Brian May's collaborations with other artists
Aug 10, 2021 15:12:53 GMT
Makka, georg, and 3 more like this
Post by fabiogminero on Aug 10, 2021 15:12:53 GMT
Hi all.
To complete the section about guest appearances, I would like to share the collaborations made by Brian May during his career. His abilities as a musician can be heard on nearly 100 performances of different people.
As a musician:
1) 1973: "I Can Hear Music" single by Larry Lurex.
Brian May played guitar in this Freddie solo single, released under the pseudonym of Larry Lurex; Roger Taylor played drums. It was released in the UK on 1st June 1973 by EMI Records.
2) 1976: "All American Alien Boy" album by Ian Hunter.
Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople invited Queen to join in his solo album: Freddie, Brian and Roger recorded backing vocals for the song "You Nearly Did Me In" at Electric Lady Studios in New York City on 9th February 1976 (they were there on tour at the time).
3) 1976: "Man From Manhattan" single by Eddie Howell.
A song recorded at Sarm East Studios in London in August 1975 with Freddie on backing vocals and piano and Brian May on guitar and backing vocals; Freddie also produced the track. Released by Warner Bros. in March 1976.
4) 1977: "Circles" by Quartz.
Brian May collaborated with Quartz, an English band, in recording the track "Circles"; he played guitar sometime in 1977. It was released on the B side of the single "Stoking The Fires Of Hell" in 1980.
5) 1978: "Puttin 'On The Style" album by Lonnie Donegan.
Brian May joined skiffle legend Lonnie Donegan on the recordings of an album of old tunes: he played guitar on the song "Digging My Potatoes" which also featured Elton John on piano, Ray Cooper on percussion, Frank Gibson on drums, Alan Jones on bass and Roger McKew on acoustic guitar. The album was released by United Artists Records in 1978.
6) 1983: "Stay With Me Tonight" album by Jeffrey Osborne.
May participated in this Jeffrey Osborne record, playing guitar on two songs: "Stay With Me Tonight" and "Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right". Released in 1983.
7) 1984: "Signs Of Life" album by Billy Squier.
Brian May played the electric guitar solo on the song "(Another) 1984". The album was released in July 1984.
8) 1984: "Love Kills" single by Freddie Mercury.
For many years, no one knew the real identity of the musicians featured in the first single released under the name of Freddie Mercury. In fact, they were Brian, Roger and John, who played guitar, electronic drums and rhythm guitar respectivetely. They are not credited in the single, which was released in the UK on 10th September 1984.
9) 1985: "Radio Voices" album by Chris Thompson.
Brian took part in the recordings of this album by Chris Thompson, guitarist of Manfred Mann's Earth Band and future collaborator of Queen (at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 for example). He played the guitar on the song "A Shift In The Wind, Parts 1 And 2". Released in 1985.
10) 1986: "Como Un Sussurro" album by Ramoncín.
May's contribution to the guitar is audible in the song "La Vida En Filo". Released in 1986.
11) 1987: "A Time For Heroes" single by Meat Loaf.
May participated in the recordings of The Official Theme Music Of The 1987 International Summer Special Olympics Games, playing the guitar. Released in 1987 by Orpheum Records.
12) 1987: "Talking Of Love" album by Anita Dobson.
In 1987, a year in which Queen took a break from recordings, Brian May started a period of collaborations with multiple artists. He produced "Talking Of Love", the second album of his new partner Anita Dobson, which was released by Odeon in 1988. The musician also played guitar and recorded backing vocals here and there; an excerpt from the album, titled "Let Me In Your Heart Again", was written by May in 1983 and recorded with Queen during the sessions of "The Works". This demo was completed between 2013 and 2014 and released on the album "Queen Forever" on 10th November 2014. Other songs written by May for Anita's album were "Talking Of Love" (also released as a single by Parlophone in 1987), "I Dream Of Christmas" (also released as a single on 30th November 1987 - John Deacon played bass on it) and "Funny Old Life Ain't It" (co-wrote with Dobson). May also appeared in the "Talking Of Love" music video, filmed in Vienna on 9 July 1987.
13) 1987: "Crazy Nights / Golden Days" single (Japanese version) by Minako Honda.
Brian wrote, produced and played guitar on these songs, recorded in different London studios between September and November 1986 and released as a single in Japan only in 1987.
14) 1987: "Golden Days / Crazy Nights" single (English version) by Minako Honda.
Brian wrote, produced and played guitar on these songs, recorded in different London studios between September and November 1986 and released as a single in the UK and France in 1987.
15) 1988: "Shove It!" album by The Cross.
Brian joined Roger Taylor's new band The Cross during the recordings of their debut album and played lead guitar on the song "Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked, Wily Witress)"; Freddie Mercury, (and maybe John Deacon) also participated in the album, but they were not credited. The album was released in the UK by Virgin on 25th January 1988 (the US release was on 13th April).
16) 1988: "In One Of My Weaker Moments" single by Anita Dobson.
Brian produced his partner's single (written by Don Black and Mort Shuman and taken from the musical "Budgie") and played guitar on it. Released by MCA Records in 1988.
17) 1989: "Headless Cross" album by Black Sabbath.
The guitar solo of the song "When Death Calls" is played by Brian May, a great friend of Black Sabbath and guitarist Tony Iommi. The album was released on 24th April 1989.
18) 1989: "Who Wants To Live Forever" single by Ian Meeson & Belinda Gillett.
In 1989, Brian May decided to record a cover version of the Queen song "Who Wants To Live Forever" to rise money for The British Bone Marrow Donor Appeal, founded by Denise Morse before her death from leukaemia. This version of the song was performed by two kids, Ian Meeson & Belinda Gillett; Brian played guitar and keyboards and produced the track, while Roger and John played drums and bass respectivetely. Michael Kamen, who arranged the Queen version in 1986, took the role again. The single was released in the UK by Parlophone in August 1989.
19) 1989: "Smoke On The Water" single by Rock Aid Armenia.
Brian joined the Rock Aid Armenia project and played guitar in the new version of this Deep Purple's song, recorded at Olympic Studios in London on 8th July 1989; other musicians included Roger Taylor, Bryan Adams, Ritchie Blackmore, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Downes, Keith Emerson, Ian Gillan, David Gilmour , Tony Iommi, Alex Lifeson, Paul Rodgers, Chris Squire, John Paul Jones and Jon Lord. The single was released in December 1989 to raise funds for Armenia.
20) 1989: "Yes We Can" single by Artists United For Nature.
Brian May participated in the recordings of the benefit single playing guitar. Released as a single in 1989 and on the compilation "Earthrise - The Rainforest Album".
21) 1989: "Big Bang" album by Fuzzbox.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Self!". Released in 1989.
22) 1989: "Gatecrashing" album by Living In A Box.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Blow The House Down". Released in 1989.
23) 1989: "Blast" album by Holly Johnson.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Love Train". Released in 1989.
24) 1990: "Sailing" single by Rock Against Repatriation.
Another benefit single in which Brian May played electric guitar; among the other musicians who participated there were also Steve Hackett (the organizer of the project), Phil Manzanera, Iain Sutherland, Paul Carrack, Jim Diamond, Fish, Kevin Godley, Justin Hayward, Steve Hogarth, Mark King, Bonnie Tyler, Pino Palladino, Simon Phillips, the London Chamber Orchestra and many others. The song was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios, Cambridge Park, Maison Rouge Studios and Real World Studios and released as a single on 19th February 1990.
25) 1991: "The Stonk" single by Hale and Pace and the Stonkers.
Brian produced and played guitar and keyboards on this benefit single for Comic Relief, which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart; Roger Taylor also partecipated playing drums alongside Cozy Powell and Rowan Atkinson. Released in February 1991.
26) 1991: "Oblivion" album by D-Rok.
May played electric guitar on the songs "Red Planet Blues" and "Get Out of My Way". Released in 1991.
27) 1992: “Song For Love” album by Extreme.
After the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, Brian May joined Nuno Bettencourt and Gary Cherone (from Extreme) and recorded a cover of the Queen song "Love Of My Life" playing guitar; the proceeds went to the Terence Higgins Trust, the charity for AIDS victims founded by Freddie Mercury before his death. Released in 1992.
28) 1992: "Wonderland" album by Judie Tzuke.
Brian played guitar on the song "I Can Read Books". Released in 1992.
29) 1992: album "Into The Light" by Hank Marvin.
In 1992, Brian May joined Shadows' guitarist Hank B. Marvin and recorded a duet on the song “We Are The Champions”; the song reached number 66 on the UK Singles Chart. Released in 1992.
30) 1992: "Phenomena III: Inner Vision" album by Phenomena.
In mid-1988, Brian joined the band Phenomena and recorded with them the song "A Whole Lot Of Love" playing guitar. Released in 1992.
31) 1992: "Back Where I Belong" by Tony Martin.
May played guitar on the song "If There Is A Heaven". Released in 1992.
32) 1992: "The Drums Are Back" album by Cozy Powell.
In 1991, Brian May and Cozy Powell met in the studio to record some songs; May played guitar on "Somewhere In Time" (instrumental version of his own song "Nothin 'But Blue" - John Deacon played bass on it) and "Ride To Win". Released in 1992.
33) 1992: "The Unauthorized Biography" album by Steve Hackett.
In 1986, May recorded the song "Don’t Fall Away From Me" with Genesis' ex-guitarist Steve Hackett; however, the song was released in 1992 on the album "The Unauthorized Biography".
34) 1993: "Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute To Muddy Waters" album by Paul Rodgers.
May contributed to Paul Rodgers' second solo album playing guitar on a cover of Muddy Waters' song "I'm Ready". Released by Victory on 14th June 1993.
35) 1993: "Crazy Chain" album by The Left Handed Marriage.
Brian played electric guitar and sang backing vocals on the songs "Appointment", "She Was Once My Friend" and "I Need Time" (the latter written by Brian May and Bill Richards), recorded at Regent Sound Studios in London on 31st July 1967. Released in 1993.
36) 1993: "Guitar Noir" album by Steve Hackett.
Another May's collaboration with guitarist Steve Hackett: this time he played guitar on the song "Cassandra", originally recorded in 1986 but released as a bonus track on the album "Guitar Noir" in 1993.
37) 1994: "Greenpeace - Alternative NRG"album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this benefit album with Soundgarden playing guitar on the song "New Damage". Released in 1994.
38) 1995: "In From The Storm" album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this Jimi Hendrix tribute album by playing guitar on the song "One Rainy Wish". Released in 1995; in 1998, the track was included on Brian's "Another World" album.
39) 1995: "Out Of My Hands" album by Jennifer Rush.
May participated singing and playing guitar on the Rush cover of Queen's "Who Wants To Live Forever". Released in 1995.
40) 1996: "Don’t Stop" album by Status Quo.
Brian May joined Status Quo and played guitar on the Buddy Holly cover song "Raining In My Heart". Released on 5th February 1996.
41) 1996: "Twang! A Tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows ” album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this tribute album to Hank Marvin's Shadows playing the song "F.B.I." along with Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt from Status Quo. Released in 1996, the song was also included on the CD single "On My Way Up" in 1998 and on Brian's "Another World" album (Japanese edition only).
42) 1996: "Reaching Out" single by Rock Therapy.
In 1996, Brian May recorded a version of "Reaching Out" with Paul Rodgers, Sam Brown, Andy Fairweather-Low, Shara Nelson, Pure Strings and Charlie Watts; the funds raised from the sales went to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center. Released in 1996.
43) 1998: "Lullabies With A Difference" album by various artists.
May collaborated on this compilation of various artists with an old song called "My Boy", recorded presumably in 1982. Released in 1998.
44) 2000: "Feedback '86" album by Steve Hackett.
Another track recorded by May and Hackett in 1986, titled "Slot Machine", was released in 2000.
45) 2000: "Iommi" album by Tony Iommi.
Brian participated in the recordings of the first solo album by Tony Iommi, guitarist with Black Sabbath. May played guitar on the songs "Goodbye Lament" (on which Dave Grohl also played drums) and "Flame On" (with Ian Astbury). The album was released on 17th October 2000.
46) 2000: "The Solo Collection" boxset by Freddie Mercury.
Among the new demos and alternate versions released in this anthology of Freddie Mercury's solo work, it was included a second version of "She Blows Hot And Cold" (the B side of Freddie's single "Made In Heaven" in 1985) with Brian May on electric guitar. The box set was released on 23rd October 2000.
47) 2000: "Music from and Inspired by Mission: Impossible II" by various artists.
May participated in the soundtrack of the film playing guitar on the song "Have A Cigar", a Pink Floyd cover recorded by Foo Fighters. Released on 9th May 2000.
48) 2001: "Eternity" single by Robbie Williams.
Brian May played guitar in the song of the same name. Released on 9th April 2001.
49) 2001: "Good Rockin 'Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records" album by various artists.
Brian May participated in this album recording the song "I Don't Want Nobody Teasing Around With Me". The song was only released on the Japanese edition of the album in 2001.
50) 2002: "Claire" album by Claire Sweeney.
May appeared on Claire Sweeney's debut album playing guitar on a cover of "Too Much Love Will Kill You". Released in 2002.
51) 2002: Official soundtrack of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
May played guitar on Michael Kamen's song "Light The Fire Within", unfortunately never released.
52) 2003: "Birdland" album by The Yardbirds.
May recorded a song for this Yardbirds album (their first in over 35 years) playing guitar on the track "Mr. You're A Better Man Than I". Released on 22nd April 2003.
53) 2003: "aMIGO" album by Timothy Staffell.
Brian May joined as a guest on the album of his old bandmate Tim Staffell playing guitar and singing on the songs "Earth" and "Doin 'Alright", two tracks written and recorded in 1969 by Smile. Released in 2003.
54) 2004: "Zu & Co." album by Zucchero.
Among the numerous guest musicians who participated in this record by Italian artist Zucchero, Brian May was also invited: the British guitarist performed playing his Red Special in the song "Il Mare Impetuoso Al Tramonto Salì Sulla Luna E Dietro Una Tendina Di Stelle…". Released on 14th May 2004.
55) 2004: "Music from and Inspired by Spider-Man 2" album by various artists.
Soundtrack of the film of the same name; Brian May and Jimmy Gnecco collaborated on the song "Someone To Die For". Released in 2004.
56) 2006: "Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose" album by Meat Loaf.
May played guitar on the song "Bad For Good". Released on 22nd October 2006.
57) 2008: "Wicked In Rock" EP by Kerry Ellis.
Brian May recorded guitars, keyboards and bass guitar on the songs "Defying Gravity", "I'm Not That Girl" and "No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young)"; he also wrote the arrangements and produced the whole thing. Released on 7th July 2008.
58) 2008: "Eternal Melody" album by Minako Honda.
Brian May produced the track "Amazing Grace", in which he also played keyboards and toy koto, as well as singing backing vocals. Released in 2008.
59) 2010: "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" album by Meat Loaf.
May played guitar on the songs "Love Is Not Real" and "The Song Of Madness". Released on 19th April 2010.
60) 2010: "Red Light Fever" album by Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.
May participated in the recordings of Taylor Hawkins' band's album playing guitar on the songs "Way Down" and "Don't Have To Speak". Released on 20th April 2010.
61) 2010: "Anthems" by Kerry Ellis.
Brian May, in addition to producing the singer's record, played guitars, bass, piano and keyboards and took care of the arrangements and some backing vocals. He also wrote the songs "Dangerland", "I Can't Be Your Friend (This Can't Be Over)" (with Don Black) and "I Loved A Butterfly". Released on 13th September 2010.
62) 2011: album "Starmus - Sonic Universe" album by Tangerine Dream.
Brian May collaborated by playing guitar in some songs of this album.
63) 2011: "Born This Way" album by Lady GaGa.
64-year-old Brian May joined in singer Lady GaGa's second album playing electric guitar in the song "You And I". Released on 23rd May 2011.
64) 2012: "No Regrets" album by Dappy.
Brian collaborated with rapper Dappy by recording the guitar parts on the song "Rockstar", released as a single on 26th February 2012 and included on the album "No Regrets", released on 22nd October 2012.
65) 2013: "Save The Badger Badger Badger" single by Weebl.
Brian May played guitar and sang on this Weebl single, a sample of the 1980 Queen song "Flash"; actor Brian Blessed, who played the part of Prince Vultan in "Flash Gordon", participated by adding vocals. Released on 19th May 2013.
66) 2015: "Bad Magic" album by Motörhead.
May played the guitar solo in the song "The Devil". Released on 28th August 2015.
67) 2017: "Golden Days" album by Kerry Ellis.
Second collaboration between singer Kerry Ellis and Queen guitarist; May wrote five of the thirteen tracks on the record and, in addition to the production, also played guitar, keyboards, sitar, gayageum and some bass parts. Released on 7th April 2017.
68) 2018: "Over And Out" by Rick Parfitt.
On 24th December 2016, Status Quo's rhythm guitarist and singer Rick Parfitt died at the age of 68 of sepsis. During his break from the group due to a heart attack, which forced him not to perform on tour, Parfitt worked on his first solo album, recording vocals and guitar; in 2017, a few months after his death, the release of the album was announced. It was completed by friends and collaborators: Brian May played guitar in the opening song "Twinkletoes". The record was released on 23rd March 2018.
69) 2019: "Blue On Black" by Five Finger Death Punch.
Brian May took part in the recording of a new version of the song "Blue On Black" (recorded by the American band Five Finger Death Punch for charity) playing his guitar; also Kenny Wayne Sheperd and Brantley Gilbert partecipated. The song was released on 12th April 2019; May also appeared in the video of the song, filmed in a small studio in New Haw, Surrey on 19th March 2019.
70) 2019: "Holy Man" by Dennis Wilson, Taylor Hawkins, Brian May, Roger Taylor.
On the occasion of 'Record Store Day 2019', Taylor Hawkins re-released a cover of the song "Holy Man", originally written and performed by Dennis Wilson; Hawkins had already released a cover of the song in 2008 with lyrics written by Gregg Jakobson, Wilson's lyricist. The new version of the song included the piano line recorded by Wilson in 1977, a new vocal track by Hawkins, a new guitar line written and performed by Brian May (recorded with the help of Justin Shirley-Smith and Kris Friedriksson) and a new drum backing track played by Roger Taylor (recorded by Joshua J. Macrae). May and Taylor also recorded all the backing vocals. Released on a limited edition single on 13th April 2019.
71) 2020: "Get Up" single by Kings Daughters.
Brian May has widely publicized this group of young girls by producing, playing guitar and singing the backing vocals on their debut single "Get Up", recorded in his private Allerton Hill studios. Released on 14th April 2020.
72) 2020: "I'm A Woman" single by Woman + Kerry Ellis + Brian May.
A new version of a song recorded for the first time by Christine Kittrell in 1962; Brian May produced it and played guitar on it. English women band Woman (Anna-Jane Casey, Gina Murray, Kerry Ellis and Mazz Murray) sang lead vocals; other musicians included Neil Murray on bass, Ian 'Ianto' Thomas on drums and Peter Murray on Hammond organ. Released on 27th November 2020 by Duck Productions Ltd. as a charity single to help Breast Cancer Awareness Month; also pressed on limited edition 45rpm on 26th Februray 2021.
In May 1999, May played the guitar solo on the demo of the song "Catcher In The Rye" by Guns N 'Roses; when the song was released on 23rd November 2008 on the "Chinese Democracy" album, his parts were removed.
As a producer:
1) 1975: together with Queen, John produced a recording session with a band called Trax. Nothing was released.
2) 1983: "Lettin Loose" album by Heavy Pettin.
Brian May and Reinhold Mack produced the British hard rock band's debut album, recorded at Townhouse Studios in London and Union Studios in Munich and released in 1983.
3) 1987: "Bad News" album by Bad News.
Brian May produced the heavy metal band's debut album, alongside Vim Fuego; the album was recorded at Sarm West Studios in London by Pete Schwier and released on 12th October 1987.
4) 1988: "Bootleg" album by Bad News.
Brian May produced the song "Cashing In On Christmas (Dub)", the closing track of the album. Released in 1988.
5) 1990/1991: "Macbeth" soundtrack.
Near the end of the "Innuendo" recording sessions with Queen, Brian May devoted himself to writing and producing some material for the play "Macbeth", held at the Riverside Theatre in London. Unfortunately, the soundtrack remained unedited and never released.
As a songwriter:
1) 1996: soundtrack for "The Adventures Of Pinocchio", directed by Steve Barron.
Brian May was involved in writing the music and lyrics for the soundtrack of Steve Barron's "The Adventures Of Pinocchio"; together with Jerry Hadley, Sissel Kyrkjebø and Just William, Brian composed "The Colossus" and with Sissel Kyrkjebø wrote "What Are We Made Of?". The soundtrack was released in 1996.
To complete the section about guest appearances, I would like to share the collaborations made by Brian May during his career. His abilities as a musician can be heard on nearly 100 performances of different people.
As a musician:
1) 1973: "I Can Hear Music" single by Larry Lurex.
Brian May played guitar in this Freddie solo single, released under the pseudonym of Larry Lurex; Roger Taylor played drums. It was released in the UK on 1st June 1973 by EMI Records.
2) 1976: "All American Alien Boy" album by Ian Hunter.
Ian Hunter of Mott The Hoople invited Queen to join in his solo album: Freddie, Brian and Roger recorded backing vocals for the song "You Nearly Did Me In" at Electric Lady Studios in New York City on 9th February 1976 (they were there on tour at the time).
3) 1976: "Man From Manhattan" single by Eddie Howell.
A song recorded at Sarm East Studios in London in August 1975 with Freddie on backing vocals and piano and Brian May on guitar and backing vocals; Freddie also produced the track. Released by Warner Bros. in March 1976.
4) 1977: "Circles" by Quartz.
Brian May collaborated with Quartz, an English band, in recording the track "Circles"; he played guitar sometime in 1977. It was released on the B side of the single "Stoking The Fires Of Hell" in 1980.
5) 1978: "Puttin 'On The Style" album by Lonnie Donegan.
Brian May joined skiffle legend Lonnie Donegan on the recordings of an album of old tunes: he played guitar on the song "Digging My Potatoes" which also featured Elton John on piano, Ray Cooper on percussion, Frank Gibson on drums, Alan Jones on bass and Roger McKew on acoustic guitar. The album was released by United Artists Records in 1978.
6) 1983: "Stay With Me Tonight" album by Jeffrey Osborne.
May participated in this Jeffrey Osborne record, playing guitar on two songs: "Stay With Me Tonight" and "Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right". Released in 1983.
7) 1984: "Signs Of Life" album by Billy Squier.
Brian May played the electric guitar solo on the song "(Another) 1984". The album was released in July 1984.
8) 1984: "Love Kills" single by Freddie Mercury.
For many years, no one knew the real identity of the musicians featured in the first single released under the name of Freddie Mercury. In fact, they were Brian, Roger and John, who played guitar, electronic drums and rhythm guitar respectivetely. They are not credited in the single, which was released in the UK on 10th September 1984.
9) 1985: "Radio Voices" album by Chris Thompson.
Brian took part in the recordings of this album by Chris Thompson, guitarist of Manfred Mann's Earth Band and future collaborator of Queen (at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992 for example). He played the guitar on the song "A Shift In The Wind, Parts 1 And 2". Released in 1985.
10) 1986: "Como Un Sussurro" album by Ramoncín.
May's contribution to the guitar is audible in the song "La Vida En Filo". Released in 1986.
11) 1987: "A Time For Heroes" single by Meat Loaf.
May participated in the recordings of The Official Theme Music Of The 1987 International Summer Special Olympics Games, playing the guitar. Released in 1987 by Orpheum Records.
12) 1987: "Talking Of Love" album by Anita Dobson.
In 1987, a year in which Queen took a break from recordings, Brian May started a period of collaborations with multiple artists. He produced "Talking Of Love", the second album of his new partner Anita Dobson, which was released by Odeon in 1988. The musician also played guitar and recorded backing vocals here and there; an excerpt from the album, titled "Let Me In Your Heart Again", was written by May in 1983 and recorded with Queen during the sessions of "The Works". This demo was completed between 2013 and 2014 and released on the album "Queen Forever" on 10th November 2014. Other songs written by May for Anita's album were "Talking Of Love" (also released as a single by Parlophone in 1987), "I Dream Of Christmas" (also released as a single on 30th November 1987 - John Deacon played bass on it) and "Funny Old Life Ain't It" (co-wrote with Dobson). May also appeared in the "Talking Of Love" music video, filmed in Vienna on 9 July 1987.
13) 1987: "Crazy Nights / Golden Days" single (Japanese version) by Minako Honda.
Brian wrote, produced and played guitar on these songs, recorded in different London studios between September and November 1986 and released as a single in Japan only in 1987.
14) 1987: "Golden Days / Crazy Nights" single (English version) by Minako Honda.
Brian wrote, produced and played guitar on these songs, recorded in different London studios between September and November 1986 and released as a single in the UK and France in 1987.
15) 1988: "Shove It!" album by The Cross.
Brian joined Roger Taylor's new band The Cross during the recordings of their debut album and played lead guitar on the song "Love Lies Bleeding (She Was A Wicked, Wily Witress)"; Freddie Mercury, (and maybe John Deacon) also participated in the album, but they were not credited. The album was released in the UK by Virgin on 25th January 1988 (the US release was on 13th April).
16) 1988: "In One Of My Weaker Moments" single by Anita Dobson.
Brian produced his partner's single (written by Don Black and Mort Shuman and taken from the musical "Budgie") and played guitar on it. Released by MCA Records in 1988.
17) 1989: "Headless Cross" album by Black Sabbath.
The guitar solo of the song "When Death Calls" is played by Brian May, a great friend of Black Sabbath and guitarist Tony Iommi. The album was released on 24th April 1989.
18) 1989: "Who Wants To Live Forever" single by Ian Meeson & Belinda Gillett.
In 1989, Brian May decided to record a cover version of the Queen song "Who Wants To Live Forever" to rise money for The British Bone Marrow Donor Appeal, founded by Denise Morse before her death from leukaemia. This version of the song was performed by two kids, Ian Meeson & Belinda Gillett; Brian played guitar and keyboards and produced the track, while Roger and John played drums and bass respectivetely. Michael Kamen, who arranged the Queen version in 1986, took the role again. The single was released in the UK by Parlophone in August 1989.
19) 1989: "Smoke On The Water" single by Rock Aid Armenia.
Brian joined the Rock Aid Armenia project and played guitar in the new version of this Deep Purple's song, recorded at Olympic Studios in London on 8th July 1989; other musicians included Roger Taylor, Bryan Adams, Ritchie Blackmore, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Downes, Keith Emerson, Ian Gillan, David Gilmour , Tony Iommi, Alex Lifeson, Paul Rodgers, Chris Squire, John Paul Jones and Jon Lord. The single was released in December 1989 to raise funds for Armenia.
20) 1989: "Yes We Can" single by Artists United For Nature.
Brian May participated in the recordings of the benefit single playing guitar. Released as a single in 1989 and on the compilation "Earthrise - The Rainforest Album".
21) 1989: "Big Bang" album by Fuzzbox.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Self!". Released in 1989.
22) 1989: "Gatecrashing" album by Living In A Box.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Blow The House Down". Released in 1989.
23) 1989: "Blast" album by Holly Johnson.
Brian May played guitar on the song "Love Train". Released in 1989.
24) 1990: "Sailing" single by Rock Against Repatriation.
Another benefit single in which Brian May played electric guitar; among the other musicians who participated there were also Steve Hackett (the organizer of the project), Phil Manzanera, Iain Sutherland, Paul Carrack, Jim Diamond, Fish, Kevin Godley, Justin Hayward, Steve Hogarth, Mark King, Bonnie Tyler, Pino Palladino, Simon Phillips, the London Chamber Orchestra and many others. The song was recorded at Surrey Sound Studios, Cambridge Park, Maison Rouge Studios and Real World Studios and released as a single on 19th February 1990.
25) 1991: "The Stonk" single by Hale and Pace and the Stonkers.
Brian produced and played guitar and keyboards on this benefit single for Comic Relief, which reached the top of the UK Singles Chart; Roger Taylor also partecipated playing drums alongside Cozy Powell and Rowan Atkinson. Released in February 1991.
26) 1991: "Oblivion" album by D-Rok.
May played electric guitar on the songs "Red Planet Blues" and "Get Out of My Way". Released in 1991.
27) 1992: “Song For Love” album by Extreme.
After the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, Brian May joined Nuno Bettencourt and Gary Cherone (from Extreme) and recorded a cover of the Queen song "Love Of My Life" playing guitar; the proceeds went to the Terence Higgins Trust, the charity for AIDS victims founded by Freddie Mercury before his death. Released in 1992.
28) 1992: "Wonderland" album by Judie Tzuke.
Brian played guitar on the song "I Can Read Books". Released in 1992.
29) 1992: album "Into The Light" by Hank Marvin.
In 1992, Brian May joined Shadows' guitarist Hank B. Marvin and recorded a duet on the song “We Are The Champions”; the song reached number 66 on the UK Singles Chart. Released in 1992.
30) 1992: "Phenomena III: Inner Vision" album by Phenomena.
In mid-1988, Brian joined the band Phenomena and recorded with them the song "A Whole Lot Of Love" playing guitar. Released in 1992.
31) 1992: "Back Where I Belong" by Tony Martin.
May played guitar on the song "If There Is A Heaven". Released in 1992.
32) 1992: "The Drums Are Back" album by Cozy Powell.
In 1991, Brian May and Cozy Powell met in the studio to record some songs; May played guitar on "Somewhere In Time" (instrumental version of his own song "Nothin 'But Blue" - John Deacon played bass on it) and "Ride To Win". Released in 1992.
33) 1992: "The Unauthorized Biography" album by Steve Hackett.
In 1986, May recorded the song "Don’t Fall Away From Me" with Genesis' ex-guitarist Steve Hackett; however, the song was released in 1992 on the album "The Unauthorized Biography".
34) 1993: "Muddy Water Blues: A Tribute To Muddy Waters" album by Paul Rodgers.
May contributed to Paul Rodgers' second solo album playing guitar on a cover of Muddy Waters' song "I'm Ready". Released by Victory on 14th June 1993.
35) 1993: "Crazy Chain" album by The Left Handed Marriage.
Brian played electric guitar and sang backing vocals on the songs "Appointment", "She Was Once My Friend" and "I Need Time" (the latter written by Brian May and Bill Richards), recorded at Regent Sound Studios in London on 31st July 1967. Released in 1993.
36) 1993: "Guitar Noir" album by Steve Hackett.
Another May's collaboration with guitarist Steve Hackett: this time he played guitar on the song "Cassandra", originally recorded in 1986 but released as a bonus track on the album "Guitar Noir" in 1993.
37) 1994: "Greenpeace - Alternative NRG"album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this benefit album with Soundgarden playing guitar on the song "New Damage". Released in 1994.
38) 1995: "In From The Storm" album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this Jimi Hendrix tribute album by playing guitar on the song "One Rainy Wish". Released in 1995; in 1998, the track was included on Brian's "Another World" album.
39) 1995: "Out Of My Hands" album by Jennifer Rush.
May participated singing and playing guitar on the Rush cover of Queen's "Who Wants To Live Forever". Released in 1995.
40) 1996: "Don’t Stop" album by Status Quo.
Brian May joined Status Quo and played guitar on the Buddy Holly cover song "Raining In My Heart". Released on 5th February 1996.
41) 1996: "Twang! A Tribute to Hank Marvin & The Shadows ” album by various artists.
Brian May collaborated on this tribute album to Hank Marvin's Shadows playing the song "F.B.I." along with Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt from Status Quo. Released in 1996, the song was also included on the CD single "On My Way Up" in 1998 and on Brian's "Another World" album (Japanese edition only).
42) 1996: "Reaching Out" single by Rock Therapy.
In 1996, Brian May recorded a version of "Reaching Out" with Paul Rodgers, Sam Brown, Andy Fairweather-Low, Shara Nelson, Pure Strings and Charlie Watts; the funds raised from the sales went to the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center. Released in 1996.
43) 1998: "Lullabies With A Difference" album by various artists.
May collaborated on this compilation of various artists with an old song called "My Boy", recorded presumably in 1982. Released in 1998.
44) 2000: "Feedback '86" album by Steve Hackett.
Another track recorded by May and Hackett in 1986, titled "Slot Machine", was released in 2000.
45) 2000: "Iommi" album by Tony Iommi.
Brian participated in the recordings of the first solo album by Tony Iommi, guitarist with Black Sabbath. May played guitar on the songs "Goodbye Lament" (on which Dave Grohl also played drums) and "Flame On" (with Ian Astbury). The album was released on 17th October 2000.
46) 2000: "The Solo Collection" boxset by Freddie Mercury.
Among the new demos and alternate versions released in this anthology of Freddie Mercury's solo work, it was included a second version of "She Blows Hot And Cold" (the B side of Freddie's single "Made In Heaven" in 1985) with Brian May on electric guitar. The box set was released on 23rd October 2000.
47) 2000: "Music from and Inspired by Mission: Impossible II" by various artists.
May participated in the soundtrack of the film playing guitar on the song "Have A Cigar", a Pink Floyd cover recorded by Foo Fighters. Released on 9th May 2000.
48) 2001: "Eternity" single by Robbie Williams.
Brian May played guitar in the song of the same name. Released on 9th April 2001.
49) 2001: "Good Rockin 'Tonight - The Legacy of Sun Records" album by various artists.
Brian May participated in this album recording the song "I Don't Want Nobody Teasing Around With Me". The song was only released on the Japanese edition of the album in 2001.
50) 2002: "Claire" album by Claire Sweeney.
May appeared on Claire Sweeney's debut album playing guitar on a cover of "Too Much Love Will Kill You". Released in 2002.
51) 2002: Official soundtrack of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
May played guitar on Michael Kamen's song "Light The Fire Within", unfortunately never released.
52) 2003: "Birdland" album by The Yardbirds.
May recorded a song for this Yardbirds album (their first in over 35 years) playing guitar on the track "Mr. You're A Better Man Than I". Released on 22nd April 2003.
53) 2003: "aMIGO" album by Timothy Staffell.
Brian May joined as a guest on the album of his old bandmate Tim Staffell playing guitar and singing on the songs "Earth" and "Doin 'Alright", two tracks written and recorded in 1969 by Smile. Released in 2003.
54) 2004: "Zu & Co." album by Zucchero.
Among the numerous guest musicians who participated in this record by Italian artist Zucchero, Brian May was also invited: the British guitarist performed playing his Red Special in the song "Il Mare Impetuoso Al Tramonto Salì Sulla Luna E Dietro Una Tendina Di Stelle…". Released on 14th May 2004.
55) 2004: "Music from and Inspired by Spider-Man 2" album by various artists.
Soundtrack of the film of the same name; Brian May and Jimmy Gnecco collaborated on the song "Someone To Die For". Released in 2004.
56) 2006: "Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose" album by Meat Loaf.
May played guitar on the song "Bad For Good". Released on 22nd October 2006.
57) 2008: "Wicked In Rock" EP by Kerry Ellis.
Brian May recorded guitars, keyboards and bass guitar on the songs "Defying Gravity", "I'm Not That Girl" and "No-One But You (Only The Good Die Young)"; he also wrote the arrangements and produced the whole thing. Released on 7th July 2008.
58) 2008: "Eternal Melody" album by Minako Honda.
Brian May produced the track "Amazing Grace", in which he also played keyboards and toy koto, as well as singing backing vocals. Released in 2008.
59) 2010: "Hang Cool Teddy Bear" album by Meat Loaf.
May played guitar on the songs "Love Is Not Real" and "The Song Of Madness". Released on 19th April 2010.
60) 2010: "Red Light Fever" album by Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders.
May participated in the recordings of Taylor Hawkins' band's album playing guitar on the songs "Way Down" and "Don't Have To Speak". Released on 20th April 2010.
61) 2010: "Anthems" by Kerry Ellis.
Brian May, in addition to producing the singer's record, played guitars, bass, piano and keyboards and took care of the arrangements and some backing vocals. He also wrote the songs "Dangerland", "I Can't Be Your Friend (This Can't Be Over)" (with Don Black) and "I Loved A Butterfly". Released on 13th September 2010.
62) 2011: album "Starmus - Sonic Universe" album by Tangerine Dream.
Brian May collaborated by playing guitar in some songs of this album.
63) 2011: "Born This Way" album by Lady GaGa.
64-year-old Brian May joined in singer Lady GaGa's second album playing electric guitar in the song "You And I". Released on 23rd May 2011.
64) 2012: "No Regrets" album by Dappy.
Brian collaborated with rapper Dappy by recording the guitar parts on the song "Rockstar", released as a single on 26th February 2012 and included on the album "No Regrets", released on 22nd October 2012.
65) 2013: "Save The Badger Badger Badger" single by Weebl.
Brian May played guitar and sang on this Weebl single, a sample of the 1980 Queen song "Flash"; actor Brian Blessed, who played the part of Prince Vultan in "Flash Gordon", participated by adding vocals. Released on 19th May 2013.
66) 2015: "Bad Magic" album by Motörhead.
May played the guitar solo in the song "The Devil". Released on 28th August 2015.
67) 2017: "Golden Days" album by Kerry Ellis.
Second collaboration between singer Kerry Ellis and Queen guitarist; May wrote five of the thirteen tracks on the record and, in addition to the production, also played guitar, keyboards, sitar, gayageum and some bass parts. Released on 7th April 2017.
68) 2018: "Over And Out" by Rick Parfitt.
On 24th December 2016, Status Quo's rhythm guitarist and singer Rick Parfitt died at the age of 68 of sepsis. During his break from the group due to a heart attack, which forced him not to perform on tour, Parfitt worked on his first solo album, recording vocals and guitar; in 2017, a few months after his death, the release of the album was announced. It was completed by friends and collaborators: Brian May played guitar in the opening song "Twinkletoes". The record was released on 23rd March 2018.
69) 2019: "Blue On Black" by Five Finger Death Punch.
Brian May took part in the recording of a new version of the song "Blue On Black" (recorded by the American band Five Finger Death Punch for charity) playing his guitar; also Kenny Wayne Sheperd and Brantley Gilbert partecipated. The song was released on 12th April 2019; May also appeared in the video of the song, filmed in a small studio in New Haw, Surrey on 19th March 2019.
70) 2019: "Holy Man" by Dennis Wilson, Taylor Hawkins, Brian May, Roger Taylor.
On the occasion of 'Record Store Day 2019', Taylor Hawkins re-released a cover of the song "Holy Man", originally written and performed by Dennis Wilson; Hawkins had already released a cover of the song in 2008 with lyrics written by Gregg Jakobson, Wilson's lyricist. The new version of the song included the piano line recorded by Wilson in 1977, a new vocal track by Hawkins, a new guitar line written and performed by Brian May (recorded with the help of Justin Shirley-Smith and Kris Friedriksson) and a new drum backing track played by Roger Taylor (recorded by Joshua J. Macrae). May and Taylor also recorded all the backing vocals. Released on a limited edition single on 13th April 2019.
71) 2020: "Get Up" single by Kings Daughters.
Brian May has widely publicized this group of young girls by producing, playing guitar and singing the backing vocals on their debut single "Get Up", recorded in his private Allerton Hill studios. Released on 14th April 2020.
72) 2020: "I'm A Woman" single by Woman + Kerry Ellis + Brian May.
A new version of a song recorded for the first time by Christine Kittrell in 1962; Brian May produced it and played guitar on it. English women band Woman (Anna-Jane Casey, Gina Murray, Kerry Ellis and Mazz Murray) sang lead vocals; other musicians included Neil Murray on bass, Ian 'Ianto' Thomas on drums and Peter Murray on Hammond organ. Released on 27th November 2020 by Duck Productions Ltd. as a charity single to help Breast Cancer Awareness Month; also pressed on limited edition 45rpm on 26th Februray 2021.
In May 1999, May played the guitar solo on the demo of the song "Catcher In The Rye" by Guns N 'Roses; when the song was released on 23rd November 2008 on the "Chinese Democracy" album, his parts were removed.
As a producer:
1) 1975: together with Queen, John produced a recording session with a band called Trax. Nothing was released.
2) 1983: "Lettin Loose" album by Heavy Pettin.
Brian May and Reinhold Mack produced the British hard rock band's debut album, recorded at Townhouse Studios in London and Union Studios in Munich and released in 1983.
3) 1987: "Bad News" album by Bad News.
Brian May produced the heavy metal band's debut album, alongside Vim Fuego; the album was recorded at Sarm West Studios in London by Pete Schwier and released on 12th October 1987.
4) 1988: "Bootleg" album by Bad News.
Brian May produced the song "Cashing In On Christmas (Dub)", the closing track of the album. Released in 1988.
5) 1990/1991: "Macbeth" soundtrack.
Near the end of the "Innuendo" recording sessions with Queen, Brian May devoted himself to writing and producing some material for the play "Macbeth", held at the Riverside Theatre in London. Unfortunately, the soundtrack remained unedited and never released.
As a songwriter:
1) 1996: soundtrack for "The Adventures Of Pinocchio", directed by Steve Barron.
Brian May was involved in writing the music and lyrics for the soundtrack of Steve Barron's "The Adventures Of Pinocchio"; together with Jerry Hadley, Sissel Kyrkjebø and Just William, Brian composed "The Colossus" and with Sissel Kyrkjebø wrote "What Are We Made Of?". The soundtrack was released in 1996.