When Queen’s high-energy anthem “Don’t Stop Me Now” blasts through speakers around the world, fans revel in its unstoppable momentum—and that iconic guitar solo that propels it into overdrive. But behind that blistering six-string interlude lies one of Queen’s most memorable creative clashes, revealed by guitarist Brian May in a candid interview with Total Guitar.
“Freddie [Mercury] envisioned it very much as a piano song, akin to Elton John, really,” May recalled. “He heard powerhouse piano, powerhouse vocal, and that’s it. I played lots of rhythm guitar on it, and he still said, ‘No, no, no, no—that’s a piano song!’”
Not one to back down, May pushed for a chance to prove the solo’s worth. “I said, ‘Okay, give me a verse, and let me see what I can do,’” he explained. In the studio, the guitarist “heard” the solo fully formed in his mind before even picking up his instrument. Instead of mimicking Mercury’s vocal line, May crafted a spirited countermelody—“something I could sing, and then transfer to guitar.”
Eventually, Mercury relented. “Well, it does need a solo. I need you to take over the vocal.” The resulting solo is a concise, melodic burst that slices through the track’s kinetic energy, broadening its emotional and sonic scope. May admits he sometimes “feels a bit apologetic” about overriding Freddie’s original vision—but notes that the solo continues to electrify stadiums and dancefloors, pushing the song’s exuberance to new heights.
That unforgettable solo owes as much to May’s unique guitar setup as to his creativity. His beloved Red Special—a guitar he built with his father from scavenged wood—was once dismissed as “not good enough” by local shopkeepers. To achieve its signature velvet-crunch tone, May pairs a Treble Booster with a Vox AC30 amp, a combination fine-tuned with advice from blues legend Rory Gallagher. Adding to his distinct sound, May famously uses an old British coin instead of a pick, giving the solo its characteristic attack and resonance.
A Legacy of Bold Collaboration
May’s flair for surprising collaborations remains strong. This spring at Coachella, he joined pop newcomer Benson Boone for a stirring rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” showing that Queen’s spirit of fearless musical experimentation and creative tension continues to inspire new generations.
From a heated debate in a Beverly Hills studio to triumphant festival performances decades later, Brian May’s story behind “Don’t Stop Me Now” is a testament to one simple truth: sometimes, a little friendly friction sparks the fiercest fire.
