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Mastermind of heavy metal band, originally, then Queen (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ringleader

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'mastermind' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'heavy metal band originally then queen' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'metal' could be 'lead' (lead is a kind of metal) and 'lead' is found in the answer.
'band' could be 'ring' (a ring is a band of metal) and 'ring' is found in the answer.
'queen' could be 'er' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina) and 'er' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ringleader that I've seen before include "Chief troublemaker" , "Chief mischief-maker" , "firebrand" , "Main villain" , "Mastermind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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