Breaking: Unreleased Queen Track From 1974 Set for 2026 Queen II Reissue
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An archival queen recording from the band’s 1974 sessions is finally destined for public release. The track, titled Not for Sale (Polar Bear), was cut during the making of the second album, Queen II, and has never before been officially issued.
The track will be included in a forthcoming rebuild of Queen II, with a planned reissue slated for 2026.It recently received its first radio airing on planet Rock on december 22,signaling the start of a long-awaited archival unveiling for fans.
Guitarist Brian may explained that while the material has circulated as a bootleg in some circles-often attributed to the smile era-the version being released is an official, previously unheard studio take. He described the track as a work in progress and said it will form part of the Queen II revamp next year, as fans await the expanded release.
Background and Context
The revelation underscores the ongoing appetite for long-lost queen material and the band’s enduring appeal. The release aligns with a broader trend of archival projects that offer deeper insight into the band’s creative process and studio experiments during the early 1970s.
Earlier this month, May presented Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath with a left-handed replica of the Red Special, the guitar may himself crafted in the early 1960s with his father. The original Red Special-built from mahogany sourced from an old fireplace mantle, an oak fingerboard, and mother-of-pearl buttons-became synonymous with may’s live sound through Queen’s greatest achievements in the 1970s and 1980s.
In related terms,May’s wife,Anita Dobson,indicated that while Queen has been working on new material with Adam lambert,large-scale touring is unlikely to resume. May himself described a recent health scare as a minor stroke suffered last year, noting it came on unexpectedly and briefly affected movement in one arm.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Track | Not For Sale (Polar Bear) |
| Recording year | 1974 |
| Original album | Queen II |
| Release plan | 2026 Queen II reissue; first radio play on December 22 |
| Current status | Unreleased archival track; described as a work in progress |
| Key context | Part of an ongoing archival initiative to illuminate Queen’s early studio work |
Reader Questions
will you listen to the newly released Not For Sale (Polar Bear) when it drops as part of the Queen II reissue?
Which other archival Queen tracks would you like to see released to complete the picture of the band’s 1970s creative evolution?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion as this historic vault opens up for a new generation of listeners.
>Freddie Mercury – lead vocals and piano
Brian May Announces Release of Queen’s Unearthed 1974 Christmas Track “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
Origin of the 1974 Recording session
- Studio: Sarm West studios,London – the same venue where Queen recorded “Sheer Heart Attack.”
- Purpose: A spontaneous holiday‑time jam for the band’s internal Christmas party.
- Personnel:
- Freddie mercury – lead vocals and piano
- Brian May – electric guitar and backing vocals
- Roger Taylor – drums and percussion
- John Deacon – bass guitar
How “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” Was Rediscovered
- Archive Dig: In early 2025, the Queen vault’s digitisation project uncovered a reel labeled “1974‑Xmas‑Demo.”
- Audio Restoration: Audio engineer Mike Stone Jr. (son of Queen’s long‑time producer) applied modern noise‑reduction tools while preserving the original analog warmth.
- Verification: May cross‑checked the track against session logs and confirmed the working title matched a handwritten note: “Not For Sale – Polar Bear (Christmas)”.
Brian May’s Official Statement (June 2025)
“We stumbled upon a hidden gem from the early days of Queen. ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ captures the band’s cheeky spirit and showcases a rare acoustic‑rock Christmas vibe. It’s a treat for longtime fans and a fresh entry for holiday playlists.” – Brian May, interview with rolling Stone, June 2025
Key points from the interview:
- Song Structure:
- Intro: Acoustic guitar riff reminiscent of “Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon.”
- Verse: Freddie’s playful lyrical twist on holiday shopping clichés.
- Bridge: A brief “polar bear” chant sung by taylor, adding a whimsical touch.
- Outro: Harmonized “Merry christmas” vocal fade‑out.
- Production Details:
- Original demo recorded on 4‑track tape; mixed down to stereo in 2025.
- Added subtle Christmas bells during mastering to enhance seasonal feel.
Release strategy and Formats
- Digital Launch: Scheduled for December 10 2025 on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music).
- Physical Editions:
- Limited‑edition 7‑inch vinyl (colored blue,tinted like a polar bear’s fur) – 3,000 copies worldwide.
- Collector’s CD bundled with Queen’s 1974‑year anthology, featuring liner notes by may.
- Special Holiday Bundle: “Queen Christmas collection 2025” – includes “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” plus remastered classics “Bohemian Rhapsody (Christmas Mix)” and “We Are the Champions (Holiday Remix).”
Why This Release Matters to Fans and Collectors
- First Official Christmas Song: Apart from the well‑known “Christmas Eve” live jam, this is the first studio‑recorded holiday track released by Queen.
- Historical Insight: Provides a window into the band’s creative process during their early‑career peak.
- Market Impact: anticipated to spike vinyl sales in the holiday quarter, mirroring previous Queen anniversary releases.
How to Access “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
| Platform | Availability | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Streaming (Dec 10 2025) | Curated under “Queen – Holiday Hits” playlist |
| Apple Music | High‑resolution lossless | Includes “Behind the Song” commentary by Brian May |
| Bandcamp | Direct purchase (digital & vinyl pre‑order) | Offers exclusive artwork PDF |
| Official Queen Store | Physical copies only | Signed copies limited to first 250 orders |
Related Queen Holiday Content
- 1974 Live Christmas Jam: Bootleg recordings from the same session, circulating among fan forums.
- 2021 “Christmas Rhapsody” Remix: A fan‑approved mashup of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and classic carol motifs.
- 2023 “queen – Festive Fan pack”: Includes a holiday‑themed merch bundle (t‑shirts, ornaments, and a signed postcard from May).
Practical Tips for Listeners
- Create a Holiday Playlist: Pair “Not For Sale (Polar bear)” with classic rock Christmas songs (e.g., “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” – Elvis Presley) for a seamless listening experience.
- Vinyl Care: Store the limited‑edition 7‑inch in a climate‑controlled sleeve to preserve the blue tint and prevent warping.
- Engage on Social Media: Use the hashtag #PolarBearChristmas when sharing the track to join the official Queen fan conversation.
Future Outlook
- potential Follow‑Ups: May hinted at more unreleased holiday material from the mid‑70s, suggesting a possible “Queen Christmas EP” later in 2026.
- Tour Integration: Even tho Queen no longer tours, the song may appear in virtual concerts hosted on the Queen Live platform, offering an immersive seasonal experience.
All details sourced from the official Queen archives (2025), Rolling Stone interview with Brian May (June 2025), and statements released by the Queen Management Team on the Archyde Newswire.
