Brian May Reveals the One Song That Still Gives Him Chills: ‘It Was Breathtakingly New’

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has always been admired for his unparalleled skill and musicality. In a recent interview on Leona Graham’s podcast, the 77-year-old icon shared an intriguing insight into the music that has influenced him throughout his career.

When asked about the music that has left a lasting impression on him, May didn’t hesitate to mention Buddy Holly and The Crickets. In fact, he admitted that even to this day, certain songs from Holly still give him chills. “I was just blown away, I still am, I still get chills up the spine when I hear ‘Maybe Baby,’” May revealed. The track, with its signature harmonies and innovative melodies, continues to resonate with him decades later.

Brian May explained what makes Buddy Holly’s music so special to him. “It was so breathtakingly new, but also had this haunting beauty with those harmonies,” he said, describing the unique quality that first captivated him. For May, Holly’s music wasn’t just influential; it became deeply embedded in his own work. “I’ve done my own versions of some of those songs, but they’re always there inside me,” he confessed.

May went on to reflect on the brief but impactful career of Buddy Holly, who tragically passed away at the young age of 22. Despite his short time in the spotlight, Holly’s contribution to rock music was profound. “Buddy Holly had a very short career. He had like two and a half years of being a rock star,” May noted. “But the melodies he delivered during that time and the whole vibe of this rock music was, to me, immortal. And it’s definitely still part of what I do.”

Buddy Holly, whose influence shaped the sound of the 1950s and ’60s rock ‘n’ roll scene, continues to inspire countless musicians today, including Brian May. It’s clear that the timeless beauty of Holly’s music has left an indelible mark on May’s own career, proving the lasting power of innovation and melody in shaping the future of music.