Queen was formed in London in 1970.
The band emerged after guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor’s group Smile broke up. Freddie Mercury, who had known Smile’s members and admired their music, joined May and Taylor and encouraged a new artistic direction. Bassist John Deacon completed the classic lineup in February 1971.
Queen’s first public performance under that name took place in 1970, although the group’s best-known four-member lineup was not established until the following year. This sometimes causes confusion between Queen’s formation date and the date of Deacon’s arrival.
The group developed from London’s late-1960s and early-1970s rock scene into one of the most commercially successful British bands. Their debut album, Queen, appeared in 1973, after the members had spent time refining songs and recording opportunities. The band’s later success was built on the contrasting songwriting styles of all four members.