And Freddie Mercury’s death from AIDS at 45 means that Queen have been sapped of much of the light silliness that permeated their music, their approach to the band, and even their tongue-in ...

Keep reading to see photos of Queen through the years to celebrate the band's 50-year anniversary. 1973: With their debut album set to release, Queen rehearses for its first major tour.

QUEEN ICON Freddie Mercury sings rude and hilarious alternate lyrics to One Vision in an amazing rehearsal video of the band in the studio with John Deacon laughing ... quite frankly, very silly.

Freddie was a fan of Smile, and eventually joined the band and suggested the name Queen - and the rest is history. Freddie Mercury - lead singer until his death. 5.