Queen II: Collector’s Edition – A Remastered Journey into Queen’s Iconic Sound

Queen’s second album, originally released in March 1974, is set to return with a fresh twist as it gets remixed, remastered, and expanded into a lavish five-CD set. Scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, the Queen II Collector’s Edition promises to be a treasure trove for fans.

What’s Inside the Collector’s Edition?

The 5CD/2LP box set will feature a newly mixed version of the original album alongside an impressive array of additional content, including:

• New 2026 Mix: A remixed and remastered version of the original Queen II album, aiming to enhance the clarity and depth of the songs.
• Session Tracks: A disc full of previously unreleased session recordings, showcasing multiple takes and demo versions of iconic tracks like “The Loser in the End” and “The March of the Black Queen.”
• Backing Tracks: A dedicated CD featuring instrumental versions of all album tracks, allowing fans to appreciate the intricate musical arrangements.
• BBC Recordings: A compilation of Queen’s performances on BBC radio from 1973 and 1974, featuring songs such as “Nevermore” and “White Queen (As It Began).”
• Live Performances: A final disc that includes live tracks recorded at the Rainbow and Hammersmith Odeon, capturing the band’s electrifying stage presence during their early years.

Reflections from the Band

Queen’s founding members, Brian May and Roger Taylor, have taken on the role of executive producers for this special release. May reflected on the significance of Queen II, stating, “Queen II was the single biggest leap we ever made. That’s when we really started making music the way we wanted to, rather than the way we were being pushed into recording it.”

Taylor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the band’s creative evolution during this period. “I think we felt we were evolving our own sound. We were pioneering this sort of multitracking thing,” he noted, highlighting the innovative techniques they employed during recording.

Exploring the 2026 Mix

The 2026 remix of Queen II aims to bring a new level of clarity to the original recordings. According to Justin Shirley-Smith, part of the remixing team, “The idea was to reveal more of the clarity of the songs. Rather than add anything, we wanted to reveal more of what was there and get that desired sound.” Joshua J Macrae added, “The lengths the band went to achieve what they achieved with the technology they had at the time was incredible. Some of it is so ahead of its time.”

Track Listing for Queen II: Collector’s Edition

CD1: Queen II – 2026 Mix

1. Procession
2. Father To Son
3. White Queen (As It Began)
4. Some Day One Day
5. The Loser in the End
6. Ogre Battle
7. The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke
8. Nevermore
9. The March of the Black Queen
10. Funny How Love Is
11. Seven Seas Of Rhye

CD2: Queen II – Sessions

1. Procession (Stage Intro Tape – April 1973)
2. Father To Son (Takes 4 & 9 – with Guide Vocal)
3. As It Began (Brian’s Studio Demo – October 1969)
4. Some Day One Day (Take 1 – with Guide Vocals)
5. The Loser In The End (Roger’s First Demo)
6. The Loser In The End (Roger’s Second Demo)
7. Ogre Battle (Takes 2 & 6 – with Guide Vocal)
8. The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke (Takes 4 & 9)
9. Nevermore (Take 6)
10. The March Of The Black Queen (First Section Takes 3 & 5)
11. The March Of The Black Queen (Second Section Take 1)
12. Funny How Love Is (Take 4)
13. Seven Seas Of Rhye (Takes 4, 5 & 6)
14. I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside (Take 4)
15. See What A Fool I’ve Been (B-side Version 2026 Mix)
16. Not For Sale (Polar Bear)

CD3: Queen II – Backing Tracks

1. Procession
2. Father To Son
3. White Queen (As It Began)
4. Some Day One Day
5. The Loser in the End
6. Ogre Battle
7. The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke
8. Nevermore
9. The March of the Black Queen
10. Funny How Love Is
11. Seven Seas Of Rhye

CD4: Queen II – At The BBC

1. See What a Fool I’ve Been (BBC Session 2, July 1973 – 2011 Mix)
2. Ogre Battle (BBC Session 3, December 1973)
3. Nevermore (BBC Session 4, April 1974)
4. White Queen (As It Began) (BBC Session 4, April 1974)
5. Procession – Intro Tape (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
6. Father To Son (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
7. Son And Daughter (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
8. Guitar Solo (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
9. Son And Daughter – Reprise (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
10. Ogre Battle (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
11. Liar (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)
12. Jailhouse Rock (Live at Golders Green Hippodrome, 13th September 1973)

CD5: Queen II – Live

1. Procession – Intro Tape (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
2. Father To Son (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
3. Ogre Battle (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
4. White Queen (As It Began) (Live at the Hammersmith Odeon, December 1975)
5. The March Of The Black Queen (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
6. The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
7. Seven Seas Of Rhye (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)
8. See What A Fool I’ve Been (Live at the Rainbow, March 1974)

Conclusion

The upcoming release of the Queen II: Collector’s Edition not only celebrates a pivotal moment in Queen’s history but also enriches the legacy of one of rock’s most influential bands. With exclusive content, a fresh mix, and insights from the band members, this edition is a must-have for both long-time fans and new listeners eager to explore the depth of Queen’s artistry.

FAQs

When will the Queen II: Collector’s Edition be released?

The release date for the Queen II: Collector’s Edition is set for March 27, 2026.

What formats will the Queen II: Collector’s Edition be available in?

The box set will be available in a 5CD/2LP format.

What special content can fans expect in the Collector’s Edition?

Fans can look forward to a newly mixed version of the original album, unreleased session tracks, BBC recordings, and live performances from the era.

Who are the executive producers for this release