Sometimes, playing less can actually mean playing more, especially for artists like Brian May. It’s not just the music; it’s the theatricality and drama that transform a performance into an explosive experience.
Queen epitomized bombast in their music, especially in their early, groundbreaking work. You can’t listen to their tracks from the early ’70s without feeling that powerful energy—May’s extraordinary guitar skills were integral to that force.
As the band evolved, their sound became somewhat more restrained. In the late ’70s and ’80s, Queen sought broader commercial appeal, leading to a simplification of their music. Classics like “Radio Ga Ga,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” and “We Will Rock You” became some of their most recognizable tracks, showcasing a shift where complexity took a backseat without diminishing their brilliance.
May never held back in his playing, though. What truly inspires him are guitarists who can keep it simple yet captivating. It’s easy to blow audiences away with flashy solos, but true artistry lies in crafting memorable performances without overloading a song.
Coming from a classical background—starting with the piano before transitioning to guitar—May developed a deep affinity for blues and its rock derivatives. He has high praise for guitarists like Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, who excel at maintaining a straightforward approach without compromising musical quality.
In a Classic Rock History interview, May lauded Gibbons for his ability to engage listeners without resorting to theatrics. “Billy is more evolved,” May remarked. “He embodies rock-blues for me—always pure and devoid of histrionics. I’ve always admired ZZ Top for that quality, plus there’s a great sense of humor in their music.”
While Gibbons embodies a minimalist style, his focus on feel over showmanship is what captures the attention of fellow musicians. May believes Gibbons’ approach deserves significant recognition, demonstrating that less can indeed be more in the vast universe of rock guitar.
