Queen guitarist Brian May states that the band's iconic song "Bohemian Rhapsody" remains a challenging piece to perform, even 50 years after its creation. May emphasizes the complexity of the nearly six-minute track, which requires his full concentration during live performances. The song, a blend of ballad, opera, and rock, continues to demand precision from the musician.
Key Takeaways
- "Bohemian Rhapsody" remains difficult for Brian May to play after 50 years.
- The song's complex structure requires full concentration.
- The Beatles' vocal harmonies, particularly from "Because," inspired Queen's layered vocals.
- May, now 78, prefers a Las Vegas Sphere residency over touring.
- Discussions are underway for a Queen residency at the Sphere.
The Enduring Challenge of a Classic Song
Brian May, the legendary guitarist for Queen, admits that "Bohemian Rhapsody" is not a song he can play on autopilot. Despite decades of performing the track, he must "keep my wits about me" to avoid errors. This requirement highlights the song's intricate composition and demanding musical passages.
The track, released in 1975, spans close to six minutes. It incorporates various musical styles, including a soft ballad, an operatic interlude, and a hard rock section featuring May's acclaimed guitar solo. This unique structure contributes to its enduring complexity for musicians.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" Facts
- Length: Nearly 6 minutes
- Sections: Ballad, opera, hard rock
- Release Year: 1975
- Guitar: Brian May's Red Special
Inspiration from Freddie Mercury and The Beatles
May recalls being present during Freddie Mercury's composition process for "Bohemian Rhapsody." He noted how Mercury's unconventional thought processes fueled the song's development. This direct involvement provided May with significant artistic stimulation, influencing his contributions to the instrumental sections.
"The idea for all the instrumental stuff in ‘Rhapsody’ was growing while I was listening to him developing the song," May told Rolling Stone. "Freddie had some amazingly lateral thought processes. It was always easier for me to play on his songs than mine, ’cause there was so much stimulation coming."
The layered vocal harmonies, a signature element of the song, drew inspiration from The Beatles. May specifically cited the three-part harmonies in The Beatles' recordings as a major influence on Queen. This technique allowed Queen to create a rich, choral sound by overdubbing their voices multiple times in the studio.
The Beatles' Influence on Vocal Harmonies
May particularly mentioned The Beatles' 1969 track "Because" from the album Abbey Road. He described the song's harmonies as a daring and inspiring piece of music. This influence extended beyond just one track; May stated that everything The Beatles did impacted Queen's musical approach.
Background on Vocal Overdubbing
Vocal overdubbing involves recording multiple vocal tracks, often by the same singer or different singers, and layering them to create a fuller, more complex sound. This technique was pioneered and widely used by bands like The Beatles and later adopted by Queen to achieve their signature multi-layered vocal sound in songs such as "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Queen adopted The Beatles' method of stacking vocal harmonies to achieve a grander sound. This involved numerous overdubs to build the intricate vocal arrangements heard in "Bohemian Rhapsody." The band sought to expand upon the harmonic techniques established by their predecessors.
Brian May's Guitar Solo and Equipment
May's guitar solo in "Bohemian Rhapsody" is consistently ranked among the greatest in rock history. He recorded this solo using his custom-built Red Special electric guitar. His setup also included a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster, a Deacy amp, and a "wet/dry/wet" configuration of multiple Vox AC30 amplifiers.
The solo's inclusion in the song came about because May expressed a desire to contribute a "verse" on guitar. Despite its iconic status, May states that even this well-known solo is not completely ingrained in his muscle memory. He must approach each performance with care and focus.
Future Plans: Residency Over Touring
As "Bohemian Rhapsody" marks its 50th anniversary, May, now 78, has expressed a preference for a concert residency over extensive touring. He cited personal reasons and a desire for more stability. May experienced a stroke in 2024, which has influenced his current outlook on performing.
"I’ve had 50 years of touring and there’s a part of me that thinks it’s enough," May commented. "I don’t like the idea that you wake up in your hotel room and you’re trapped. I had a few experiences recently where stuff happened at home with my family and I could not go home. It got under my skin and I just thought, ‘I’m not sure if I want this anymore.’ I feel like I’ve given up my freedom too many times."
May still wants to perform and innovate, but in a different format. He is considering a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He was inspired by an Eagles concert he attended at the venue earlier this year, recognizing the potential for Queen to create a visually spectacular show there.
The Sphere's 360-degree visuals offer a unique opportunity for Queen to present their music in a new way. May believes the band could deliver a "stupendous" experience in such a setting. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding a potential Queen residency at this innovative venue.
- Brian May's Age: 78 years old
- Health Event: Suffered a stroke in 2024
- Preferred Performance Format: Residency
- Venue of Interest: The Sphere, Las Vegas
The move towards a residency reflects a shift in how veteran artists approach live performances. It allows for a stable location, reduced travel, and the opportunity to create a highly immersive and technologically advanced show, which aligns with Queen's history of elaborate productions.