Brian as a piano player

I'm sure there's a topic out there discussing Freddie's skills on the guitar - no matter what he himself said - so I thought I'd flip that coin. No questions about it, guitar wizard aside, Brian was a pretty good pianist also. Doing Alright, the demo of God Save the Queen, Teo Torriatte... the list goes on. What really inspired me to post this was the mix of Las Palabras de Amor on YouTube where the piano's brought up more - it really highlighted Brian's skill. If certain multitracks existed in isolation, I'd have even more evidence for my argument. For example, my ear has never been able to distinguish the piano in Headlong, despite what Queenpedia says.

Brian always seemed to have a very light and musical touch on the piano - Save Me is a particular favourite of mine, and Forever.

I don't think there's much piano in Headlong, but in the very beginning a low piano note is quite clearly audible. [QUOTE] [b]br5946 wrote:[/b]

I'm sure there's a topic out there discussing Freddie's skills on the guitar - no matter what he himself said - so I thought I'd flip that coin. No questions about it, guitar wizard aside, Brian was a pretty good pianist also. Doing Alright, the demo of God Save the Queen, Teo Torriatte... the list goes on. What really inspired me to post this was the mix of Las Palabras de Amor on YouTube where the piano's brought up more - it really highlighted Brian's skill. If certain multitracks existed in isolation, I'd have even more evidence for my argument. For example, my ear has never been able to distinguish the piano in Headlong, despite what Queenpedia says. [/QUOTE]

[QUOTE] [b]cmsdrums wrote:[/b]

Brian always seemed to have a very light and musical touch on the piano - Save Me is a particular favourite of mine, and Forever.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, "No-One But You" is also an good example in my opinion.

Low rumble of some bass keys at the start of Headlong. Right until the drums kick in as far as I can recall, probably to illustrate "the chase"/movement.


Being one of the most expressive instruments with an incredible range, you'd think Brian would've used the acoustic piano sound more often.

Guess he's too Rock and roll for it.

I'd have to dredge up my copy of another world to find out which tracks he plays piano on. I remember liking the wilderness song and why don't we try again.

I'm naturally assuming he plays on Another World but not all the way from Memphis

Mustn't forget All Dead, All Dead - that intro is some of his finest piano work, in my opinion.

I think he's really good, he could've been the official keyboardist of many bands with those skills, no problem.

Of course, what he played on Queen records and concerts was vastly limited compared to his actual abilities, as he mostly tended to play only on his own songs and his songs that featured piano tended to be ballads, so most people only got to hear that side of his playing, which is great (Save Me, All Dead, Teo Torriatte) but I'm sure that's not all there is.

Two songs where he played a more rocking piano were Now I'm Here (where it's available via stems as an isolated instrument) and the main theme of Flash, and he does a fairly good work on both.

Fred was much better, certainly, but Dr May was still very good, and I really enjoyed it when he played keys on stage. It's a shame he hasn't done it, as far as I know, since the 1992 tribute.

I'm remembering the pipes behind the keyboard at Knebworth. That's the only time I remember Brian playing keyboards live. And - as I've never seen a photo of the pipes - I half wonder if I imagined it. Anyone?

I'd describe Brian's keyboard playing as less "percussive" than Freddie's; He didn't tend to hammer the keys so much.

Didnt brian play keyboards on who wants to live forever live. My memory is seeing him at least there in 1984:)

He didn't play keyboards on Who Wants...? Erm, he kinda did.

[QUOTE] [b]matt z wrote:[/b]

I'm naturally assuming he plays on Another World but not all the way from Memphis[/QUOTE]

from Moth Poet Hotel's booklet:
All The Way From Memphis:
vocals, guitars, keyboards and bass: Brian May
drums: Cozy Powell
backing vocals: Shelly Preston, Becci Glover and Nikki
special guest raconteur: Ian Hunter
arranged by: Brian May
engineered and co-produced by: Justin Shirley Smith
cooperators: Jim Beach, Julie Glover

so yes, Brian played the piano part in this song :-)

[QUOTE] [b]kosimodo wrote:[/b]

Didnt brian play keyboards on who wants to live forever live. My memory is seeing him at least there in 1984:)[/QUOTE]

If I remember right you can see him playing on the start of that song on Wembley 86...

Edit: Yep he sure does.

I think the pipes were for WWTLF - in Knebworth. Don't know if they appeared anywhere else. Again: Photo anyone?

[QUOTE] [b]Martin Packer wrote:[/b]

I'm remembering the pipes behind the keyboard at Knebworth. That's the only time I remember Brian playing keyboards live. And - as I've never seen a photo of the pipes - I half wonder if I imagined it. Anyone?

I'd describe Brian's keyboard playing as less "percussive" than Freddie's; He didn't tend to hammer the keys so much.[/QUOTE]

http://queenlive.ca/queen/live%20pics/86-08-09_Knebworth_48.jpg

On the right.

Thanks! Interesting they stashed them by the side of the stage.

My view was from "Brian's side" so I remember the pipes being straight on.