Brian May stated that he did not play the rhythm guitar, attributing it to Freddie.
Governed by the frenetic wave of creativity that washed over him during a half-hour soak in a Munich hotel bathtub in May 1979, Freddie Mercury, leading singer for the iconic band Queen, composed a song that would forever change the face of their musical legacy. The song, aptly titled “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” sprang forth from Mercury’s mind in a matter of minutes, a testament to his innate musical genius.
In stark contrast to his reputation as a piano player and vocalist, Mercury showcased his impressive guitar skills on this particular track. Brian May, notorious for his intricate guitar work, admitted to being overshadowed by Mercury’s rhythm guitar contribution to this chart-topping hit, despite his usual involvement in the band’s guitar-centric creation process. May humorously lamented about missing out on the session, returning to find the others had already laid down the foundation for the song. Mercury, armed with an acoustic guitar, took charge alongside drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon to bring this instant classic to life.
Queen’s residence in the studio to record “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” marked a pivotal moment in their timeline. Roger Taylor recollects Mercury casually mentioning the song’s inception during a brief studio break, revealing its spontaneous genesis during his leisurely bathtub pondering. The swift, uncomplicated recording process materialized into a track cherished for its fresh, unassuming sound.
Mercury’s prowess on the acoustic guitar was a lesser-known facet of his musical abilities. Despite his humble demeanor, Mercury possessed an untamed energy and finesse when strumming introspective tunes on his acoustic instrument. The distinctive, frenetic style with which Mercury played remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed his raw talent up close.
Curiously, the absence of Mercury’s guitar solo on the final recording presented an unexpected opportunity for Brian May to shine. Steering away from his iconic Red Special guitar, May ventured into the realm of Telecaster guitars at the urging of producer Reinhold Mack. The decision to deviate from his beloved instrument was a groundbreaking move that forever altered the sonic tapestry of this rock-and-roll anthem. May’s solo, though distinct from Mercury’s unreleased version, is celebrated as one of his finest musical statements.
Ironically, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” not only epitomizes Freddie Mercury’s instrumental versatility but also heralded a reinvigoration in legendary musician John Lennon’s creative spirit. According to reports, Lennon’s enthusiasm upon hearing the track culminated in the recording of his final album, immortalized as 1980’s ‘Double Fantasy.’ In essence, Mercury’s fleeting moment of inspiration in a Munich hotel bathtub reverberated across the corridors of music history, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.