A Christmas Miracle for Queen Fans: Brian May Unveils Never-Before-Heard 1974 Gem

Just when you thought every note from Freddie Mercury's legendary vocals had been cataloged, Sir Brian May has delivered a festive shock to the music world. More than 50 years after it was recorded, a "lost" Queen song has finally surfaced from the archives.

The track, titled "Not for Sale (Polar Bear)," was officially debuted by May during a special Christmas broadcast on the UK’s Planet Rock radio station on Monday, December 22. Recorded during the 1974 sessions for the band’s second album, Queen II, the song has spent decades in the vault, missing the final cut of the original record.

A Bridge Between Eras

Die-hard collectors might recognize the title from May's pre-Queen project, Smile, which featured drummer Roger Taylor and singer Tim Staffell. However, May was quick to clarify that this is a completely different animal. "People might possibly have heard a bootleg version... but to my knowledge, no one has ever heard this version," May explained.

While the Smile version focused on Staffell's vocals, this unearthed gem features a young, "angel-like" Freddie Mercury taking over the chorus with his signature goosebump-inducing falsetto.

Subdued Baroque Magic

Musically, "Not for Sale (Polar Bear)" is described as a "melancholic stocking filler" rather than a grandiose anthem like "Bohemian Rhapsody". It is a gauzy ballad that combines Queen’s baroque sensibility with high-pitched harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys.

The lyrics, penned by May and Staffell, tell a bittersweet story of a narrator spotting a beautiful toy polar bear in a shop window, only to be distracted by a pretty girl—both seemingly out of reach. Beyond the literal story, the song serves as a critique of materialism and the music industry's treatment of young artists.

Coming Officially in 2026

May emphasized that the version played on the radio is still a "work in progress". It is set to be a highlight of the massive "rebuild" reissue of the Queen II album, scheduled for release in 2026. Rumors among the fan community suggest this 2025 version may even include some new "bonus noodlings" recorded recently by May to polish the track for its modern debut.

For those who missed the initial broadcast, Planet Rock will rebroadcast the Christmas special on December 25 at 8 a.m. ET (1 p.m. London time).

Listen to the "Not for Sale (Polar Bear)" radio premiere below: