Queen guitarist Sir Brian May delivered an emotional performance of “Love of My Life” at London’s Gibson Garage today, during the launch of his new Signature guitar – which left him feeling reflective.
The 77-year-old rock legend performed for an intimate crowd at the event, which marked the debut of his Gibson SJ-200 12-string acoustic guitar.
The special performance came as May continues his recovery from a stroke he suffered last year.
The new guitar, priced at £6,899, features a touching tribute to Freddie Mercury with the planet Mercury incorporated into its intricate design.
May, who originally studied astronomy, chose to include the celestial element as he strongly associates the guitar with performances of “Love of My Life.”
The instrument has already been put to use during May’s recent UK tour, where he performed the delicate track on a prototype version.
Brian May released his new guitar which paid tribute to Freddie Mercury
PA
Speaking at the event, May expressed his complex feelings about performing the Queen classic.
“I feel kind of like a usurper, because it’s Freddie’s song, and no one can sing it like Freddie,” he said.
The guitarist added: “But I love to do it because it’s been a thing that you can share with the audience, and I can throw off all the Guitar Hero stuff and just go down there and play and sing.”
Mercury originally wrote the song for his then-girlfriend Mary Austin.
Brian May said he felt like a “usurper” singing Freddie’s song
PA
Before performing the song at the intimate gig, May acknowledged the unique challenge of the setting.
“Normally I don’t have to sing too much because everybody sings it,” he explained.
“Tonight, if I try and sing it, I have to sing the whole damn thing — that’s probably inadvisable,” he added.
Despite his reservations, May was determined to perform the beloved track, stating: “Nevertheless, I thought it’d be a shame to go home without us doing Love on My Life.”
Fans have welcomed May’s return to performing following his stroke last year, which he described as a “scary” ordeal.
The musician had temporarily stopped playing instruments completely during his recovery period.
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