The instrumental piece that opens Queen’s 1974 album Queen II is “Procession.”
Written by guitarist Brian May, “Procession” begins the album’s first side, traditionally known as the “White Side.” Its stately, layered guitar arrangement gives Queen II a dramatic entrance before “Father to Son,” also written by May. The track is entirely instrumental, making it distinct from most of the album’s vocal-driven songs.
“Procession” was part of Queen’s developing live and studio repertoire before the album’s release. May recorded it during the Queen II sessions, and the band also performed it live as an intro. It is sometimes confused with “Ogre Battle,” which opens the album’s “Black Side,” or with “Father to Son,” the first full song after the instrumental introduction. Queen II was released in 1974 and helped establish the band’s elaborate, theatrical sound.