Spread Your Wings

Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning Spread Your Wings by Queen from their iconic News of the World album, and we’ve got some juicy trivia to share! This power ballad, released in 1978, was penned by bassist John Deacon, a songwriting gem that tells the story of a man breaking free from a mundane life to chase his dreams. According to music writer Benoit Clerc, the band chose it as the second single from the album because they regretted picking Tie Your Mother Down over another Deacon track, You and I, for a previous release. Deacon drew from personal experiences for the song’s narrative, though he kept the details close to his chest, saying in Queen: All the Songs, “I’d rather not say in detail, because I don’t like to explain songs.” The track’s uplifting vibe, with its soaring chorus and layered piano, builds to a liberating climax, perfectly capturing that “fly away” spirit.

Another cool tidbit? The guitar solo at the end, crafted by Brian May, breaks from his usual trademark sound. As noted on the fan blog Queen: An Exploded Diagram, it’s a simpler, understated part that fits the song’s vibe like a glove, showing May’s knack for serving the track over flexing his style. The song hit No. 34 on the U.K. singles chart, a testament to Deacon’s growing songwriting chops. He once told BBC Radio in 1989, “If I’d just been a bass player all my life with the band, I wouldn’t be as satisfied as I am,” highlighting how writing songs like Spread Your Wings let him shape Queen’s destiny. Zoo Freaks, doesn’t this tune just make you wanna soar?

Let’s rewind to how Queen got their start. Formed in London in 1970, the band came together when Brian May, a physics student, and Roger Taylor, a dentistry student, teamed up with Freddie Mercury, a charismatic art student with a larger-than-life voice. They’d been kicking around in a band called Smile, but when Mercury joined, he pushed for a bolder vision, renaming the group Queen. John Deacon, an electronics student, completed the lineup in 1971 after a few bassists didn’t quite fit. Their early days were all about grinding it out in small gigs, blending hard rock with glam and theatrical flair. Mercury’s showmanship, paired with the band’s tight musicianship, caught attention, and by 1973, their self-titled debut album dropped, setting the stage for global domination.

Queen’s rise wasn’t overnight—they hustled through pubs and colleges, refining their sound and stage presence. Their 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack broke them through with hits like Killer Queen, and Bohemian Rhapsody from 1975’s A Night at the Opera cemented their legend. Each member brought something unique: May’s intricate guitar work, Taylor’s driving drums, Deacon’s melodic basslines, and Mercury’s unmatched vocal range and charisma. Their diverse influences—rock, opera, pop—made them genre-defying, and their DIY ethos (like building their own gear in the early days) kept them grounded. Zoo Freaks, that’s the origin story of the royalty we call Queen!

Stay connected with Queen’s legacy through their official channels and fan communities. Check out their official website for news, tour updates, and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest posts and throwbacks. Fans keep the love alive on sites like QueenWorld.com and Queen Forever, packed with deep dives into the band’s history. Join the vibe on Facebook groups like Queen Fans or Queen Fan Club, where Zoo Freaks can geek out with fellow devotees. Keep spreading those wings, crew!