Lavish Party for Queen’s ‘Innuendo’

The Scene: The party Hollywood Records threw for the launch of Queen’s new album “Innuendo” Saturday night in the Queen Mary’s Grand Salon. A ballpark figure on the cost of the lavish party was $200,000. “This is like the old days,” was an oft-repeated observation, the “old days” being the recording industry’s prosperous mid-1970s.

Who Was There: 2,000 people who seemed to encompass most of the record business. Guests ranged from stock clerks at Tower Records to Hollywood Records President Peter Paterno. However, there were few celebs; among them, Lisa Marie Presley, Weird Al Yankovic, Steve Jones and members of Metallica, White Lion and Cheap Trick. Only two members of Queen appeared--Roger Taylor and Brian May.

The Buzz: Where’s Freddie? How can you have a party for Queen without lead singer Freddie Mercury? It’s like having a party for the Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger.

Crashability: Lots of security, but getting in was relatively easy. There was some cultural cross-pollination between the Queen party and a wedding on the deck above. The wedding had more dancing and better music.

Dress Mode: Black, of course. “But they’re all wearing cheap black,” one petulant woman said. “I’m wearing black, but at least it’s natural fibers.”

Fashion Question: At what age do men wearing ponytails stop looking young and start looking like George Washington?

Subtext: Hollywood Records is a new label owned by Disney. This was as much a launch party for the label as for the album. “Spending this kind of money will help Hollywood sign bands,” said an industry pundit. “They’re not going to spend $200,000 on every band, but the implication is there.”

Chow: Numerous groaning buffet tables filled with seafood, lamb chops, beef and desserts. To give a rough idea on quantity: There were 2,000 people and they didn’t run out of shrimp.

Triumphs: The massive fireworks display seen from the deck as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” played. The combination of the black-clad crowd and Disneyland-style entertainment looked like juvenile delinquent night at EPCOT Center.

Observed: Disney chairman Michael Eisner was seated as a guest of honor between two of the most Gargantuan speakers in the known world. They blasted the Queen album at head-splitting decibels. At that particular moment, he probably wished he were selling hot dogs in Tomorrowland.