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Sir Brian May turns 78 this Saturday after over half a century performing as Queen’s guitarist alongside Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and John Deacon.
Not only were the four stars incredible musicians, but they were all (and are) talented songwriters in their own right.
While most major groups usually have one or two members pen the lyrics, every Queen member has major hits under their belts.
In celebration of Sir Brian’s birthday, here are the Top 10 tracks he penned for the band, as ranked by Daily Express.
10. Keep Yourself Alive
Queen’s debut single was written by May as the opening track of the band’s self-titled 1973 debut album. Although it initially failed to chart, the song is considered a highlight of that original record today.
9. Brighton Rock
A year later, the opening track for Queen’s third studio album, Sheer Heart Attack, was May’s Brighton Rock, featuring one of Queen’s longest guitar solos at more than three minutes long. Since its release, the solo has been performed live at most of the band’s concerts.
8. Now I’m Here
Also appearing on Sheer Heart Attack is another live favourite with iconic guitar riffs from May. The last Queen and Adam Lambert tour opened with this classic.
7. Who Wants to Live Forever
This 1986 power ballad featured on A Kind of Magic, having been written by May for the fantasy movie Highlander. It was famously performed live by Seal at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992.
6. Tie Your Mother Down
This heavy opening track to 1976’s A Day at the Races was penned by May one morning in Tenerife when he jokingly sang the title to his riff. However, Freddie Mercury convinced him to keep the line in.
4. The Show Must Go On
The final track of 1991’s Innuendo was Queen’s final single to be released before Freddie’s death. The song’s lyrics emotionally reflect the singer’s tenacious efforts to keep performing despite being seriously ill with AIDS.
2. I Want It All
Featuring on 1989’s The Miracle, this belter reached No 3 in the UK and US and went on to become an anti-apartheid protest song. It wasn’t performed live until the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert when The Who’s Roger Daltrey took on the vocals.
1. We Will Rock You
This globally renowned anthem was written by the guitarist to get the audience involved, with their stomping and clapping to the percussion beat. We Will Rock You remains one of the most popular rock songs of all time, not to mention the name of Queen’s stage musical.
