The Surprising Truth About Queen’s ‘Body Language’: Brian May on the Band’s Darkest Period
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Queen, a name that instantly evokes images of electric guitars, powerful rhythms, and Freddie Mercury’s iconic voice, is synonymous with musical greatness. But beneath the grandeur and fame, there were periods when the band faced significant struggles, particularly in the early ’80s. One of the most turbulent times in Queen’s history occurred during the recording of their 1982 album Hot Space, a period Brian May describes as one of “deep emotional trouble.”
Hot Space marked a dramatic departure from Queen’s classic rock sound, delving into the world of synth-heavy, club-inspired music. This shift was heavily influenced by the club scene in Munich, where the band had gathered to record the album. While Queen had always been open to experimenting with their music, Hot Space’s new direction was met with resistance from key members Roger Taylor and Brian May. The album’s heavy reliance on synthesized beats and a more danceable style was, in their eyes, a far cry from the rock anthems they were known for.
One of the most notable tracks on Hot Space is “Body Language,” a bold and sexually charged song that left a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. With moans, groans, and a provocative music video that was deemed too shocking for MTV, the track didn’t exactly capture the magic Queen fans were used to. While the band was never afraid of pushing boundaries, “Body Language” seemed to signal something deeper than just musical experimentation. For May, it was a reflection of the emotional turmoil the band was going through at the time.
In hindsight, it’s clear that Freddie Mercury’s growing relationship with his assistant, Paul Prenter, played a crucial role in this period of upheaval. Prenter, who had a significant influence over Mercury, pushed him toward a musical direction that many felt was incompatible with Queen’s established sound. The power dynamics within the band were beginning to shift, and the once-united force of Queen was slowly fracturing.
Brian May has since spoken candidly about the emotional challenges the band faced during their time in Munich. “We all got into deep emotional trouble in Munich,” he admitted. “Freddie more so.” The tensions within the group were palpable, and it wasn’t just a clash of musical tastes. The excesses of rock ‘n’ roll life were starting to take their toll, and the studio sessions were becoming a reflection of the growing cracks within the band.
Despite this, Hot Space was not a complete failure. The album did give us the unforgettable collaboration with David Bowie, “Under Pressure,” which became one of Queen’s biggest hits. However, the rest of the album did not resonate as strongly with fans, and it quickly faded into obscurity. As Roger Taylor famously put it, he felt the album was trying to emulate a gay club scene, something he wasn’t particularly fond of. “He wanted our music to sound like you had just walked into a gay club,” Taylor said, referring to the influence of Paul Prenter. “And I didn’t!”
The struggles within the band were evident during live performances as well. At a 1982 show in Milton Keynes, Freddie Mercury announced they would be playing songs from the new album to a crowd that wasn’t exactly thrilled. “I mean it’s only a bloody record, people get so excited about these things!” Mercury quipped, trying to downplay the tension. But it was clear that the fans weren’t as excited about the new direction as the band had hoped.
While Hot Space is often seen as a misstep in Queen’s illustrious catalog, it’s a testament to their willingness to experiment, even in times of personal and professional turmoil. Brian May’s reflection on the period reveals a band grappling with more than just musical direction — it was a time of emotional struggle, internal conflict, and the pressure of fame. However, Queen’s ability to overcome these challenges and continue making legendary music is a testament to their resilience and unity, even when things seemed to be falling apart.
Ultimately, “Body Language” may not have been the triumph the band envisioned, but it provides a window into one of Queen’s darkest, yet most transformative, periods. Despite the struggles, it’s clear that Queen’s legacy is not just built on their musical achievements, but also on their ability to persevere through the emotional and personal challenges that came their way.
