Tesla releases new video covering Queen’s “Spread Your Wings”
American hard rock band Tesla recently released a cover of Queen’s 1977 classic, “Spread Your Wings,” as a preview of their upcoming album, ‘Homage,’ which is scheduled to drop on July 17th, 2026, through Frontiers Music Srl. Bassist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist Brian Wheat expressed his deep admiration for the song, highlighting his belief that it should have been a hit on par with some of Queen’s other famous tracks but was slightly overshadowed. The decision to cover “Spread Your Wings” was motivated by its writers, particularly John Deacon, whom Wheat described as the band’s unsung hero.
With more than 40 years of history behind them, Tesla has evolved from a cover band playing gigs in California to a multi-platinum album-selling powerhouse with a repertoire of original songs. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Tesla has always paid homage to those who paved the way for them by performing covers of classic tracks. The upcoming album, ‘Homage,’ serves as a tribute to the band’s musical influences and showcases lead singer Jeff Keith’s versatile vocal abilities. Far from mere imitation, ‘Homage’ is an offering of gratitude to the iconic voices and songs that have shaped Tesla’s sound over the years, bridging the gap between their inspirations and their own distinct musical identity.
The album includes covers of songs by musical titans such as Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, Etta James, and James Brown, as well as tracks that left a lasting impact on the band members during their formative years. ‘Homage’ is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the musical forces that have shaped Tesla’s artistic journey, paying respect to the songs they grew up listening to and ultimately inspired their own songwriting. Launching more than two decades after the ‘Real to Reel’ series, which galvanized the band to pen an original track titled “Never Alone,” ‘Homage’ represents a new chapter in Tesla’s musical evolution.
As they gear up to hit the road this summer on The Return of the Carnival of Sins Tour alongside Motley Crue and Extreme, Tesla is poised to captivate audiences across the United States, with the tour commencing on July 17th in Burgettstown, PA, and concluding on September 26th in Ridgefield, WA. The band is eager to bring their electrifying energy and classic rock vibes to fans nationwide, showcasing their enduring appeal and timeless hits. With their upcoming album and tour, Tesla is set to cement their status as hard rock icons, paying tribute to the musical legends who paved the way for their enduring success.