QUEEN live killers EMS-67188

Queen’s Arena Rock Zenith: ‘Live Killers’ Rare Reissue (EMS-67188･89)

Today’s entry shines a spotlight on a particularly elusive version of Queen’s first live double album. We are examining the 1987 Japanese Promo Sample reissue of Live Killers, released on the EMI label with the catalog number EMS-67188･89. While the original 1979 pressing is a staple in record collections worldwide, this late-80s reissue is a true collector’s challenge to locate, especially in this promotional format.

Capturing the Jazz Tour Energy

Originally recorded during the European leg of the band’s Jazz tour in early 1979, Live Killers captures Queen at the absolute peak of their arena-rock powers. The album documents a band that had conquered the world and was playing with ferocious speed and volume. The setlist is a relentless assault of hits, opening with the blistering “fast version” of “We Will Rock You” and tearing through heavyweights like “Tie Your Mother Down” and “Sheer Heart Attack.” It also captures the band’s unique bond with their audience, most notably on the acoustic “Love Of My Life,” where the crowd takes over the vocals in a spine-tingling moment of unity. Side two features the experimental “Brighton Rock,” showcasing Brian May’s mastery of delay pedals and guitar harmonization, while the finale delivers the one-two punch of “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions.”

The Scarcity of the 1987 Pressing

What makes this EMS-67188･89 pressing so significant is its release year. By 1987, the Japanese music market had aggressively embraced the Compact Disc format, leading record labels to drastically reduce the production numbers for vinyl records. As a result, reissues from this late period are significantly rarer than the original 1979 pressings. Finding a copy from this specific 1987 production run is difficult, and finding a promotional copy is even harder.

Promo Details and Packaging

This specific set is a Promo Sample, distinguished by a numbered “Sample (Not For Sale)” sticker affixed to the back cover. These copies were originally distributed to radio stations and music journalists and are prized for their provenance. Manufactured by Toshiba EMI, the pressing quality is exceptional, offering a clarity that cuts through the sometimes muddy mix of the original live recordings. The package is presented in a classic gatefold sleeve and comes complete with the era-specific Obi strip and a lyric insert, making it a pristine and rare artifact for the dedicated Queen collector.