By Dex Monroe|June 13, 2026|3d ago|4 min read|đ€ AI-assisted
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Brian May Reflects on Queen's Game-Changer: "Another One Bites The Dust"
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Brian May opens up about the groundbreaking track "Another One Bites The Dust," revealing its origins and the role of John Deacon in reshaping Queen's sound.
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, recently shed light on one of the band's most iconic tracks, "Another One Bites The Dust," a song that not only cemented their status but also marked a significant shift in their musical direction. In an exclusive interview, May discussed the origins of the track and the critical role bassist John Deacon played in its creation.
âFreddie absolutely adored it â he sang it until he bled!â May recalled, emphasizing the song's vital position in Queen's discography. Released in 1980 as part of the album *The Game*, "Another One Bites The Dust" skyrocketed to the top of the charts, becoming the band's second US No. 1 and a global sensation. What sets it apart? It was the first No. 1 hit for Queen that was not penned by the flamboyant Freddie Mercury.
The song was a bold departure from the bandâs rock roots, leaning heavily into disco and funk influences, a style that Deacon had been drawn to after experiencing the New York scene with Chic. May revealed that Deacon's rhythm guitar playing on the track was pivotal, saying, âThis track is very much John Deacon world. I donât think I was on it at all to start off with! He was much more into funk than we were.â This admission underscores the collaborative spirit within Queen, a band often recognized for its diverse musical explorations.
Deacon's journey towards "Another One Bites The Dust" began long before the band entered the studio. Inspired by Chicâs classic "Good Times," which was a fixture on dance floors, Deacon took the iconic bass line and reimagined it. In a separate interview, he shared, âI listened to a lot of soul music when I was in school and I've always been interested in that sort of music. Iâd been wanting to do a track like *Another One Bites The Dust* for a while, but originally all I had was the line and the bass riff.â This insight illustrates Deacon's deep-rooted passion for soul and funk, proving that Queenâs eclectic sound was built on more than just rock anthems.
Despite its eventual success, "Another One Bites The Dust" faced initial resistance during its creation. Drummer Roger Taylor was skeptical, fearing the song was âtoo funky and not enough rock.â May himself was on the fence, recognizing its potential but unsure about straying from the hard rock sound that had defined their earlier work. However, the bandâs willingness to experiment led to a track that would resonate across generations.
The track's infectious groove and introspective lyrics have contributed to its lasting legacy, making it not only a staple at parties and clubs but also a critical part of music history. May characterized it as âa very important part of the Queen canon,â further highlighting its influence on the music scene of the 1980s.
"Another One Bites The Dust" not only showcased the band's versatility but also opened doors to new audiences, bridging gaps between rock, disco, and funk, and setting the stage for future cross-genre collaborations. Its success laid the groundwork for many artists to explore similar fusions, proving that music knows no boundaries.
As Queen continues to reign as one of the most celebrated rock bands in history, their ability to innovate and adapt is evident in tracks like âAnother One Bites The Dust.â With May's reflections, fans gain insight not just into the song itself, but into the dynamic creative process that propelled Queen into the stratosphere of music legends.
In a world where musical genres frequently collide, "Another One Bites The Dust" remains a powerful testament to the legacy of Queen â a band that, through collaboration and a fearless approach to creativity, transformed the landscape of popular music.
As fans continue to celebrate Queenâs contributions to the music world, one thing is clear: tracks like "Another One Bites The Dust" will always hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere, leaving an indelible mark that transcends time.
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#Queen#Brian May#John Deacon#Another One Bites The Dust#Freddie Mercury
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