1984
1984 was a pre-Queen band that consisted of primarily of
Brian May (guitar), Dave Dilloway (bass), John Garnham (guitar/vocals),
Richard Thompson (drums), John Sanger (piano), and future Smile lead vocalist
Tim Staffell (vocals/harmonica). After some success as a support act for
artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Traffic, T-Rex, and Pink Floyd, 1984 had a
chance to record a professional demo. On March 31, 1967 the six members
of 1984 recorded 12 tracks at Thames Television's Broom Lane Studios in
Teddington. The group was allowed to test new recording equipment that the
studio had just purchased. All tracks were done in one take, a microphone
for each source, and mixed in mono. Step On Me, a May/Staffell composition,
would carry over to their next band Smile, where they recorded another version.
By 1968, Brian had left the band and was shortly followed by Tim. The two later went on to form their next group together, Smile. Note that 1984 did have other band members before and after the Thames Television demo tape. For more information on 1984 check out the Queenpedia.com entry here.
By 1968, Brian had left the band and was shortly followed by Tim. The two later went on to form their next group together, Smile. Note that 1984 did have other band members before and after the Thames Television demo tape. For more information on 1984 check out the Queenpedia.com entry here.
Thames Television Demo Tape
Hold On, I'm Comin' 3:40
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 hit by Sam & Dave.
Knock On Wood 2:53
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 hit by Eddie Floyd.
NSU 3:41
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the Cream song, which was the B-side to their 1966 hit "I Feel Free".
How Can It Be 3:19
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of The Birds song, which was the B-side to their 1965 single "No Good Without You".
Step On Me (Take 1) 3:10
Appears on: Unreleased
The only original composition recorded by 1984. The song is pretty close to the later Smile version. Brian's backing vocals are clearly heard, but his guitar is quite low in the mix.
Step On Me (Take 2) 3:19
Appears on: Unreleased
This take starts with a count in and is pretty close to Take 1, though there a few new drum fills, and Brian's guitar is much louder in the mix. Take 2 ends with a drum roll.
Purple Haze 4:22
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1967 hit song by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Our Love Is Drifting 3:24
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1965 song by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Remember 2:17
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1967 song by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Sweet Wine 3:34
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 Cream song.
Get Out Of My Life Woman/Satisfaction 7:24
Appears on: Unreleased
A medley of covers which includes Lee Dorsey's 1966 hit of Allen Toussaint's "Get Out Of My Life Woman" and The Rolling Stones' 1965 hit song "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction".
My Girl 2:23
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the The Temptations' 1964/1965 hit single.
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 hit by Sam & Dave.
Knock On Wood 2:53
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 hit by Eddie Floyd.
NSU 3:41
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the Cream song, which was the B-side to their 1966 hit "I Feel Free".
How Can It Be 3:19
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of The Birds song, which was the B-side to their 1965 single "No Good Without You".
Step On Me (Take 1) 3:10
Appears on: Unreleased
The only original composition recorded by 1984. The song is pretty close to the later Smile version. Brian's backing vocals are clearly heard, but his guitar is quite low in the mix.
Step On Me (Take 2) 3:19
Appears on: Unreleased
This take starts with a count in and is pretty close to Take 1, though there a few new drum fills, and Brian's guitar is much louder in the mix. Take 2 ends with a drum roll.
Purple Haze 4:22
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1967 hit song by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Our Love Is Drifting 3:24
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1965 song by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Remember 2:17
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1967 song by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Sweet Wine 3:34
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the 1966 Cream song.
Get Out Of My Life Woman/Satisfaction 7:24
Appears on: Unreleased
A medley of covers which includes Lee Dorsey's 1966 hit of Allen Toussaint's "Get Out Of My Life Woman" and The Rolling Stones' 1965 hit song "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction".
My Girl 2:23
Appears on: Unreleased
A cover of the The Temptations' 1964/1965 hit single.