July 12, 2024
Brian May and Freddie Mercury performing with Queen at Live Aid in 1985.
Queen guitarist Brian May, known for his iconic riffs and musical prowess, recently opened up about his songwriting insecurities, even when crafting some of the band’s most beloved anthems. In an interview with Guitar World magazine, May revealed that the song “Hammer to Fall” was a source of significant self-doubt during its creation.
From Inspiration to Insecurity: A Songwriter’s Journey
May described his songwriting process as a rollercoaster of emotions. Initial bursts of inspiration and a belief that he had struck musical gold were often followed by waves of insecurity. He’d question the song’s worth, fearing his bandmates would reject his ideas.
Recalling the birth of “Hammer to Fall,” May explained, “I came upon this riff; I thought, ‘This is great. I can do anything with this; this is just what I want to hear when I put my guitar on.'” However, doubt soon crept in, particularly when he presented the riff to Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.
A Lukewarm Reception and the Fear of Rejection
Instead of the enthusiastic response he’d hoped for, May was met with a lukewarm “Yeah, okay” from his bandmates. This tepid reaction fueled his anxieties, making him question the song’s potential. He persevered, driven by a belief in the riff’s strength, and painstakingly developed the song further.
“It took a lot of fine-tuning to build it up to the point where I could play it to them as an almost-finished song,” May shared. Finally, after more work, the band came around, recognizing the power and energy within “Hammer to Fall.”
Triumph at Live Aid: “Hammer to Fall” Finds Its Place
Queen’s legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985 solidified “Hammer to Fall’s” place in music history. The song became a highlight of their electrifying 20-minute set, showcasing Queen’s raw talent and stage presence to a global audience.
The experience of crafting “Hammer to Fall” and its eventual success offered a valuable lesson for May. Overcoming his insecurities and pushing through self-doubt ultimately led to the creation of a song that resonated with millions.
The Universal Struggle of Creative Insecurity
May’s candidness about his songwriting struggles sheds light on the universal experience of creative insecurity. It’s a reminder that even the most successful artists grapple with self-doubt and vulnerability in their craft.
“When I sing a song to someone, it’s always nerve-racking for me, no matter who it is,” May confessed. “If they’ve never heard it before, I get all kinds of insecure. You just have to get over that.”
Brian May’s story encourages aspiring artists and seasoned creatives alike to embrace the unknown, push through their insecurities, and trust in the power of their own creative voice.
