Another One Bites the Dust

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic Another One Bites the Dust by Queen, from their 1980 album The Game, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this funky rock anthem. This track, penned by bassist John Deacon, wasn’t initially slated for release as a single, but a nudge from Michael Jackson changed that. After catching a Queen show in Los Angeles, Jackson urged Freddie Mercury backstage to put it out, and it became Queen’s biggest worldwide hit, selling over 7 million copies. Its infectious bassline, inspired by Chic’s Good Times, was crafted by Deacon, who originally envisioned a cowboy-themed story but shifted to a grittier narrative after the band’s heavy studio backing track took shape. The song’s 110 beats-per-minute rhythm is so spot-on that it’s used in CPR training, matching the ideal compression rate.

Some wild stories swirl around this tune. In the early ‘80s, fundamentalist Christians claimed playing the chorus backward revealed a subliminal message: “It’s fun to smoke marijuana.” This sparked controversy, but Queen dismissed it as nonsense, with no evidence supporting the claim. The band’s biography even admits to some playful antics, like baking marijuana into cakes in the ‘70s, once tricking policemen into eating some. The song’s versatility shines through its covers and remixes, like Wyclef Jean’s 1998 version for Small Soldiers, which hit number five in the UK, and “Weird Al” Yankovic’s parody Another One Rides the Bus, performed on The Tomorrow Show in 1981. Its cultural reach extends to TV, with Glee featuring it in a 2010 episode and Family Guy referencing it in Stewie’s rendition.

Queen formed in London in 1970, sparked by Freddie Mercury’s vision to blend theatrical flair with rock. Mercury, a fan of the band Smile, which included guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, pushed them to experiment with bold stage and recording techniques. He joined in 1970, christening the group “Queen,” and bassist John Deacon completed the lineup in 1971. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1973, but it was 1974’s Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack that put them on the UK charts. A Night at the Opera in 1975, with the groundbreaking Bohemian Rhapsody, catapulted them to global fame, cementing their knack for blending prog rock, glam, and pop. By the time The Game rolled out, Queen were stadium rock giants, with Another One Bites the Dust showcasing their ability to conquer funk and disco.

Stay connected with Queen through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and celebrate their legacy. Fans can dive deeper at Shane’s Queen Site, a hub for news, piano tutorials, and tribute band info, run by a dedicated fan. Join the community on Queen Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories, rare photos, and concert memories. The band’s official YouTube channel also offers a treasure trove of videos, from classic clips to live performances, keeping the Queen spirit alive for fans worldwide.