Brian May Reveals Previously Unheard Queen Track,”Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
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Brian May,guitarist for the iconic rock band Queen,surprised fans on December 22nd with a preview of a previously unreleased song,”Not For Sale (Polar Bear),” during a special Planet Rock Christmas broadcast. The track, originally recorded by May’s pre-Queen band Smile, will officially be released next year as part of a reissue of Queen’s 1974 album, Queen II. https://www.planetrock.com/news/latest-news/brian-may-queen-not-for-sale-polar-bear-smile/
A Song Lost and Found
“Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” has a history stretching back over five decades. While the Smile version was known to some,this particular recording has remained locked away in Queen’s archives for fifty-one years,surfacing only in references on fan websites. https://www.planetrock.com/news/latest-news/brian-may-queen-not-for-sale-polar-bear-smile/
May explained his decision to share the song early, stating, “It’s a song that has a long history… But as far as I know, no one has heard this version yet. It’s still in the works. The song will appear on the Queen II reissue next year, but I’ve decided to sneak it into my show on Planet Rock now as I’m very curious to see how the listeners will react.” https://www.planetrock.com/news/latest-news/brian-may-queen-not-for-sale-polar-bear-smile/
The Significance of Queen II
The upcoming reissue of Queen II is highly anticipated by fans. Released in 1974,the album is considered a pivotal moment in Queen’s career,showcasing their developing signature sound and enterprising arrangements. It was the band’s first album to reach the UK charts, peaking at number five. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/queen-queen-ii-the-story-behind-the-album/ The inclusion of “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” adds another layer of excitement for collectors and enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
* Brian May premiered a previously unreleased Queen track, “Not For Sale (Polar Bear),” on Planet Rock.
* The song originated with May’s earlier band, Smile, but this version is a new recording.
* “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” will be included in the upcoming reissue of Queen’s 1974 album,Queen II.
* The track has been archived for 51 years, making its release a notable event for Queen fans.
Looking ahead, the release of the Queen II reissue promises to offer fans a deeper appreciation for this landmark album and a rare glimpse into the band’s early creative process. The inclusion of “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” is a testament to queen’s enduring legacy and Brian May’s commitment to sharing previously unheard material with their devoted fanbase.
Worth a look