(left to right) Bassist John Deacon, singer Freddie Mercury (1946 - 1991), drummer Roger Taylor and guitarist Brian May of British rock band Queen performing on stage in 1974. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
The iconic rock band Queen just revealed this never-before-heard track from their album, Queen II. On the UK radio station Planet Rock, the band's guitarist, Brian May, shared the song "Not for Sale (Polar Bear)". This track was initially slated for the album but got cut.
May shared, "People might possibly have heard a bootleg version of 'Not for Sale (Polar Bear)' by Smile, it's a song that goes back a very long way, but to my knowledge no one has ever heard this version." Then, before wishing listeners a Merry Christmas, May revealed another fun surprise. "It's a work in progress and will appear on the forthcoming rebuild of the 'Queen II' album - coming next year - but I'm sneaking this into my Planet Rock special because I'm fascinated to know what people think about it."
In 2024, the iconic rock group faced some controversy when they released a remixed version of Queen I. The original album was released in 1973. In the reimagined version, drum sounds were enhanced with AI and digital technology, and new tracks, such as "Mad The Swine," were added. After it received mixed opinions, May assured fans that the new Queen II wouldn't be quite as drastic.
Why Is Queen Remixing Their Old Albums?
The story behind the Queen remakes is one of frustration from guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor. May revealed that the band couldn't create the sound they wanted due to a lack of control and older technology. The band was under contract with Trident Audio Productions to record their first three albums. It was there that they were assigned to producer Roy Thomas Baker.
"I remember saying to Roy Thomas Baker, 'This isn't really the sound we want,'" Brian May shared. "And he said, 'Don't worry, we can fix it all in the mix.' And I think we all knew it ain't going to happen."
Then, in May 2024, May shared on his site that he was excited to release "the debut album we always dreamed of bringing" to fans. The rerelease of Queen I followed on October 25, 2024.
It is unclear when the remixed Queen II will be released, but it is likely to drop in 2026.
