Queen’s legacy as one of rock’s most powerful and innovative bands is undisputed. Known for their genre-defying music and tight-knit professionalism, the band members understood the delicate balance required when multiple creative forces collide. While the group thrived on collaboration, not every song choice sat well with all members—especially when it came to singles and their B-sides.
One of the most fascinating tales of internal band tensions centers on a song Brian May resented for years: “I’m In Love With My Car,” the B-side to the legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The “Injustice” of a Profitable B-Side
Roger Taylor, Queen’s drummer and the writer of “I’m In Love With My Car,” once candidly recalled the tension caused by the B-side’s unexpected success. “We were aware of the injustice of ‘I’m in Love With My Car’ making as much money as ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’” Taylor admitted. “It was a real sticking point for the band… How long did it take me to get over it? Oh, quite a while.”
For May, whose musicianship and songwriting formed the backbone of Queen’s sound, this was a sore point. While “Bohemian Rhapsody” became a six-minute operatic-rock masterpiece that shattered charts and redefined music, Taylor’s car anthem—a raw, primal track with a pounding 6/8 groove—earned nearly equal financial success despite its B-side status.
Why the Tension?
May’s frustration was understandable. “Bohemian Rhapsody” was a risky, ambitious song that defied conventional radio formats and should have been a clear financial and artistic winner. Meanwhile, “I’m In Love With My Car” was a straightforward, gritty rocker—an outlier in terms of complexity and innovation.
The choice of B-side also sparked debate about alternatives. Songs like John Deacon’s “You’re My Best Friend” were too valuable to be relegated to a flip side, and more expansive pieces like May’s “’39” or “The Prophet’s Song” would have been too long or stylistically mismatched as companions to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
A Band United by Humor and Respect
Despite the tension, the band’s camaraderie and humor helped them navigate these creative disagreements. Taylor’s tune fit Queen’s image as a band that balanced wild musical experimentation with grounded, relatable rock anthems. For fans, “I’m In Love With My Car” became a cult favorite, capturing Queen’s brash attitude and deepening their connection with listeners.
In the end, this internal friction over a B-side track reveals the complex dynamics behind Queen’s legendary output. While Brian May may have long resented the “injustice,” the song’s success alongside “Bohemian Rhapsody” stands as a testament to the diverse talents that made Queen one of rock’s most enduring and beloved bands.
