In an enlightening discourse with Guitar World, Brian May, the illustrious guitarist of Queen, divulged his distaste for the band’s renowned track, ‘Under Pressure,’ a collaborative endeavor with David Bowie. He articulated:
“Frankly, its auditory blend never resonated with me. Nonetheless, I acknowledge its effectiveness. It represents a distinctive perspective, executed with finesse. And it garners adoration. Thus, in our live renditions, as you might have discerned, we imbue it with a more robust essence, which, in my estimation, enhances its appeal.”
Despite his admiration for Bowie’s creative vigor, May noted a challenging dynamic:
“David was a formidable creative entity. Yet, an assembly of too many such entities in a singular space breeds complexity! Concessions become inevitable.”
Ultimately, May conceded to the creative tussles between Freddie Mercury and Bowie:
“In what might be a solitary instance in my career, I receded, foreseeing an inevitable clash. Consequently, it was Freddie and David who dueled over the mix in the studio. The aftermath saw a diminution of the guitar’s potent presence.”
Despite ‘Under Pressure’ marking their initial joint venture, Bowie and Mercury had been acquaintances since their youth. Nonetheless, the studio atmosphere was fraught with tension, a sentiment May found disconcerting. He conceded, however, that this tension spurred them towards excellence. He reminisced in a prior conversation:
“Collaboration proved challenging, given our collective headstrong nature, and Bowie’s assertiveness… Freddie and David indeed butted heads. Such conflict, though, sparked brilliance… Their rivalry extended even to nuances, such as who would be the last to arrive at the studio. Thus, it was simultaneously exasperating and magnificent.”
Though initially displeased with the track’s final mix, May’s perspective evolved, leading him to value ‘Under Pressure’ as a unique composition:
“At that juncture, the mix left me wanting. Reflecting upon it, I now perceive its distinctiveness.”
Hence, despite the initial reluctance, May and Queen ultimately embraced ‘Under Pressure,’ securing its status as an iconic hit that soared to the pinnacle of the charts.
