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Who wrote Queen’s 1980 hit ‘Another One Bites the Dust’?
Queen bassist John Deacon wrote ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, whose distinctive bassline helped turn the band towards a funkier, poppier sound. The article presents the song as an example of Queen’s collaborative spirit and argues that Deacon, despite being less prominent than Freddie Mercury, could shape the band’s biggest moments.
The song blended disco, funk and rock, and Michael Jackson reportedly encouraged the band to release it after hearing it in the studio. Released in 1980, it became one of Queen’s biggest hits, with Mercury’s vocal run after the breakdown adding to its impact. The article places it in a period when Queen were exploring pop after the success of ‘A Night at the Opera’.
In short
- John Deacon wrote the 1980 Queen hit.
- Its bassline helped define the song’s sound.
- Michael Jackson reportedly urged Queen to release it.
Explained simply
Queen were a British rock band whose best-known members included singer Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon. Deacon wrote songs as well as playing bass, while Mercury’s voice and stage presence often made him the most visible member.
By the late 1970s, Queen were experimenting with sounds beyond traditional rock, including pop and dance music. Their 1975 album A Night at the Opera had brought them major success, and their 1980 music drew on disco and funk as well as rock.
“Another One Bites the Dust” became one of the band’s biggest hits, with its bassline at the centre of the recording. Its success showed how a song led by Deacon’s writing could shape Queen’s sound and reach a wide audience.