Miscellaneous

Unreleased
Brian and Roger were both approached to record versions of a potential theme to the 1988 Olympic Games, to be used in TV broadcasts etc. Neither version was actually used - instead, Eric Clapton was commisioned. Both songs remained the property of Thames Television, until around 1990 when the company auctioned the tapes after losing their television franchise. There was only one official copy of each, both of which were bought legitimately. However, as the buyer discovered soon afterwards, just prior to this someone starting making illegal pirate copies of Brian's theme. These were made without anyone's consent, and are the only "copies" you are ever likely to find. They are inevitably third or fourth generation copies at best, and the poor sound quality does not do the song justice. The arrangement is distinctly Brian, and as you would expect there is some excellent guitar work. Unfortunately the keyboards let it down a bit (in my opinion they are actually quite weak, both in sound and arrangement), and you do need a good quality music system to get the most out of it. But its certainly worth a listen, assuming of course you can find it. Which, sadly, is unlikely, as the only legal copy is now safely locked away, and there are no copies in the vaults of EMI or Queen Productions either - Brian doesn't even have a copy! Time 3:30.

My thanks to the legitimate owner of this recording, for clarifying the above details.

Soundtrack music recorded in 1990, for the Red and Gold Theatre Company production of Macbeth. Parts of it had actually been written long before Brian was asked to provide it, and the request allowed Brian to find a home for it. Its not exactly a commercial recording, being suitably "arty" to accompany the stage show. However its very atmospheric, even out of context. Best listened to late at night, with the lights off. Two versions exist, although neither is widely available.

Live Version
The most common version is a live recording of the actual stage show. Quite long, this even includes the actors voices over the music in places. The audience noise is intrusive at times too, not helped by the fact that the music is often quite quiet. Its a piece that needs to be listened to properly, to appreciate it fully, and this version doesn't really do it justice, although it is the longest version available. The music here is also blended into a more continuous piece than than the original, which was basically a collection of "snippets".

Original Version
Much rarer, this actually originates from a 3.5" computer floppy disc, i.e. its not even on tape. The music was originally written on a computer (Brian likes his gadgets!) and was only mastered onto cassette so that it could be played over the theatre's PA system.The version on cassette was also remixed for the theatre, so that it would flow seamlessly from one part to the next (as said before, the original is a collection of short segments). Once the remixing/remastering onto cassette was completed, Brian finished with the floppy disc and abandoned it. It soon acquired a legitimate owner, and the one and only original is now safely tucked away. Again though, a few illegal pirate copies have surfaced (not circulated by the current owner). Its a much shorter piece, but has no audience noise or other distractions. All the elements from the "live" version are here, but in significantly better sound quality. Although still an acquired taste for some, really.

My thanks to the legitimate owner of this recording, for clarifying the above details.

Recorded With Extreme
A re-recording of the Queen song, with Brian on guitar and backing vocals. This is much more of a collaboration, rather than a guest appearance. Extreme have often claimed to be fans of Queen, and this is certainly one of the more genuine tributes. Comparisons with Freddie are perhaps unfair, and be honest - how many Queen fans reading this are unbiased?! As covers go, this is a fine effort though, and Brian's contribution is very noticeable. The only niggle is that it fades out into "More Than Words" at the end. Released after the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, and dedicated to Freddie on the sleeve. Proceeds from sales went to Aids charities. The B-side to the UK Extreme single "Song For Love", on 7", 12" and CD.

Live Cover Version Re-make (!)
Originally written by John Lennon, and about John's feelings about the break-up of The Beatles. Brian's version changes many of the lyrics, to include a number of Queen references instead. This song was performed regularly as part of the "Back To The Light Tour", and is the song omitted from Live At Brixton Academy due to "copyright reasons". It's a quiet, reflective piece, as you might expect (although it still has some powerful guitar in places), and deserves a release. For now it is only available on bootlegs, such as "England 1993", and is getting quite rare. Sound quality varies, but is not usually very good.

Live Version Featuring Slash
(From "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno")
On the Japanese and UK "Resurrection" CD singles (UK Part 2). Interesting rather than inspiring, depending how keen you are on Slash (from Guns'n'Roses) really. The different guitar solos do give a very different sound, but may not be to everyone's taste. There are certainly better versions of this track around - Slash's solo just doesn't seem to complement Brian very well on this take. And as with the live version of "Back To The Light" from the same show, the sound quality is a little suspect at times too.

Live At "KEWB" Version
KEWB is a radio station in America, where Brian appeared on his promotional tour. As part of the promotion, he recorded an exclusive session for the station. This consisted of the station playing Queen records for Brian to add additional guitar to, live in the studio. These sessions were held at several radio stations, and one session has been taped and released on the "Demories Please Majesties" bootleg. Sound quality varies (it was taped off the radio), but it is a very interesting recording. Odd bits of Brian talking to the DJ have also been left in. The first track of the session, this sees very little change until part way through when Brian finally seems to "find his feet". When he does, its worth waiting for though. Time 4:37

Live At "KEWB" Version
From KEWB in the US (see above). A very short version, with no other backing at all. Basically this is just a quick solo from Brian, and isn't particularly interesting. Time 0:39

Live At "KEWB" Version
From KEWB in the US (see above). Not obviously "Under Pressure" until part way through, as the backing record doesn't start until near the end ("sat on a fence, like a blind man" onwards). This leaves Brian to play completely solo for the intro. Note this version is frequently quoted as being a demo on bootlegs. Time 3:16

Live At "KEWB" Version
From KEWB in the US (see above). A very different version, with Brian at full tilt all the way through. Easily the best track of the session, but not for the faint hearted! A great alternative to the normal version, this take is definitely one to seek out. Time 4:29

Live At "KEWB" Version
From KEWB in the US (see above). Again not too different to start with, Brian appears to play "against" his original solo in this version. Time 2:51

Soundtrack Song
Also from the "Pinocchio" soundtrack, but this time a proper song - a duet, in fact, with the Norwegian artist Sissel Kyrkjebo. Considered for release as a single, and it may yet get a release as a B-side from Brian's new album. It's a long, involving ballad with dramatic moments aplenty. Though a little slow, Brian's voice contrasts nicely with Sissel's and the overall effect is very good. It does sound like a track from a musical though, which is either good or bad depending on your personal taste.

Soundtrack Song
From "The Adventures Of Pinocchio" film soundtrack, available on CD (French) and several promos. A bit of a strange one, this. In the film its used to accompany a play watched by Pinnochio (a "play within a film", so to speak). The story of the play concerns a giant ("Ill Colosso"), who must be defeated by the hero, to save a princess - you know, the usual. The resultant piece of music is perhaps best described as a "mini-opera" (though opera purists will disagree), featuring several lead singers acting out parts in the play. If you thought "Barcelona" was impenetrable, give up now. Very dramatic and overblown at times, but with some nice low-key "ballady bits" too, some of which are extracts from "What Are We Made Of" (see later). In its context, it works well. On its own, its a little bizarre. Not one to dance around the living room to, but if you liked "Barcelona" its probably worth a look.

With Richard Digance
As performed on "The Richard Digance Show" in 1991. The song itself is a "coming of age" ballad sung by Digance (who also plays acoustic guitar), and Brian provides some additional guitar on the Red Special. Later in the same show, Brian performed the first live version of "Last Horizon", sometime before the "Back To The Light" album was released. His contribution to this track is very well done, though some backing vocals would have been even better.

Live Improvisation
A very short (25 seconds!) piece taken from one of Brian's promotional appearances in the US. Similar to the tracks recorded at "KEWB", with Brian adding some guitar to someone else's song (which is only four lines long). Mildly diverting, but utterly inconsequential. On "The Ultimate Rarities Collection" CD. Not worth buying the CD for this alone, but there are enough other goodies on there to make this a nice bonus.

With Hank Marvin
A UK single by Hank, available on CD, vinyl and cassette, not to mention a 1-track promo CD (which has an edited version). Brian provides some additional guitar, but Hank's guitar gives the whole thing his own sound, and some of the instrumentaion seems a little crude to me. Not a favourite of mine, but if you like Hank's style then give it a try.