Queen: Days of Our Lives

This two-part BBC documentary takes an oral history approach to the story of Queen, drawing on interviews both old and new. Guitarist Brian May starts things off by talking about Smile, the band he formed with drummer Roger Taylor. When their vocalist left, Freddie Mercury stepped in, and Queen was born. Bass player John Deacon, who doesn't participate in the present-day commentary, joined two years later, but their big breakthrough wouldn't arrive until 1974's Sheer Heart Attack. Unfortunately, Queen was mired in debt due to a bad record deal, but the combination of new manager John Reid and the hit album A Night at the Opera (which included "Bohemian Rhapsody") reversed their fortunes. In part because Reid was openly gay, Mercury actually came out to him before he did with his band mates. Even though critics remained skeptical and punk became the new rock darling, Queen's fame increased during the 1970s with concerts in Hyde Park and Madison Square Garden, but there were disagreements along the way. Taylor wasn't thrilled with the disco leanings of "Another One Bites the Dust," which remained on the Hot 100 for months, but it proved the group's flexibility and staying power. After "Under Pressure," their hit with David Bowie, it all started to go downhill due to a variety of excesses. As the band splintered, members released solo projects, but a performance at Live Aid helped to bring them together again. Mercury became HIV-positive sometime afterward, but worked until the end, and his colleagues here testify to his dedication. Bonus features include additional interviews and performances. Highly recommended. (K. Fennessy)