Brian May Opens Up About His Mixed Feelings on Queen and David Bowie’s Iconic “Under Pressure”

Few rock collaborations have left as lasting a mark as Queen and David Bowie’s 1981 hit “Under Pressure.” The song not only topped charts around the world but also became one of the most recognizable anthems in music history. Yet more than four decades later, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has admitted that his relationship with the track is complicated.

A Creative Clash in the Studio

In a February 2024 interview with Total Guitar, May revealed his dissatisfaction with how “Under Pressure” ultimately turned out. He recalled that the track originally carried a “heavy backing track” with a “massively chord-driven” sound that reminded him of The Who. As the recording session progressed, however, David Bowie’s strong creative influence pushed the song in a different direction.

“Much of the guitar prominence was lost in the final mix,” May reflected, admitting that he felt sidelined as Bowie took the lead in shaping the song’s overall sound. For a guitarist known for his distinctive tone and presence, the shift was difficult to accept.

High Tensions During Recording

May also acknowledged the tension in the studio. Differing artistic visions led to frequent clashes—not only between Bowie and the band as a whole but specifically with Queen’s bassist, John Deacon. The disagreements created an atmosphere of strain that became so overwhelming that May made the unusual decision to “bow out” of the process, something rare for the famously hands-on musician.

“It became clear that Bowie wanted to steer the track in his own direction,” May explained, noting that his decision to step back was as much about preserving peace as it was about creative compromise.

A Song That Transcended Disputes

Despite May’s personal misgivings, the finished song became one of the defining hits of the early ’80s. Released in October 1981, “Under Pressure” reached No. 1 in the UK and topped the US charts as well. Its instantly recognizable bassline and powerful vocal interplay between Freddie Mercury and David Bowie cemented its place as a cultural milestone.

The song’s impact extended far beyond its initial release. In 1990, rapper Vanilla Ice famously sampled its bassline for “Ice Ice Baby,” bringing the melody to a new generation of listeners and sparking further debate about artistic credit and ownership.

May’s Reflections on Artistic Differences

Looking back, May acknowledges that the creative clashes that fueled “Under Pressure” also made it groundbreaking. “Artistic differences often create something special,” he admitted, even if those differences left him with mixed feelings about the track’s final form.

For May, the experience serves as a reminder of the challenges—and rewards—of collaboration. Working with a powerful artistic personality like Bowie was never going to be easy, but the tension between competing visions ultimately produced a song that has stood the test of time.

Legacy of a Rock Classic

Today, “Under Pressure” is regarded as one of the greatest rock duets ever recorded, its enduring popularity ensuring it remains a staple in both Queen’s and Bowie’s legacies. While Brian May may still feel his guitar was muted in the mix, the track’s success highlights how compromise, conflict, and creative tension can lead to timeless art.

It’s a paradox that May himself seems to recognize: sometimes, the very disagreements that frustrate musicians in the studio are the same sparks that ignite music history.