Brian May Admits He Was “Nervous as Hell” to Share Songs With Queen
Despite being the mind behind some of Queen’s most legendary anthems, guitarist Sir Brian May has revealed that presenting new material to the band was always a nerve-racking experience. In a candid conversation with MOJO magazine, May admitted that even after writing timeless classics like “We Will Rock You,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” and “Fat Bottomed Girls,” he often feared his ideas wouldn’t measure up.
Creative Anxiety Behind the Hits
“I was nervous as hell,” May confessed, describing the moments he would bring a fresh song to Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. Despite his track record of delivering arena-shaking hits, he said he never shook off the feeling of vulnerability.
According to May, he would sometimes even apologize in advance when offering a new demo. The fear of rejection, he explained, was always present, no matter how successful the band had become.
Roger Taylor Felt the Same
Drummer Roger Taylor echoed May’s sentiments, admitting he too approached the creative process with caution. Like May, he would tentatively bring new material to the group, aware that not everything would land.
Both musicians acknowledged that, as vocalists, they had a slight advantage in pitching songs, since they could perform their ideas themselves. Still, the process remained intimidating in a band filled with such immense talent and high standards.
Freddie Mercury: The Unifying Force
One figure who made that process easier, they said, was Freddie Mercury. While often regarded as the face and voice of Queen, Mercury resisted the idea of being the group’s leader. “I’m the singer, not the leader,” he would insist.
Instead, Mercury offered encouragement and guidance, helping to shape songs while making sure each band member’s contributions were respected. His ability to balance strong personalities and foster collaboration was key to Queen’s creative magic.
The Door Still Open for New Music
Looking beyond the past, May also hinted that new Queen music isn’t out of the question. While no official projects have been announced, both he and Taylor continue to write and experiment in their home studios.
“New Queen music could happen,” May suggested, noting that their creative spark hasn’t disappeared. Taylor added, “We can still play. We can still sing. So I don’t see why not.”
A Legacy Still in Motion
For fans, the prospect of new Queen material is tantalizing. The band’s legacy has spanned generations, their songs still filling stadiums and inspiring musicians worldwide. May’s candid admission about his insecurities only adds depth to that legacy, showing that even rock legends wrestle with self-doubt.
It was precisely that combination of vulnerability, talent, and collaboration that made Queen’s music so timeless—and why the possibility of hearing something new from May and Taylor continues to spark excitement.
