Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released on October 9, 1989, “Scandal” was the fourth single taken from Queen’s thirteenth studio album, The Miracle. Although not one of their biggest chart hits, it peaked at number 25 in the UK. “Scandal” is a powerful track fueled by frustration, privacy, and defiance. And during Pride Month, it’s raw emotion and context that hit even deeper.
The song was written by Brian May but credited to the whole band, as was Queen’s custom during this era. It was a direct response to the press intrusion into both May’s and Freddie Mercury’s private lives. The tabloids had been circling Mercury for years, speculating about his health and sexuality. “Scandal” was Queen firing back, and the passion in Mercury’s vocal makes it unmistakably personal.
It’s no surprise that “Scandal” resonates within LGBTQ+ circles—not only for its theme of media scrutiny but also for its fierce dignity in the face of judgment. Mercury, a queer icon whether he publicly claimed the title or not, brought intensity and truth to the performance. The song becomes an anthem of endurance, a refusal to be defined by rumors or shame.
Today’s post features the rare and dramatic Extended Version from the 12″ single. Clocking in at over six minutes, this mix allows the song to breathe even more deeply—building tension with added instrumental breaks and extra emotional weight.
The B-side, “My Life Has Been Saved,” offers a more contemplative contrast and would later be reworked for Made in Heaven. But on this 12″, it stands as a poignant pairing to the storm of “Scandal.”
As we celebrate Pride, “Scandal” reminds us that the fight for truth, identity, and dignity has always been part of the queer experience. Freddie Mercury, with all his vulnerability and power, remains one of our most enduring symbols.
SIDE A:
Scandal (12″ Version) 6:34
SIDE B:
Scandal (7″ Version) 4:42
My Life Has Been Saved 3:15
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Parlophone – 12 QUEEN 14, Parlophone – 12QUEEN 14
Format: Vinyl, 12″, Single, 45 RPM
Country: UK
Released: 1989
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Design – Richard Gray (2)
- Engineer – David Richards
- Photography By – Paul Rider (4)
- Producer, Arranged By – David Richards, Queen
- Written-By – Queen
NOTES:
“Scandal” Taken from the album “The Miracle”.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Never heard this, but I’ll try it just the same. Thanks, Paul.
Oh my stars, Queen’s “Scandal”! This song is a total fire starter! A rip-roaring, guitar-fueled bonfire of pure, unadulterated rock and roll with a pop glam twist! Freddie’s vocals are just… incandescent! Seriously, I’m practically slowly oozing away just listening to it. The energy is off the charts. It’s like a sonic shot of adrenaline straight to my lower spine. I’m buzzing from excitement! This track is an absolute revelation, a whirlwind of aural pleasure that leaves you breathless and begging for a taste of much more. It’s simply a masterpiece! I need to hear it again…and again…and again! Thanks… Read more »
Very cool! I look forward to hearing the 12″ version. Thank you.
You’re welcome 🙂
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever heard this, or even heard of it! So odd to think there’s Queen material still to discover. 😀 Thanks Paul.
Isn’t that the best feeling? I love when a song like this sneaks up on someone — especially from a band as legendary as Queen! There’s always a little more treasure to uncover in their catalog. So glad I could help introduce you to this one. Enjoy the discovery, and happy Pride! 🌈✨
—Paul
I really love this song Paul! I’ll be honest, I never loved The Miracle album as a whole and the other singles, but Scandal was always a stand-out for me. Just as you describe it, “a powerful track fueled by frustration, privacy, and defiance.” I think that’s why it always resonated with me. Absolutely perfect for Freddie, who gives a blistering performance. Not to mention it’s just a killer tune! IMHO one of Queen’s best latter-day singles. Thanks so much Paul, looking forward to this transfer in full ‘Paulity’!
I’m right there with you, Retro Hound! Scandal has always had a different energy than the other Miracle singles — darker, rawer, more emotionally charged. It’s like Freddie was slicing through all the noise with that voice of his, and you can feel every ounce of frustration and fire. Totally agree — one of Queen’s finest latter-day moments, no question. I’m so glad this one hits home for you too. Enjoy the full “Paulity” experience! 😄
—Paul
Wonderful, thank you Paul!
You’re welcome, Grant.
I missed out on some of your previous Queen posts, so I’m glad to have this one. I still have The Miracle LP in my collection.
Thanks Paul.
You’re welcome, Mark.
I love “Scandal” although to me it never was “single material.” Not their biggest hit by far, and it didn´t even chart over here at all but I do love it. I have the one-sided etched edition of this 12-inch.
I prefer the 12″ version so much more than the single version. It brings so much more punch to the track.