News Of The World

Produced by: Queen
Assisted by: Mike Stone
Recorded at: Wessex Sound Studios, Basing Street Studios
UK EMI LP: 28 October 1977 EMA 784 / UK Chart #4
USA Elektra LP: 1 November 1977 6E-112 / Billboard #3

Side One
1. We Will Rock You (May) 2:01
2. We Are The Champions (Mercury) 3:00
3. Sheer Heart Attack (Taylor) 3:24
4. All Dead, All Dead (May) 3:10
5. Spread Your Wings (Deacon) 4:36
6. Fight From The Inside (Taylor) 3:02
  Side Two
1. Get Down, Make Love (Mercury) 3:51
2. Sleeping On The Sidewalk (May) 3:05
3. Who Needs You (Deacon) 3:07
4. It's Late (May) 6:26
5. My Melancholy Blues (Mercury) 3:33

Related Songs

Feelings, Feelings (May), Silver Salmon (Staffell)

Singles

UK Singles
- We Are The Champions c/w We Will Rock You 7" / UK Chart #2

US Singles
- We Are The Champions c/w We Will Rock You 7" / Billboard #4

Album Info

Queen's sixth album, News Of The World, is best known for its iconic cover by American artist Frank Kelly Freas, which depicts a deranged robot murdering the band. The album distances itself from Queen's previous two efforts by scaling back the lavish multitrack arrangements and instead presenting an eclectic rock driven album. Produced by the band with assistance from Mike Stone, the album was recorded in London at Wessex Sound Studios and Basing Street Studios.

News Of The World was released on October 28, 1977 from EMI in the UK, going Platinum and reaching #4 in the chart. Elektra released the album on November 1, 1977 in the US and for the first time ever it outperformed the English counterpart. Driven by the popularity of two stadium rock anthems, News Of The World reached #3 on the Billboard chart and went 4x Platinum.

We Are The Champions, coupled with We Will Rock You, went on to become a worldwide hit, eventually becoming two of the band's most popular songs, sports anthems and endearing classics. Released in October 1977 in both the UK and US, the single peaked at #4 stateside, going Platinum and #2 in the UK, reaching Gold sales status. Spread Your Wings followed in February 1978 in the UK, becoming a modest hit, reaching #34. It's Late followed in the US, but couldn't follow the success of Champions/Rock You, only reaching #74.

To promote the album, the band recorded five tracks for BBC Radio, including a fast version of We Will Rock You, which became a fixture in their live show for the next five years.

Feelings, Feelings, according to the 2011 Deluxe Edition liner notes, originated sometime around 1970 or 1971. Many takes of the song were recorded in July 1977 at Basing Street Studios but never officially saw the light of day for years. Feelings, Feelings (Take 9) leaked in the 2000s while Take 11 was officially released on the 2011 Deluxe 2 CD edition of News Of The World.

It is assumed that the leaked version of Silver Salmon has a similar story to Feelings, Feelings. Written by Tim Staffell, the leaked version sounds as though it was recorded during this era.

News Of The World received the 40th Anniversary box set treatment in 2017 which included a new documentary DVD, a CD each of Bonus Tracks and Raw Sessions, and various pieces of replica merchandise.

We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You (Album Version) 2:01
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 1

We Will Rock You (Acetate Edit) 1:45
Appears on: UK We Will Rock You 7" acetate vinyl

An edit of the album version, this track starts immediately with Freddie singing. The track ends with a fade-out during the guitar solo.

We Will Rock You (Movie Mix) 2:09
Appears on: Bohemian Rhapsody - The Original Soundtrack

The movie mix of We Will Rock You parallels with the creation of the song as depicted in the motion picture. From 0:00 to 0:51 it's the album version that we all know and love. Suddenly, at 0:52, the track transitions into a live performance. It is unknown what concert this is taken from, but the recording and performance sounds good. At first, this mix is a little jarring, but it works well in relation to what happens in the movie.

We Will Rock You (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround Mix) 2:07
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD

A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of We Will Rock You 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.

We Will Rock You (Karaoke Version) a.k.a. We Will Rock You (Backing Track) 2:03
Appears on: Greatest Karaoke Hits, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

A full instrumental of the album version. No click track at the beginning. This same mix was later used on the Bonus Tracks CD of the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition.

We Will Rock You (BBC Session 6) 1:35
Appears on: On Air, On Air - Deluxe Edition, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977 at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This recording of We Will Rock You uses the stomp, stomp, clap backing track that appears on the album version. Freddie contributes a new vocal that consists of just the first few verses and Brian performs a new version of the guitar solo. After the guitar solo and an explosion, there is a reading from Siddartha by Herman Hesse. Queen Archivist Greg Brooks explains in Record Collector from June 2001: "Immediately after an explosion, and just prior to the opening chords, a female voice cuts in briefly with an extract of a reading from Siddartha, by Herman Hesse. How did this come about? At that time, only master tapes survived from BBC sessions, while the actual tapes used to compose them were recorded over later. When Queen assembled in the control room for a playback, they discovered remnants of a Radio 4 programme on their tape. The band incorporated a segment of this unusual material into their own work. The broadcast version began in "News Of The World" fashion, then breaks for the Siddartha interlude."

We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC Session 6) 2:46
Appears on: We Will Rock You Sun promo CD single, On Air

After the Siddartha interlude from the "slow" version of We Will Rock You, the BBC Radio transmission cuts immediately into the "fast" version. This completely reimagined version of We Will Rock You features full, up tempo instrumentation from the entire band. This is generally considered the highlight of all the BBC sessions and is the only time this particular arrangement of We Will Rock You was recorded in the studio. The fast version would later be performed live on subsequent tours to open the set.

We Will Rock You (Fast) (BBC Session 6 with DJ Chatter) 2:51
Appears on: On Air - Deluxe Edition, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The deluxe 6 CD edition of 2016's "On Air" includes additional dialogue from the various radio presenters on most BBC session songs. At the end of the song, John Peel comments that the song is "another teenage anthem". This version was later included in the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set.

We Will Rock You (Backing Track Take) 2:05
Appears on: Unreleased

The stomp, stomp, clap backing track was shared amongst Queen collectors and on various fan websites. This is just the simple stomping and clapping; no vocals, no guitars.

We Will Rock You (Alternative Version) 2:29
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition, We Will Rock You (Raw Sessions Version) digital download

This alternative version starts with some primative stomping and Brian humming the melody. The engineer announces this is Take 1. Freddie sings the chorus to himself to warm up. The count in starts before the familiar stomp-stomp-clap thunderously comes in. Freddie's vocals are different than the performance used on the album, althrough the lyrics are complete. The backing vocals and backing track seem to be the ones used on the final album version. Brian's guitar solo is incomplete and not fleshed out at this point.

We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin) 5:00
Appears on: News of the World Hollywood Remaster (1991), US We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991), UK The Singles Collection Volume 4, BASIC Queen Bootlegs promo CD

This 1991 Hollywood Records bonus remix is from popular producer Rick Rubin. It is an interesting remix, but gets tiresome after the first 2 1/2 minutes. It starts with the sound of a needle being placed on a record, plays a bit of the album take, and then goes into the remix. The track also features some scratching and drumming effects. The last half of the song is a loop of Brian's guitar and the band singing the chorus. The end features some sampled voices and a fade-out.

We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin 12" Version) 5:09
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

A similar but different remix than the CD version of the Ruined Mix. The most obvious difference is the lack of the vinyl needledrop sound effect to open the song. This is available exclusively on the 12" promo vinyl.

We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin BASIC Beats Sampler Version) 5:10
Appears on: BASIC Beats Sampler promo CD

This is another very minor variation of the Rick Rubin mixes. The needledrop opening has been retained, but there are other minor mix differences throughout.

We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin Promo CD Edit) 2:25
Appears on: France We Will Rock You promo CD single

A very concise edit of the 5:00 version. The song has all of the additional production added by Rubin, but follows the structure of the original song much more closely. This is recommended over the 5:00 version.

We Will Rock You (Ruined Instrumental) 2:03
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

Another remix of Rick Rubin's "ruined" mix. This edit is a bit of a tease, stopping just as the song gets interesting.

We Will Rock You (Effects Instrumental) 2:08
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

An instrumental edit of Rick Rubin's We Will Rock You remixes. Features some vocals even though it is an instrumental.

We Will Rock You (Clap A Capella) 1:57
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

This sounds typical of Rick Rubin's other We Will Rock You remixes. The Clap A Capella combines effects with vocals, clapping effects/loops, and a few assorted scratching effects.

We Will Rock You (Big Beat A Capella) 2:19
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

This Rick Rubin mix features vocals, the bass/beat effects, and a few assorted scratching effects.

We Will Rock You (Effects A Capella) 1:19
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 12"; promo vinyl (1991)

Basically an extract of the vocal loops and effects of the other Rick Rubin mixes of We Will Rock You. It is all vocals and vocal effects with no instruments.

We Will Rock You (Zulu Scratch A Capella) 1:23
Appears on: US We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991), US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991)

Another remix of Rubin's "ruined" mix, featuring vocals and very little instrumentation.

We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin US Greatest Hits VHS Credits Version) 1:59
Appears on: US Greatest Hits VHS

This is a nice edit of the Rick Rubin remix that is used over the end credits of the Hollywood Records Greatest Hits VHS tape. It essentially is the middle bit of the remix, focusing on the main verses, choruses, and guitar solo.

We Will Rock You (Paul Dakeyne Remix) 4:40
Appears on: The Unauthorized Club Record 10 track promo CD-R

This remix by Paul Dakeyne appeared on a few DJ and mix club compilation albums. This website had not considered it an official mix until the discovery of The Unauthorized Club Record promo CD by Hollywood Records. A new dance beat backing track replaces the sparse stomp-stomp-clap. Freddie's vocals have been sped up. There are also a few samples from Bohemian Rhapsody mixed throughout.

We Will Rock You (The eYe Version) 0:58
Appears on: Queen: The eYe

From the Electronic Arts videogame, Queen: The eYe. This edit consists of the drumbeat and audience sounds from Live At Wembley '86. The track stops before the vocal begins, although there is a crowd cheering dubbed over it. Throughout is the voice of a character from the game, announcing that the player is about to enter the arena to do battle.

We Will Rock You (Fast Video Version - Live from The Summit, Houston 1977) 2:26
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1

This live video version comes from Queen's 1977 performance at The Summit, in Houston Texas. A great live performance.

We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live at the Nippon Budokan, 1979) - Absolute Greatest Streaming Video Version) 3:20
Appears on: UK 2009 Absolute Greatest Streaming Video

A great performance from Queen's 1979 performance at the Nippon Budokan in Japan. This version is similar to the one that appears on Live Killers.

We Will Rock You (Fast) (Live in Tokyo, November 1982) 2:54
Appears on: UK 2011 New of The World Deluxe CD, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Queen's 1982 Hot Space Tour was arguably at its best by the time they reached Japan. This fast version of We Will Rock You comes from their performance at Seibu Lions Stadium in Tokyo, Japan. It is not that different from the other live fast versions of this song, but it is still a great performance

We Are The Champions

We Are The Champions (Album Version) 3:00
Appears on:
News Of The World, Track 2

We Are The Champions (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround Mix) 3:04
Appears on:
Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD
A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of We Are The Champions 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.

We Are The Champions (Top Of The Pops Video Version) 2:56
Appears on:
Unreleased
This video version from Top Of The Pops also features some alternative audio. The crowd can be heard clapping and singing along to the chorus of the track. Brian provides some different guitar bits not found on the album version.

We Are The Champions (1998 Karaoke Version) 3:04
Appears on:
1998 Greatest Karaoke Hits
The 1998 Karaoke Version of We Are The Champions is a full instrumental version. The track starts with the karaoke click track.

We Are The Champions (2004 Karaoke Version) 3:02
Appears on:
2004 Greatest Karaoke Hits
The 2004 Karaoke Version of We Are The Champions differs from the 1998 version. The click track is different, featuring keyboard notes to go along with the click.

We Are The Champions (Backing Track) 2:58
Appears on:
News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition
The backing track of We Are The Champions appears on the Bonus Tracks disc of the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set. The backing track mix used here is the same one used for Greatest Karaoke Hits. Of course the click track from the karaoke versions is not present here.

We Are The Champions (Alternative Version) 4:33
Appears on:
News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition, We Are The Champions (Raw Sessions Version) digital download
Freddie starts this alternative version with a count in and a false start, while trying to get the melody down. A voice, most likely Mike Stone, sarcastically announces that this is take 37,000. The performance on this take is really solid and probably could have been used on the final version. Freddie's vocals soar just like the album version. Brian adds some unique guitar flourishes that didn't survive the cut to the album. The ending choruses/verses are repeated on this take, extending the time quite a bit. An additional guitar solo is added at the end followed by the chorus yet again. Freddie noodles around with a piano outro while Roger adds a drumroll. Freddie comments "that was a lovely feel.... that's exactly how it should be."

We Are The Champions (Ruined by Rick Rubin) 3:28
Appears on:
US We Will Rock You 5 Track CD Single (1991),US We Will Rock You 12" promo vinyl (1991), BASIC Queen Bootlegs promo CD
Similar to the other Rubin mixes, but not quite as good. Basically the album track with samples and beats added to it, which doesn't fit the song very much.

We Are The Champions (Gulf War Version) 3:11
Appears on:
US We Are The Champions military promo CD
Wow, this is weird and kind of creepy. This is the album version of We Are The Champions with snippets of George Bush's Gulf War victory speech. Seems to kind of exploit the song.

Sheer Heart Attack

Sheer Heart Attack (Album Version) 3:24
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 3


Sheer Heart Attack (Rocks Video Version) 3:10
Appears on: Queen Rocks VHS

This version is very similar to the album version. Some of the shrieking guitar effects have been edited out, resulting in approximately 14 seconds cut from the track.

Sheer Heart Attack (Original Rough Mix) 4:17
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Sheer Heart Attack was originally written for the album of the same name. It didn't make the cut for that album, or the two that followed. Finally, Roger and the band decided it fit the stripped down, raw concept of News Of The World. This original rough mix starts with some banter from Roger before it goes into its original long-lost intro. The whole track is instrumental, except for some backing vocals... "Sheeeeeeeer Heart Attack!" Roger plays all the instruments along with some guitar from Brian. Also of note, this version has a longer, uncut ending that didn't appear on the album version.

Sheer Heart Attack (Alternative Version - Wessex Sound Studios) 3:53
Appears on: Wessex Sound Studios One Track Reel To Reel Tape

An alternative, possibly earlier version of Sheer Heart Attack appears on a 1977 Wessex Sound Studios Reel To Reel tape. There are some added echo effects added to Freddie's vocals and some differences in guitar mixing.

Sheer Heart Attack (Live in Paris, February 1979) 3:34
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

This previously unreleased live recording from Queen's second night at the Pavillion De Paris is a highlight of the live tracks on the 2011 re-releases. The performance is energetic and full of life. All three nights at this venue in 1979 were recorded and filmed; hopefully they will see a release soon.

Sheer Heart Attack (Live at the Hammersmith Odeon, 1979) - iTunes Video Version 3:13
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World iTunes Video Download

Freddie famously destroys microphone stands and kicks over his monitor in this great, lively performance of Sheer Heart Attack.

Sheer Heart Attack (1974 Demo Version)
Appears on: Unreleased

This track was supposed to appear on the Sheer Heart Attack album, but was not finished until the News Of The World sessions.

All Dead, All Dead

All Dead, All Dead (Album Version) 3:10
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 4


All Dead, All Dead (Original Rough Mix) 3:08
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

All Dead, All Dead is one of the multitracks that are missing in the Queen archive. Luckily, Brian kept a cassette with a rough mix of All Dead, All Dead with Freddie on lead vocals. The backing track is mostly the same as the one used on the final album version. Of course the highlight here is Freddie singing lead vocals. At first it sounds very odd, since we are all used to Brian's take on the song. The more you listen, the more you'll warm up to Freddie's take. Freddie gives a really nice performance here, even though it is probably not meant as a final vocal take. Also of note, if you look at the lyrics in the album's sleeve notes, you'll notice there are a few opening lines that are not used on the final song. Freddie sings those opening lyrics in this version, which immediately makes this version stand out. The backing vocals from Brian and Freddie aren't on this take, which really takes away from this version.

All Dead, All Dead (Hybrid Version) 3:08
Appears on: Official Queen YouTube page

On October 26, 2017 the Original Rough Mix of All Dead, All Dead was played on BBC Radio 2 for the first time. A short time afterwards a brilliant All Dead, All Dead video was released on the official Queen YouTube page. The animated video was created by Unanico Studios and directed by Jason Jameson and Robert Milne. The video follows the story of Brian's cat as he travels through the body of Frank, the News Of The World robot. If you're not paying attention, the audio sounds like it is the Original Rough Mix, but in fact it is a hybrid mix that uses some elements of the final album version. At 1:30 the album version is mixed in with Brian and Freddie singing the chorus vocals together. From 2:14 through 2:36 Brian's lead vocals are used. Freddie jumps in with the line "in time it comes to everyone." From that point to the end it is the album version.

All Dead, All Dead (Instrumental Take) 3:40
Appears on: Unreleased

This instrumental take premired at the 2005 UK Fan Club Convention. This is an all instrumental version of the song. The backing track seems to be very similar to the album version; so similar that it may actually be the album backing track. The end of the track features an used piano bit either for this song or an unreleased song.

Spread Your Wings

Spread Your Wings (Album Version) 4:36
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 5


Spread Your Wings (Single Edit) 4:28
Appears on: UK Spread Your Wings 7" vinyl

The same as the album version, just fading out much sooner. Note that the 7" single label does not show that this track is an edit.

Spread Your Wings (Test Pressing Version) 4:27
Appears on: 3 Track One Sided 12" Test Pressing

Late in 2011, a 3 track test pressing from 1977 was sold that contained three tracks (We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, and Spread Your Wings). According to the listing, there were approximately 50 of the promo test pressings made. This pressing features an early mix of Spread Your Wings. There are some additional ad-libbed type vocals at the end and either alternatively mixed guitars or a different guitar performance.

Spread Your Wings (Rough Mix - Basing Street Studios Reel To Reel Tape) 4:10
Appears on: Basing Street Studios 10" Reel To Reel Tape

This rough mix comes from a 10" Basing Street Studios Reel To Reel master tape dated July 27, 1977. The 10" tape itself lists three rough mixes (Who Needs You, All Dead, All Dead, and Spread Your Wings). This version contains some extra guitar during the chorus section that did not make the final version.

Spread Your Wings (Forever Early Fade) 4:30
Appears on: Forever Deluxe Edition

This version is yet another early fade-out of Spread Your Wings. This version fades out slightly later than the single edit.

Spread Your Wings (Greatest Flix Video Edit) 3:58
Appears on: Greatest Flix

This is a major audio edit of the album version. Over half a minute is trimmed off the end of the track.

Spread Your Wings (Greatest Video Hits 1 Stereo Video Edit) 4:22
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD

Again, just like the album version, except that this fades out at a different point. Note that this version does not fade out at the same time as the single edit.

Spread Your Wings (Greatest Video Hits 1 Surround Mix) 4:26
Appears on: Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD

A new 96/24 DTS 5.1 surround mix of Spread Your Wings was made for the 2002 Greatest Video Hits 1 DVD. This track is unique because a true 5.1 remix could not be achieved because the original multitrack tape had been lost. To achieve a surround effect the original album stereo mix was 'upmixed' by Tim Young and Justin Shirley-Smith. A few seconds of silence are added to the beginning of the track for the video title card on the DVD. This version does fade early, at the same point as the Greatest Video Hits 1 Stereo Video Edit.

Spread Your Wings (Karaoke Version) a.k.a Spread Your Wings (Instrumental) 4:22
Appears on: Greatest Karaoke Hits, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

To make the instrumental versions heard on Greatest Karaoke Hits, the original multitracks were used to create an all new instrumental-only mix. The problem is that some of the multitracks are missing, including Spread Your Wings. This instrumental version is from an alternative mix song. It is most noticeable in the guitar solo. There are other moments where studio banter can be heard in quiet moments in the track as well. This same mix was later used on the Bonus Tracks CD of the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition.

Spread Your Wings (BBC Session 6) 5:24
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, On Air

Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977 at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This BBC version of Spread Your Wings is superior to the album version, featuring a faster tempo that later matched the live performances. This version has a great backing track with awesome, thundering drumming from Roger. The song builds to an instrumental climax that carries on to the end. This has been bootlegged for years, but finally saw a proper, remastered release in 2011 and later in 2016.

Spread Your Wings (BBC Session 6 with DJ Chatter) 5:32
Appears on: On Air - Deluxe Edition, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The deluxe 6 CD edition of 2016's "On Air" includes additional dialogue from the various radio presenters on most BBC session songs. At the end of the song, John Peel comments that all of the songs from tonight's show are from the new LP New Of The World, some of which are radically different. He then introduces the next song, It's Late. This version later appeared on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition.

Spread Your Wings (Alternative Take) 4:56
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Spread Your Wings has always been a fan favorite; this alternative version will likely be just as loved as its album counterpart. Freddie starts this version with a different, longer piano intro that isn't used on the album version. His piano performance continues to be unique throughout the rest of this take. The whole band are playing soulfully and with passion, proving that this version could have been used on the album. Brian's guitar parts are noticably different in parts of the song as well. Roger's drumming is similar to the final version, but no less aggressive. The song breaks down at the end with no real ending. Freddie exclaims "what a jam!"

Spread Your Wings (Trent Reznor Remix)
Appears on: Unreleased

There is a rumored remix of Spread Your Wings by Trent Reznor from 1991 or 1992.

Fight From The Inside

Fight From The Inside (Album Version) 3:02
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 6


Fight From The Inside (Instrumental) a.k.a. (The eYe Version) 3:03
Appears on: Queen: The eYe, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The bonus disc from the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set features different versions of songs from the album. This instrumental mix of Fight From The Inside that was made rather quickly, but effectively 19 years earlier for the Queen-based videogame, Queen: The eYe. The mix from 1998 was good enough to be reused on this box set.

Fight From The Inside (Demo Vocal Version) 3:08
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The demo vocals on this take originated from Roger's home studio in preparation for the next sessions. The backing track largely doesn't change in its evolution to the final version. Roger's vocal performance is not as polished as the final album version; instead it is more utilitarian as he works through pacing and lyrics. The "ooooooohs" are not present on this version, instead there are additional lyrics that are not decipherable. Roger plays all the instruments here except for some additional lead guitar from Brian.

Fight From The Inside (Early Take)
Appears on: Unreleased

This track premiered at the 19th International Fan Club Convention in Prestatyn. This take is very close to the final version, featuring a different vocal take from Roger with minimal lyric changes.

Get Down, Make Love

Get Down, Make Love (Album Version) 3:51
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 7


Get Down, Make Love (Instrumental) a.k.a. (The eYe Version) 3:48
Appears on: Queen: The eYe, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The bonus disc from the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition box set features different versions of songs from the album. This is an excellent instrumental mix of Get Down, Make Love that was made rather quickly, but effectively 19 years earlier for the Queen-based videogame, Queen: The eYe. The mix from 1998 was good enough to be reused on this box set.

Get Down, Make Love (Early Take) 4:02
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

This early take of Get Down, Make Love is very lively and possibly more listenable than the final album version. Before the take starts, Brian asks Freddie if he "likes the sustained note". Freddie and Roger both agree that it is good, while Freddie offers some more advice on how to play the guitar parts. The engineer announces that this is "take 5." Freddie's pulsating piano beat moves this performance along while he exhibits some excellent playing, taking the song to different places. The band sounds much more live and less produced, which really helps the song move along. The guitar/feedback effects on the final version are missing here and are replaced with an excellent jam by the band. Freddie proclaims at the end of the take that "the piano fell down!"

Get Down, Make Love (Freddy Bastone Remix) 4:26
Appears on: The Unauthorized Club Record 10 track promo CD-R

This remix by Freddy Bastone is most likely an unused 1991 bonus remix. The drums from More Of That Jazz have been sampled for this remix. There are also samples from The Prophet's Song, We Will Rock You, and The Show Must Go On.

Sleeping On The Sidewalk

Sleeping On The Sidewalk (Album Version) 3:05
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 8


Sleeping On The Sidewalk (Live in the USA, 1977) 3:49
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Sleeping On The Sidewalk, unlike the other "raw sessions" outtakes on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary boxset, is actually a live performance as opposed to a studio take. The song was performed live only a few times within the first week of the 1977 US News Of The World Tour. The only confirmed venue was the Portland Civic Centre on November 11, 1977. It is unknown which venue this recording is taken from. What makes this live version so special is that Freddie sings lead vocals instead of Brian. The performance for the most part is faithful to the studio version. Freddie's vocal performance is reminiscent of live versions of See What A Fool I've Been.

Who Needs You

Who Needs You (Album Version) 3:07
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 9


Who Needs You (Acoustic Take) 2:46
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The acoustic take of Who Needs You starts with some studio banter between Freddie and John. Freddie excitedly demands, "let's have a run through, come on!" John responds, "okay, should we start with that old intro?" Freddie comes back and suggests that John should "keep it flowing." The engineer then announces that this is "Take 2". John's acoustic playing really shines here, sounding fresh and lively. Freddie handles lead vocals on this take, which largely has incomplete lyrics compared to the final version. An example is in the second line. Instead of "always trying to keep me hanging round", the verse on this early take is "what you trying to tell me, please explain." After the take John asks "how was that?" Freddie rightfully responds, "that was lovely!"

It's Late

It's Late (Album Version) 6:26 Click here for more info!
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 10


It's Late (US Single Edit) a.k.a. It's Late (Short Version) 3:49
Appears on: US It's Late 7" promo vinyl, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

A major edit of the album version. Most of the instrumental and guitar solos are edited out. Not a bad edit, but it sounds very odd next to the album version. After being rejected on various "singles collection" box sets through the years, this version finally appeared in digital format on the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition.

It's Late (Hollywood Records Remaster Error) 6:24
Appears on: News of the World Hollywood Remaster (1991)

A really bad remastering error on the first pressing of the Hollywood Records release of News Of The World. The track starts two seconds into the track, mid-guitar chord. Hollywood Records fixed this error on later pressings of the album.

It's Late (Rocks Video Version) 3:48
Appears on: Queen Rocks VHS

The Rocks Video Version is the same as the album cut until the five guitar chords/drum beats at 2:34. From there it picks up at 5:13 (with the band singing "it's late") of the album version and continues to the of the track as normal.

It's Late (BBC Session 6) 6:36
Appears on: On Air, On Air - Deluxe Edition

Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977 at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. The beginning of this version of It's Late is not that big of a departure from the album version. The middle of the song is another story entirely, featuring an almost 2 minute interlude that is inspired by Get Down, Make Love. The song finishes up with a rocking finish. The middle part sounds kind of odd with this song, but just like the rest of Session 6, this one is worth getting.

It's Late (BBC Session 6 with DJ Chatter) 6:36
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Interestingly enough the News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition of It's Late (BBC Session 6) includes additional dialogue that was missing on the On Air deluxe edition. At the end of the song, John Peel comments on its psychedelic nature.

It's Late (Alternative Version) 6:44
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

The engineer can be heard at the start of this version saying "Take 2". Freddie has a false start at the beginning as he tries to get confortable with the song. The lyrics are mostly complete with a few minor differences in the first third of the song (particularly in the first few verses). In terms of structure and performance, the song stays pretty true to the final version used on the album. The backing vocals are very similar, if not the ones used on the final album version. The rest of the performance is unique. Of note, Freddie's piano playing can be heard during some of the jamming sections of the song, which is a welcome addition. At the end, the engineer comments that he "likes that", while Brian comments that he wants it a bit "angry".

It's Late (The eYe Version) 1:08
Appears on: Queen: The eYe

From the Electronic Arts videogame, Queen: The eYe. An edited snippet from the album version. The track starts with a fade-in from the intro to the song, going right into the second verse to the chorus. The lead vocals seem to have an echo effect added on as well.

My Melancholy Blues

My Melancholy Blues (Album Version) 3:33
Appears on: News Of The World, Track 11


My Melancholy Blues (BBC Session 6) 3:15
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, On Air, On Air - Deluxe Edition, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Queen's sixth and final BBC Radio session was recorded on October 28, 1977 at Maida Vale 4 Studio in London. The session was produced by Jeff Griffin and engineered by Mike Robinson. BBC Radio 1 broadcast the session on John Peel's Sounds Of the 70s program on November 14, 1977. This recording of My Melancholy Blues is a great version! It features a slightly different vocal performance from Freddie. Unlike the album version, Brian joins in on guitar. The track ends with Freddie laughing at the end. Again, like the rest of Session 6, this is essential to have. This version was finally made officially available in 2011 and later in 2016.

My Melancholy Blues (Original Rough Mix) 3:36
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

This is not a modern mix, instead this is a rough mix completed during the original production of the album. Of all of the takes on the "rough mixes" CD, this original rough mix of My Melancholy Blues is the most similar to the final version. The backing track may very well be the one used on the final version. Freddie's vocal take is different from the one used on the album, but the performance is similar.

My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston 1977) 3:48
Appears on: UK The Miracle 12" vinyl, UK The Miracle CD Single

This performance was taken from Queen's legendary 1977 Houston concert. This was used as a B-side on The Miracle CD single to promote the Rare Live video. A good, live version worth finding.

My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston 1977 - 40th Anniversary Edition) 4:11
Appears on: News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

This mix features a complete monologue from Freddie to the crowd. This version starts with Freddie fiddling on the piano and saying "ok, um, we'd like to try something very different right now. This is from uh, the new album News Of The World. Have you got it yet? The album that is? Ok, you might just about recognize this one. This is called My Melancholy Blues."

My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston, 1977) - Absolute Greatest Streaming Video Version 3:50
Appears on: UK 2009 Absolute Greatest Streaming Video

The B-side version starts with piano, where as this streaming version starts with Freddie saying "ok, you might just recognize this one, this is called My Melancholy Blues." Ends pretty much at the same point after the snappy drum hits.

My Melancholy Blues (Live from The Summit, Houston, 1977) - iTunes Video Version 3:50
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World iTunes Video Download

This version is very slightly different from the Absolute Greatest Streaming Video Version. There is a bit more crowd noise at the beginning and ending of the track.

Feelings, Feelings

Feelings, Feelings (Take 9) 1:57
Appears on: Unreleased

This unreleased track starts with studio chatter saying "Number Nine," probably because this is take nine. A fun, simple rock track with guitar the whole way through and great vocals by Freddie. Feelings, Feelings was rumored to have been written early in Queen's career. The song was left off the album simply because they already had enough songs to fill the album.

Feelings, Feelings (Take 10) 1:54
Appears on: UK 2011 News Of The World Deluxe CD, News Of The World 40th Anniversary Edition

Finally, this unreleased studio gem gets an official release on the 2011 Bonus EP of News Of The World. This version is one take later than the familiar leaked Take 9 demo that has been widely bootlegged. According to the liner notes, this song does date back to 1970 or 1971. Take 10 of Feelings Feelings was recorded at Basing Street Studios in London, sometime in July of 1977. The song's basic structure is mostly the same as Take 9, but the performance does differentiate itself in places, particularly Freddie's vocal and an added guitar bit from Brian. Highly recommended and a great bonus track to the 2011 re-releases.

Silver Salmon

Silver Salmon (Take 4) 3:10
Appears on: Unreleased

Silver Salmon is a song, like Doing All Right and Polar Bear, that dates back to the Smile days. The song was written by Tim Staffell and was originally more of a sci-fi themed folk song. The track was never properly recorded by Smile, but several Queen studio versions of the song were rumored to be found in 1990. Silver Salmon (Take 4) was played at several Queen Fan Club Conventions by official archivist Greg Brooks. This version was traded amongst collectors and was later leaked in good quality onto the internet. Take 4 starts with studio banter from Freddie before it breaks out into heavy guitar and drums. There is also much speculation on when this particular version was recorded. Even though the song dates back to Smile and early Queen days, there is some evidence that this take was recorded much later, perhaps during the News Of The World sessions. Gary Taylor, who is a Queen expert and assisted writing the 2011 remaster liner notes, revealed this information on queenzone.com:
"the band would very often play around in the studio to new songs and even old songs before they would get down to actually recording new tracks for an album. Tracks like Feelings and Silver Salmon were often played in a band jam and they would even play other artists songs as part of this warm up."