Queen Releases Unheard Song Cut from 1974 Album for Christmas Special
Iconic rock band Queen is set to release an unreleased track from their archives. The song, titled “Not for Sale (Polar Bear),” was revealed by guitarist Brian May on Planet Rock, a UK radio station. This track, recorded in 1974, was initially intended for their second album, “Queen II,” but did not make it to the final cut.
Background of the Song
Brian May discussed the track during his special radio segment, noting its historical significance. He stated, “People might possibly have heard a bootleg version of ‘Not for Sale (Polar Bear)’ by Smile.” Smile was a 1960s band featuring May, drummer Roger Taylor, and singer-bassist Tim Staffell. This early group laid the groundwork for Queen, which May and Taylor later formed with the legendary Freddie Mercury.
Official Release and Upcoming Reissue
According to May, “Not for Sale (Polar Bear)” has been rediscovered and will officially feature in the 2026 reissue of “Queen II.” He expressed enthusiasm about sharing it before the album’s reconstruction, stating, “It’s a work in progress… I hope people have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!”
Listening Options
Fans eager to hear the song can find it on YouTube, or tune into May’s Christmas special at hellorayo.co.uk/planet-rock. The Planet Rock station plans to rebroadcast the special on Christmas Day, December 25, at 8 a.m. ET (1 p.m. London time).
Fan Reactions
Listeners have taken to YouTube to express their excitement. One user remarked, “Thank you Brian for this Christmas present!” Another commented on the quality of Freddie Mercury’s vocals, stating, “It’s really a work in progress… to hear Freddie on something ‘new’ made my year.”
Queen’s Legacy
Queen remains one of the best-selling rock bands globally, known for timeless hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions.” The band also released the festive classic “Thank God It’s Christmas” in 1984. After the passing of Freddie Mercury in 1991, May and Taylor continued the legacy of Queen, performing with various artists.
Today, Queen enjoys enduring popularity, with over 61 million monthly listeners on Spotify. They recently collaborated on a new version of “We Will Rock You” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and shared a remix of “Who Wants to Live Forever” for the final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
