Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, recently opened up about his creative process and the challenges he faces when writing new music. He revealed the internal struggle he often experiences, moving from initial inspiration to crippling self-doubt, and how he ultimately overcomes these hurdles. May used the iconic Queen anthem “Hammer to Fall” as a prime example of this journey.
“Hammer to Fall,” featured on Queen’s 1984 album The Works, achieved significant chart success, reaching the Top 40 in the U.S. and the Top 20 in the U.K. The song’s powerful riff and dynamic performance solidified its place in rock history, further amplified by its inclusion in the band’s unforgettable Live Aid set in 1985. However, the song’s creation wasn’t without its difficulties.
May described his songwriting process as a rollercoaster of emotions. He typically begins with a surge of creativity and confidence, believing he has stumbled upon a groundbreaking idea. This initial excitement is often followed by a wave of insecurity, where he questions the song’s merit and fears his bandmates’ disapproval.
The Genesis of “Hammer to Fall”: From Riff to Anthem
When May first conceived the main riff for “Hammer to Fall,” he felt a surge of inspiration, convinced he had found something special. However, this initial enthusiasm quickly waned when he presented the riff to his bandmates. Their reaction, while not negative, wasn’t the enthusiastic endorsement he had hoped for.
“I came upon this riff; I thought, ‘This is great. I can do anything with this; this is just what I want to hear when I put my guitar on,'” May recalled. He played it for the band, and their response was a lukewarm “Yeah, okay.” This lack of immediate enthusiasm added to his growing insecurity about the song’s potential.
Despite this initial setback, May persisted. He meticulously crafted the song, shaping it into a nearly complete piece before presenting it to the band again. He described the process as “build[ing] it up to the point where I could play it to them as an almost-finished song.” This time, their response was different. They finally understood his vision, recognizing the power and potential of the track. Their affirmation, “Oh, yeah. Okay, we like this. This is going to be great,” validated his efforts and instilled the confidence he needed to move forward.
Overcoming Artistic Insecurity: A Universal Struggle
May acknowledged that this experience of self-doubt isn’t unique to him. He believes many artists grapple with similar insecurities, especially when sharing their work with others for the first time. “It takes a bit of belief, I think, to get from the first riff to the point where you’re happy with the result,” he reflected. “I think it’s common to a lot of people – that moment when you spring it on your people around you, and you’re looking at their faces, and you feel very insecure in the moment.”
This vulnerability extends beyond songwriting for May. He confessed that singing a new song to anyone, regardless of their relationship to him, is always a nerve-wracking experience. “When I sing a song to someone, it’s always nerve-racking for me, no matter who it is. If they’ve never heard it before, I get all kinds of insecure. You just have to get over that.”
The Power of Perseverance: From Doubt to Triumph
The story of “Hammer to Fall” exemplifies the importance of perseverance in the face of self-doubt. Despite his initial insecurities and the lukewarm reception from his bandmates, May pushed forward, trusting his instincts and refining his creation until it reached its full potential. This perseverance ultimately led to the creation of a timeless rock anthem, a testament to the power of believing in one’s vision even when faced with uncertainty.
The Enduring Legacy of “Hammer to Fall”
“Hammer to Fall” continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, its powerful message and dynamic performance making it a staple in Queen’s live shows and a beloved classic rock track. The song’s journey from a simple riff to a global anthem is a testament to May’s talent, perseverance, and the collaborative spirit of Queen. It’s also a reminder that even the most iconic creations often begin with a seed of doubt, and that overcoming those insecurities can lead to extraordinary results.
The Songwriting Process: A Deeper Dive
The songwriting process, as described by Brian May, offers a valuable glimpse into the creative mind. It’s not a linear path from idea to finished product but often a cyclical journey of inspiration, doubt, refinement, and ultimately, realization. This process can be broken down into several key stages:
The Spark of Inspiration:
This is the initial phase, where a melody, a riff, a lyric, or even a concept ignites the creative fire. It’s a moment of excitement and possibility, where the artist feels a strong connection to the nascent idea.
The Struggle with Insecurity:
This stage is often characterized by self-doubt and anxiety. The initial excitement fades, replaced by questions and concerns about the idea’s viability. The artist may question their talent, their judgment, and the potential reception of their work.
The Refinement Process:
This is where the hard work begins. The artist takes the raw material and begins to shape it, honing the melody, crafting the lyrics, and developing the overall structure of the song. This stage requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to experiment and revise.
The Moment of Truth:
This is the critical juncture where the artist shares their work with others, seeking feedback and validation. It’s a vulnerable moment, fraught with anxiety and anticipation. The response can either reinforce the artist’s belief in their work or amplify their existing doubts.
The Final Realization:
This is the stage where the song takes its final form. Incorporated feedback, refined arrangements, and a renewed sense of confidence contribute to the completion of the piece. The song is ready to be shared with the world.
Conclusion: The Triumph of Creativity
Brian May’s experience with “Hammer to Fall” is a powerful illustration of the creative process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in bringing an artistic vision to life. His story resonates with artists and creatives across all disciplines, reminding us that self-doubt is often a part of the journey, but perseverance and belief in oneself can lead to the creation of truly remarkable works. The enduring popularity of “Hammer to Fall” is a testament to the power of overcoming insecurity and embracing the creative process.
FAQ
What inspired Brian May to write “Hammer to Fall”?
While the specific inspiration isn’t explicitly stated, May mentions that it started with a compelling riff that resonated with him. This riff served as the foundation for the song, sparking the creative process and ultimately leading to the creation of the complete track.
What was the initial reaction of Queen’s other members to “Hammer to Fall”?
Their initial reaction was rather lukewarm, a simple “Yeah, okay,” which contributed to May’s insecurity about the song. However, after he further developed the song and presented a more complete version, they recognized its potential and embraced it.
How did Brian May overcome his insecurity about “Hammer to Fall”?
He persevered despite the initial doubt. He continued working on the song, refining it until he felt confident enough to present a more polished version to his bandmates. Their positive response validated his efforts and solidified his belief in the song.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. What are your favorite Queen songs and what resonates with you most about Brian May’s creative process? Let us know!
