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 demo tracks can be found on page 1 and page 2.

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.

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). A full list of the sessions performed can be found in the Brian May Concertography
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).

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