Brian May shares thoughts on AC/DC’s Malcolm and Angus Young
Although Queen is often associated with beautiful ballads and more commercial singles, the band also has a robust catalog of heavy songs that rival the Hard Rock music of the 1970s. Guitarist Brian May has always demonstrated a versatile musical taste, including a love for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres.
Over the years, Brian May has shared his thoughts on various famous bands from these musical realms, expressing admiration for AC/DC and its iconic guitarists Malcolm Young and Angus Young. Brian May is a known fan of AC/DC and once mentioned that he would have liked to be a part of the group. When Malcolm Young passed away in 2017, Brian May paid tribute by acknowledging his significant influence as one of Rock’s greatest rhythm guitarists and songwriters.
During a performance in Helsinki, Finland, shortly after Malcolm Young’s passing, Brian May incorporated a snippet of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” into his setlist. When asked about his hypothetical alternate band preference if he were not in Queen, Brian May expressed an interest in joining AC/DC due to their distinct style and pure musical identity. Although Queen and AC/DC are close in age as bands, their musical influences differ, with Queen drawing from a broader range of inspirations than AC/DC’s blues-rooted style.
Brian May’s admiration for AC/DC and its music extends beyond words and into his personal preferences. He selected “Highway to Hell” as one of the songs he would take to a desert island, emphasizing its visceral impact and the pure energy it embodies. In an interview with the BBC, Brian May explained the cathartic experience of AC/DC’s music, likening it to a form of therapy that offers a raw and unadulterated musical experience.
Despite Queen’s legacy of ballads and chart-topping hits, Brian May has always maintained a profound connection to heavier music, evident in his friendship with Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, whose guitar playing he admires. AC/DC, in particular, holds a special place in his heart, providing a therapeutic escape through their electrifying live performances. Both AC/DC and Queen have made significant contributions to the Rock music landscape, achieving record-breaking sales and induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Both bands have faced tragedy with the untimely loss of their iconic vocalists, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. While AC/DC chose to continue performing with new vocalists following Bon Scott’s passing, Queen made the decision to honor Freddie Mercury’s legacy by not replacing him as their frontman. Though Queen has collaborated with artists like Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert for live shows, no one has ever officially replaced Freddie Mercury in the band.