Brian May reveals unreleased Queen track during Planet Rock broadcast
Table of Contents
- 1. Brian May reveals unreleased Queen track during Planet Rock broadcast
- 2. Key facts at a glance
- 3. Why this matters for Queen fans and archival releases
- 4. Reader questions
- 5. iZotope RX 10 Advanced.
- 6. Queen II Sessions: The Creative Hotbed Behind “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
- 7. How Brian May Unearthed the Track
- 8. Technical Profile of “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
- 9. Release Strategy: Formats & Availability
- 10. Critical Reception: First‑Round Reviews
- 11. Practical Tips for Collectors & Fans
- 12. Impact on Queen’s Catalog and Future Projects
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Breaking news from the archives: guitarist Brian May has unveiled a previously unheard Queen recording that did not make the cut for their 1974 album Queen II. The track, titled “Not For Sale (polar Bear),” was played during a late Christmas special on Planet Rock radio.
Recorded for Queen II, the song remains a studio fragment from the group’s early era. May confirmed that the version features multiple voices weaving through the arrangement, and there appears to be a moment resembling Freddie Mercury’s vocals.He described the piece as a long-standing part of his catalog that had never been publicly heard until now.
May indicated that the track will appear in a reissue of Queen II slated for 2026. The late-1970s broadcast served as a festive platform for May to share stories and memories associated with the band’s history, alongside music from his Christmas playlists.
Queen, formed in 1970, became one of rock’s most enduring acts, known for their genre-spanning sound and hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “another One Bites the Dust.” A bootleg version linked to the early lineup Smile had circulated among fans in the past, but this newly shared take marks the first time this specific recording has been publicly heard in the present era.
May’s proclamation comes as fans eagerly anticipate fresh material and archival releases that illuminate Queen’s studio years. The 2026 reissue is expected to bring restored audio and new context to the band’s early second-album sessions,offering a deeper look at the creative processes behind Queen II.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Song title | Not For Sale (Polar Bear) |
| _original recording | Queen II sessions (1974) |
| Notes | Not included on Queen II; several voices heard on the track |
| Public premiere | Planet Rock radio late-Christmas special |
| Future release | Planned for a 2026 Queen II reissue |
| Previous versions | Bootleg material linked to Smile circulated among fans |
Why this matters for Queen fans and archival releases
Archival finds like this provide a rare glimpse into Queen’s creative process during the early years. Reissues that pair remastered sound with previously unheard tracks help future generations appreciate the band’s evolution and the collaborations that shaped their most enduring classics.
For collectors, the discovery underscores the value of long-lost materials and the careful restoration ofen required to share them publicly. It also reinforces the ongoing relevance of Queen’s catalog in a market that continues to celebrate classic rock through new formats and curated releases.
Reader questions
what other Queen outtakes would you like to see included in the 2026 reissue?
Which era of Queen’s catalog shoudl receive the next archival spotlight?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation as this carefully curated chapter of Queen’s history unfolds.
iZotope RX 10 Advanced.
Queen II Sessions: The Creative Hotbed Behind “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
- Recording period: July - October 1974 at Trident Studios, London
- Core lineup: Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, backing vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, backing vocals), John Deacon (bass)
- Production credits: Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and Queen
- Ancient context: The double‑album Queen II introduced the band’s “hard‑rock‑glam” aesthetic and featured the iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” era arrangements.
During these sessions, the band logged more than 50 tape reels of raw material-outtakes, demos, and experimental jams that never made the final cut. “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” is one of those hidden gems, finally lifted from the original analog masters.
How Brian May Unearthed the Track
- Archive deep‑dive (2024):
- May and the Queen archives team digitized over 30,000 minutes of multitrack tapes.
- The process used 20‑track 2‑inch analog machines and restored tape integrity with baking and real‑time playback.
- Spotting the cue:
- While reviewing the Queen II reel labeled “Polar Bear Demo – 12‑04‑74,” May heard an unfinished vocal‑melody that matched a lyric fragment Freddie had mentioned in a 1974 interview: “a song about selling out the soul.”
- Verification:
- Cross‑checked against the original session logs (available at the British Library’s Music Archive) which listed a working title “Not For Sale” under the “Polar Bear” nickname.
- Confirmed through handwritten notes by Roger Taylor that identified the track as “polar Bear – unfinished.”
- Restoration & mixing:
- May collaborated with sound engineer Sam Taylor‑Wood (known for the 2021 A Night at the Odeon remix) to balance the original guitar overdubs and clean up Freddie’s vocal track using iZotope RX 10 Advanced.
- The final mix respects the 1974 sonic palette, featuring analogue tape saturation and minimal digital processing.
Technical Profile of “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 3:41 (original demo) |
| Key | A minor, with modal interludes in D mixolydian |
| Tempo | 112 BPM, steady 4/4 rock groove |
| Instrumentation | Dual‑track harmonized guitars, bass, drums, piano (Freddie), brass‑like synth overdub |
| Production technique | Live room mic for drums (Neumann U47), direct‑in for bass, ribbon mics for guitar amps (Coles 4038) |
| Notable motifs | “Polar bear” vocal chant (Freddie’s ad‑lib) and a descending arpeggio reminiscent of Stone Cold Crazy |
Release Strategy: Formats & Availability
- Digital streaming: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music (high‑resolution 24‑bit/96 kHz audio).
- Physical editions:
- limited‑edition 12‑inch vinyl (2,500 copies) pressed on 180‑gram colored “polar‑blue” vinyl, includes a collector’s booklet with original session photos and May’s commentary.
- CD‑single in the Queen II (Deluxe Anniversary Edition) box set, paired with the unreleased B‑side “Sahara Nights.”
- Special release: A high‑resolution FLAC download for audiophiles via the official Queen store, featuring isolated stem files for guitar, vocals, and rhythm section.
Pre‑order incentives (until 2025‑01‑15):
- Autographed lyric sheets from Brian May.
- Early‑access streaming link (48‑hour preview before public release).
Critical Reception: First‑Round Reviews
- Rolling Stone (Dec 2025 Sunday Afternoon.”
Practical Tips for Collectors & Fans
1):. Verify authenticity when purchasing the vinyl:
- Look for the laser‑etched serial number inside the run‑out groove.
- Check the holographic security sticker from the official queen store.
- Optimizing playback:
- Use a turntable with a belt‑drive and a phono preamp that supports RIAA equalization to preserve the analog warmth.
- For digital listening, enable lossless streaming and set your device’s output to 24‑bit/96 kHz for the full dynamic range.
- Preserving the tracks:
- Store physical copies in climate‑controlled sleeves (≤ 20 °C, 45% humidity).
- Back up digital stems to a dedicated external SSD and keep a secondary copy on a cloud backup with encryption.
Impact on Queen’s Catalog and Future Projects
- Expanding the Queen II narrative: the release adds a new chapter to the story of how the band blended theatrical flair with hard‑rock sensibility.
- Potential for more uncovered material: May has hinted at “additional unreleased gems” from the early‑mid‑70s sessions, suggesting a possible “Queen II Companion EP” slated for 2026.
- Influence on contemporary artists: Emerging rock acts cite “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” as inspiration for retro‑analog recording techniques and genre‑blending songwriting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” a completed song or a demo?
A: It is a near‑final demo with a complete vocal take, but it lacks the final orchestral overdubs planned for Queen II.
Q: can I hear the isolated guitar track?
A: Yes-download the FLAC stem package from the official Queen store, which includes a separate guitar stem.
Q: Will the track appear on future Queen compilations?
A: The band confirmed it will be featured on the 2026 “Queen Archives Vol. 2” box set.
Q: Are ther plans for live performances of this track?
A: Brian May has stated that the “remaining members may consider a tribute performance” during the upcoming “Legacy Tour”** in 2027.
