Brian May Shares The Most “Beautiful” Song Freddy Mercury Wrote
Brian May for Guitar Interactive - Guitar Interactive - The Free Online Guitar Magazine / Youtube
Brian May, known for his multiple talents, resides in a spot many might envy. While his ecological activism and expertise in astrophysics are acknowledged, he remains renowned as Queen’s guitar virtuoso. It’s his bandwidth of intellect that has given his life so many facets.
Queen’s Timeless Musical Evolution and Identity
Queen’s music has always been about evolution, a band drawing from an array of genres and adapting with the times, yet never drifting far from their artistic roots. They came onto the scene with a flair for drama and shock value, during a period when rock was getting weighed down by its own seriousness.
From the get-go, Queen had a keen sense of identity. This self-awareness paradoxically granted them the freedom to explore their creative boundaries without being boxed in by any particular musical era. Through the ups and downs of popular trends, Queen’s unique ability to carve out their own space granted them a sense of timelessness.
Queen’s dynamism is showcased in their diverse musical milestones. Whether it’s the operatic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ or the synth-powered ‘Radio Ga Ga,’ their portfolio varied immensely yet stayed true to who they were as a group. Their audacity to defy the norm was integral to their identity.
View this post on Instagram
Reflecting on Freddie Mercury’s Songwriting Legacy
Selecting favorite songs from their expansive discography is no easy task for the band members. But this internal debate gains a poignant twist when considering that Freddie Mercury, the band’s dynamic lead singer, passed away in 1991 due to AIDS-related complications. His loss casts a profound shadow over his contributions to the band’s legacy.
May has frequently spoken about Mercury’s exceptional talent, despite their partnership sometimes bearing the strain of creative tensions. Regardless of challenges faced, May has always held that Mercury was an extraordinary musician.
While many would point to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as an example of Mercury’s finest work, May, having witnessed Mercury’s brilliance up close, often highlights less known gems. He regards ‘It’s a Hard Life’ from the 1984 album ‘The Works’ as Mercury’s most “beautiful” composition. In this piece, Mercury channels a rare level of honesty and emotional openness.
The Deep Emotional Connections Behind Queen’s Music
May’s reflection on this piece, shared in the 2003 documentary ‘Greatest Video Hits 2,’ reveals his deep admiration:
“To my mind, this is one of the most beautiful songs that Freddie ever wrote. It’s straight from the heart and he opened up during the creation of it. I sat with him for hours and hours and hours just pouring out every word and trying to get the most out of it. It’s a very revealing thing about how relationships are and he was talking about his relationship.”
For Queen, the band was always about more than just melodies and rhythms—it was about the intimate bonds among its members, a profound friendship. ‘It’s a Hard Life,’ showcases this deep understanding that underpinned all their creations. Through such songs, Queen not only communicated with their audience but also shared a part of themselves that was far more personal and real.
Through his recollections, May opens a window into not just Mercury’s creative spirit but also the fabric of their connection as bandmates and friends.
