Flash Gordon, Queen's ninth studio album, served as the official soundtrack for the Flash Gordon movie. Reinhold Mack shared production duties with Brian May, making this the only album to be co-produced by a single Queen member. Except for a few noteworthy exceptions, namely Flash's Theme, The Kiss and The Hero, the album predominantly instrumental with added soundbites from the movie. Unlike most Queen albums from the 80s, Flash Gordon was not recorded at either Musicland or Mountain Studios; instead, the band used The Town House, The Music Center, Advision and Utopia Studios.

Flash Gordon was released on December 8, 1980 by EMI in the UK and over a month later in the US on January 27, 1981 by Elektra. Riding the success of their previous album, The Game, Flash Gordon went to #10 in the UK and #23 in the US, achieving Gold sales in both territories.

The only single from the album, retitled simply Flash, is a single version of Flash's Theme. The track was released on November 24, 1980 by EMI in the UK, while Elektra released the single on the same day as the album in the US. The song was a minor hit in the UK, landing in the top ten at #10, meanwhile it settled at a modest #42 in the US. The movie ended up being a hit in the UK, but was a major flop stateside. The movie has gone on to become a cult classic. The 2012 hit Seth MacFarlane comedy Ted featured many references to the movie and even used Queen's music liberally in the film.

Flash's Theme (Album Version) 3:29
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 1

Flash (Single Version) 2:46
Written by Brian May
Appears on: US Flash 7" vinyl, UK Flash 7" vinyl, UK Greatest Hits, US Greatest Hits, US Greatest Hits: We Will Rock You Edition, UK The Singles Collection Volume 2, UK 2011 Flash Gordon Deluxe CD
A single version of "Flash's Theme", simply entitled "Flash" was released as a single to promote Queen's Flash Gordon soundtrack. The single version of Flash differs from the album version, featuring many more dialogue samples directly from the movie. It is however missing the famous opening bit with Ming. The song was a hit in the UK, reaching number 10.

Flash's Theme (Opening Credits Version) 3:25
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon Motion Picture
The opening credits to the Flash Gordon motion picture is scored with "Flash's Theme". This version is very similar to the album version, with some differences to the mix including some additional drum beats and synthesizer.

Flash's Theme (Rocks Promo Edit) 3:33
Written by Brian May
Appears on: US Hollywood Records Rocks Promo CD set
In 1991, Hollywood Records released 4 volumes of promo CDs entitled "Rocks". Flash's Theme from Rocks Volume 3 has a slight edit of the album version. The final explosion fades out slightly earlier, making this a better stand-alone version.

Flash's Theme (2007 High Octane Mix) 1:49
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Japan 2008 In Vision
"In Vision" is a Japan-only compilation album that features Queen songs that were used in various TV programs. A second, updated edition was released in 2008 that featured a new mix of Flash's Theme. The new 2007 High Octane Mix is a very disjointed remix created for the 2007 Formula 1 racing season. The remix is mostly Flash's Theme, but also incorporates some bits from The Hero as well. A good idea for a remix, but just not executed very well.

Flash's Theme (Ted Original Soundtrack Version) 2:31
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Ted Motion Picture Soundtrack CD
The hilarious 2012 US comedy Ted is the brain-child of Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. The film's two protagonists John (played by Mark Wahlberg) and his living stuffed animal Ted share a love of one movie, Flash Gordon. Sam Jones makes a cameo, and Queen's Flash Gordon soundtrack is featured throughout the film. The film's soundtrack features a unique edit of Flash's Theme. The Ted Soundtrack version features the audio from the album version with the opening bits with Ming removed. The track starts and ends with John's bass beat.

Flash (Greatest Flix Video Version) 2:45
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Greatest Flix
The Greatest Flix Video Version uses the Single Version as a basis for the audio. The first few beats are removed and the final droning rumble is extended as the credits roll on the VHS/Laserdisc.

Flash (Video CD Version) 2:30
Written by Brian May
Appears on: UK Greatest Flix I & II VCD
The Queen promo videos were released digitally for the first time in 1994 on video CD format. The two disc set featured Queen's most popular videos, some of which were minorly edited. A few of the opening beats have been edited off and the song fades very early.

Flash (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround Mix) 2:45
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD
A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of Flash was made for the 2002 Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD. Most of the new mixes on this DVD (including this one) were produced and engineered by Justin Shirley-Smith with additional engineering and Pro Tools HD by Kris Fredriksson. The mixes were done at Sphere Studios, London. A few seconds of silence are added to the beginning of the track for the video title card on the DVD. Both the 5.1 mix and the Stereo Mix fade-out earlier than the Single Version.

Flash (Greatest Video Hits 1 Stereo Mix) 2:45
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD
A few seconds of silence are added to the beginning of the track for the video title card on the DVD. Both the 5.1 mix and the Stereo Mix fade-out earlier than the Single Version.

Flash (Alternative Promo Video Version) a.k.a. Flash (DDR TV Mix) 3:17
Written by Brian May
Appears on: UK 2011 Flash Gordon iTunes Video Download
This is a really nice surprise from the 2011 iTunes exclusive videos. This promo video of Flash is very different from the common, well-known version. Originally shown in early 1980, the audio of mix of the song is different than both the album and single versions. The bridge where Freddie sings "just a man..." is from a completely different take as well. The sound clips from the Flash Gordon movie are also different as well. Recommended for curiosity purposes.

Flash (Karaoke Version) 2:43
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Greatest Karaoke Hits
An instrumental mix of the single version. It has no click track at the beginning and fades out earlier.

Flash's Theme (Mista Lawnge and 9.5 Remix) 6:42
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon Hollywood Remaster (1991)
This remix was commissioned for Hollywood Records' 1991 Queen catalog re-releases This remix by William "Mista Lawnge" McLean is also known as the One-Two Mix. The remix features overdubs by Mista Lawnge I suppose, singing "One, Two... One, Two." This is a very long remix with a lot of looping and nothing really notable. It also features a mechanical backbeat and some rap bits. This mix is in the same vain as Hollywood's Dragon Attack remix.

Flash & The Hero (Live at Morumbi Stadium, 1981) 3:27
Written by Brian May
Appears on: UK 2011 Flash Gordon iTunes Video Download
Somewhat reminiscent of their 1981 Montreal performance of the same tracks. The audio source isn't that great on this one, but it is still an interesting performance.


In The Space Capsule (The Love Theme) (Album Version) 2:42
Written by Roger Taylor
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 2


Ming's Theme (In The Court Of Ming The Merciless) (Album Version) 2:40
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 3


The Ring (Hypnotic Seduction Of Dale) (Album Version) 0:57
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 4


Football Fight (Album Version) 1:28
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 5

Football Fight (Early Version, No Synths! - February 1980) 1:56
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: UK 2011 Flash Gordon Deluxe CD
From February 1980, this early version of Football Fight has no sythesizers; instead, Freddie's piano takes center stage. According to the liner notes this was referred to as "Freddie's Theme No. 2" on the 24-track tape label. A nice alternative to the synthesizer heavy album version.


In The Death Cell (Love Theme Reprise) (Album Version) 2:24
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 6


Execution Of Flash (Album Version) 1:05
Written by John Deacon
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 7


The Kiss (Aura Resurrects Flash) (Album Version) 1:44
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 8

The Kiss (Early Version, March 1980) 1:12
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: UK 2011 Flash Gordon Deluxe CD
Like the Football Fight early take from the 2011 Deluxe Flash Gordon CD, this early take of The Kiss features Freddie on piano and a different vocal take. There are piano parts in this take that are reminiscent of the Football Fight theme as well.


Arboria (Planet Of The Tree Men) (Album Version) 1:41
Written by John Deacon
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 9


Escape From The Swamp (Album Version) 1:43
Written by Roger Taylor
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 10


Flash To The Rescue (Album Version) 2:44
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 11


Vultan's Theme (Attack Of The Hawk Men) (Album Version) 1:12
Written by Freddie Mercury
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 12


Battle Theme (Album Version) 2:18
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 13


The Wedding March (Album Version) 0:56
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 14


Marriage Of Dale And Ming (And Flash Approaching) (Album Version) 2:04
Written by Brian May/Roger Taylor
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 15


Crash Dive On Mingo City (Album Version) 1:00
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 16


Flash's Theme Reprise (Victory Celebrations) (Album Version) 1:23
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 17


The Hero (Album Version) 3:31
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon, Track 18

The Hero (Movie Credits Version) 3:39
Written by Brian May
Appears on: Flash Gordon Motion Picture
This version of The Hero is featured during the end credits of the Flash Gordon Movie. The mix is different than the one that appears on the soundtrack. It sounds as though some of the performances used on this mix are from a different take as well. It's not as good as the album version, but an interesting alternative version.

The Hero (October 1980... Revisited) 2:57
Written by Brian May
Appears on: UK 2011 Flash Gordon Deluxe CD
Coming from the original multi-track master tape, Joshua J. Macrae and Justin Shirley-Smith created a new mix of The Hero for the 2011 Deluxe Flash Gordon release. Freddie's double-track vocal was previously unheard up until now.