Smile

Smile was a seminal band that emerged from the UK&#39;s burgeoning music scene in the late 1960s and paved the way for the one of the most renowned rock bands of all time: <a href="spotify:artist:1dfeR4HaWDbWqFHLkxsg1d" data-name="Queen">Queen</a>.

Smile was formed by bassist and vocalist <a href="spotify:artist:6EtRaGeodP9stdGz92vPtB" data-name="Tim Staffell">Tim Staffell</a>, guitarist <a href="spotify:artist:2NcbLU1bW55eahD0UgD7U3" data-name="Brian May">Brian May</a> and drummer <a href="spotify:artist:2PZEd7yktruWruOqORRChA" data-name="Roger Taylor">Roger Taylor</a>. Their relatively short existence was marked by a dynamic, explosive sound, impressive live performances, and an experimental approach to songwriting that blended elements of rock, progressive, and psychedelic genres.

After only a couple of years, Staffell decided to leave the band to pursue other projects, creating a void that would soon be filled by one of the most flamboyant figures in rock music history: <a href="spotify:artist:4M1FpEWs2PeYfJe7xxJfhH" data-name="Freddie Mercury">Freddie Mercury</a>. Smile only released a handful of songs but their music laid the foundation for the birth of an even greater phenomenon, <a href="spotify:artist:1dfeR4HaWDbWqFHLkxsg1d" data-name="Queen">Queen</a>, an iconic band that would redefine rock music. Today, Smile&#39;s influence can still be felt in the soaring harmonies, intricate guitar work, and theatrical performances that have become synonymous with <a href="spotify:artist:1dfeR4HaWDbWqFHLkxsg1d" data-name="Queen">Queen</a>&#39;s music.

In subsequent years Smile reunited twice: in 1992 following Freddie&#39;s death for a now-mythical Christmas reunion concert at the Marquee Club in London, and then in 2018 at Abbey Road Studios to record <a href="spotify:track:69VE5kmfqG4dJSkrB1OtCI" data-name="Doing All Right - ...Revisited">Doing All Right - ...Revisited</a> for the &#39;Bohemian Rhapsody&#39; film.

All of Smile&#39;s members are still active: Tim released &#39;<a href="spotify:album:2T1z2sULAv5OrpBmwAdsNo" data-name="Wayward Child">Wayward Child</a>&#39; in June 2023; Brian released &#39;<a href="spotify:album:4P8zihOMmBazpiqcsLYuEP" data-name="Star Fleet Sessions (Deluxe)">Star Fleet Sessions (Deluxe)</a>&#39; in June 2023; Roger released &#39;<a href="spotify:album:1Rofo10DT7nmOnnURQFFh8" data-name="Outsider">Outsider</a>&#39; in 2021.