;)

[@r1pster05]

Oh, and tell Dave that Stouffer's sells a frozen creamed chip beef meal! Or at least in Maine. Dave said he was in NH, iirc, so he should be able to find it. I make zero claims about it's authenticity, texture, or taste.

[@larcsivegh1260]

React to Queen-Scandal pleasee!!! I love that song🥰🥰

[@LiteralistReactions]

Added to the list! You're the first to request this later Queen song. - JD

[@poluxsaurus1454]

'39 will be an interesting pick.

[@LiteralistReactions]

Your vote counts. '39 is getting up there in the count and may be coming soon! - JD

[@michaelyork4554]

And I'll be lazing on a Sunday Afternoon.

[@warrenreddaway5734]

I think this song is second to the obvious.. For so many reasons.... If you know. You know..

[@michaelkruska6097]

As a literalist you should listen to "ogre battle", "the ferry fellers masterstroke" or "the prophets song"

[@LiteralistReactions]

Ogre Battle added, your vote added to Prophet's Song which is fast approaching enough votes to present. Thanks! - JD

[@AliT0555]

It’s very simple, don’t ever piss off Freddie Mercury.