A working track list in the hand of John Deacon in blue and black ballpoint pen for Queen’s 1974 album ‘Sheer Heart Attack’.
John has written out a list of 16 tracks which at the time were penned in to be on the album and also a suggested B-side for a single to released with it, he has also indication the initial(s) of which band member wrote each song.
The track list differs in order to the released version and two song which were including on the final release were not included on the list, those being ‘Tenement Funster’ and ‘Dear Friends’.
In addition there are an additional 5 tracks which did not appear on the final cut, those being ‘Someone Please Tell Me Why’, ‘Sheer Heart Attack’, Major Version’, ‘B.D.S.’ and ‘Mr. Plum’.
Two songs also still have working titles ‘Young Poor And Your Crazy (Stone Cold Crazy)’ and ‘Happy Little Day (Brighton Rock)’.
Sheer Heart Attack was recorded between July and September 1974 and was the band's last outing with Trident. The band had to abandon their American tour in support of Mott the Hoople when Brian May fell sick with hepatitis but were desperate not to lose the momentum that was now unmistakably building behind Queen: they played their last gig on the tour on 11 May and were in the studio two months later. Brian May was still in hospital recuperating when work on the album began and missed most of the early recording sessions. To compound matters, Brian suffered yet another setback when he was diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer. In that challenging environment, despite these conditions, the album shows the band’s, and especially Freddie's, growing confidence as songwriters. ‘The album is very varied, we took it to extremes I suppose, but we are very interested in studio techniques and wanted to use what was available’ (Freddie Mercury, interviewed in Melody Maker, November 1974).
To compound matters, Trident Productions, Queen’s management firm, put the band on a stipend that barely covered daily costs in an effort to recoup their investment for sprawling studio costs. That wouldn’t take long. Sheer Heart Attack was released in November 1974, and following on the success of 'Killer Queen' it marked a breakthrough for Queen, reaching No. 2 in the UK album charts and also making a positive impact on the American charts. Queen were well on their way to superstardom.
The track list and other items were previously sold as part of lot 136 from the Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own, On Stage sale held at Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London on the 7th September. This item is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity on Tracks Ltd. letterhead stating the above.
The track list measures 20cm x 31.75cm (7.9 inches x 12.5 inches). There is a tear at the top. The condition is very good.