Flash Gordon – Original Soundtrack Music by Queen is a musical album featuring hard rock and rock music . The soundtrack was composed and performed by the band Queen . It was released as the official score for the 1980 film Flash Gordon . The album blends energetic rock instrumentation with cinematic themes . All tracks were written by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon . The music was recorded at various studios between 1979 and 1980 . It was produced by Queen and Reinhold Mack . The album reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart . It has been reissued multiple times since its original release . The soundtrack remains notable for its fusion of rock energy and science fiction grandeur . The album was certified gold in the United States . It was the first film soundtrack album released by a rock band on a major label . The music was performed entirely by Queen without orchestral accompaniment . The album's cover art features the film's main characters in a stylized comic-book design . The soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media . It was the only film soundtrack album released by Queen during their active career . The album's release coincided with the film's theatrical debut in December 1980 . The band promoted the album with live performances of its tracks during their 1980–1981 world tour . The album's opening track, "Flash Gordon Theme," is the most recognized piece from the soundtrack . The music was composed to reflect the film's campy, adventurous tone . The album's production emphasized layered guitar work and vocal harmonies characteristic of Queen's style . The soundtrack was recorded using analog equipment and mixed on a 24-track tape machine . It was the first time Queen composed music specifically for a film . The album was released on vinyl, cassette, and later on CD . The band considered the soundtrack a creative experiment outside their usual studio albums . The soundtrack's success helped expand Queen's audience beyond traditional rock fans . The album has been praised for its originality and boldness in blending rock with cinematic storytelling . The music was not re-recorded or remixed for later releases . The album remains in print and available on digital streaming platforms . The soundtrack's influence can be heard in later film scores that incorporate rock elements . The album was the only Queen project to be entirely dedicated to a film score . The band's involvement in the film's production was extensive, including consultations on visual and musical tone . The soundtrack's release was accompanied by a promotional single of "Flash's Theme" . The album's liner notes were written by the film's director, Mike Hodges . The soundtrack was the first major motion picture score composed entirely by a rock band . The album's production cost exceeded £250,000 . The band's record label, EMI, invested heavily in the soundtrack's marketing . The album was released in the United States by Capitol Records . The soundtrack was the first Queen album to be released in Japan . The album's success in Japan helped establish Queen's popularity there . The soundtrack's release was followed by a limited-edition poster and promotional merchandise . The album's copyright is held by Queen Productions Ltd. . The soundtrack was the first film score to be released on a 12-inch vinyl single . The album's release date was January 1981 . The soundtrack was the only Queen album to be released in a gatefold sleeve with a 12-page booklet . The album's production was completed in November 1980 . The band's involvement in the film's production began in 1979 . The soundtrack's music was composed without a script, based on storyboards and concept art . The album's title track was the first piece composed for the project . The soundtrack's recording sessions lasted approximately six months . The album's mixing was completed in London . The soundtrack was the first Queen album to be mastered using digital technology . The album's release was accompanied by a television commercial featuring clips from the film . The soundtrack's music was performed live by Queen at the 1980 American Music Awards . The album's release was celebrated with a party at the Rainbow Theatre in London . The soundtrack's success led to a reissue on CD in 1985 . The album was reissued again in 1990 with bonus tracks . The soundtrack was reissued in 2001 with remastered audio . The album was reissued in 2011 as part of Queen's 40th anniversary box set . The soundtrack was reissued in 2020 with a new vinyl pressing and expanded liner notes . The album's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike . The soundtrack's music has been sampled in hip-hop and electronic music . The album's influence on film scoring is acknowledged by contemporary composers . The soundtrack's music has been used in television commercials and