Brian May recently released a deluxe box set edition of his 1983 album ‘Star Fleet Project.’ During its launch event, the guitarist talked about Eddie Van Halen’s contribution to both the record and rock music.
May also posted a video from the event on Instagram, discussing how Eddie improved existing guitar techniques while pointing out how the late rocker managed to become an innovator despite not inventing new techniques, stating:
“He didn’t invent those techniques, but he invented that way of using them. He expanded the range of the guitar completely, and guitar playing was never the same after Mr. Van Halen.”
Reflecting on how it felt to hear him play, he went on:
“So, I think you can see my face; I’m feeling very happy and kind of probably a bit humbled because when he’s in the room playing, what you want to do is watch. But we were able to get really over our inhibitions.”
The Queen member also noted the former Van Halen guitarist’s view on him by adding:
“I mean, Ed’s very, very kind to me. He’s always saying that I was his influence, and they used to play – Van Halen used to play ‘No One Here’ when they were finding their feet. They used to play Queen songs and stuff. So, he would always quote me as an influence, which is really warming for me, but I always felt, with him, I was in the presence of true greatness.”
May started working on the ‘Star Fleet Project’ re-release in 2022. Back then, he revealed his wish to be closer to Van Halen while he was alive in an interview with Variety. Months after that and shortly before the box set hit the shelves, the guitarist also mentioned his ‘awe’ with the late musician. In a video shared on YouTube, he explained:
“Though I felt like I’m in the presence of a god here, there was also this feeling of pure joy, pure joy. Just being in the room with that guy and being able to play stuff to him and hear him respond. You can hear us doing it. What a treat. What an absolutely unrepeatable, unique experience that was.”
You can check out Brian May’s recent video below.
