When people think of the greatest rock bands of all time, Queen is always near the top of the list. With iconic albums, groundbreaking songwriting, and the unmistakable voice of Freddie Mercury, the band built a legacy that few artists could ever match.
So it might seem surprising that the group’s legendary guitarist Brian May once admitted there were other bands he would have loved to be part of. Despite helping create some of rock’s most famous songs, May has openly talked about two legendary groups that inspired him deeply—and that he occasionally imagined joining.
A Golden Age of Rock Inspiration
The late 1960s and early 1970s were an incredible period for rock music. Bands were experimenting with new sounds, pushing creative boundaries, and redefining what popular music could be.
At the same time that Queen were beginning their journey, countless influential acts were dominating the airwaves. Like many musicians of his generation, Brian May grew up listening to these groundbreaking artists and imagining what it might be like to play alongside them.
Even though he would go on to help form one of the most successful bands in history, May was not immune to those “what if” moments.
The Beatles: The Creative Dream
The first band May admitted he would have loved to join was The Beatles.
Few groups have shaped modern music more than the Beatles. Their ability to blend melody, harmony, and studio experimentation created a blueprint for generations of musicians.
May once reflected on the incredible level of creativity that existed inside the band. While acknowledging it might have been difficult to be part of such a legendary group, he said the artistic atmosphere was something he deeply admired.
Watching the documentary The Beatles: Get Back reminded him of the complex dynamics inside a recording studio. He noted that some of the scenes mirrored the experiences Queen had while working through their own musical ideas.
At times, he explained, bands can struggle to make everything fit together creatively. But those moments of tension can also lead to breakthroughs that shape unforgettable music.
Led Zeppelin: The Rock Powerhouse
The other band on May’s dream list was Led Zeppelin.
Known for their heavy riffs, thunderous rhythm section, and explosive live performances, Led Zeppelin became one of the defining forces of hard rock in the 1970s. Guitarist Jimmy Page in particular helped pioneer a powerful guitar sound that influenced countless musicians.
May joked that joining the band would have only happened “if they let me in.” Still, it’s easy to understand why the idea appealed to him. For many guitarists, the thought of playing alongside Led Zeppelin’s legendary lineup is a dream scenario.
A Reminder That Even Legends Have Heroes
Looking back, it’s fascinating to imagine a world where Brian May might have played with the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. Of course, music history took a different path—and fans are likely grateful it did.
Through Queen, May helped create timeless songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” proving that the band didn’t need alternate timelines to leave their mark on rock history.
Still, his comments highlight an important truth about music: even the greatest artists are fans first. And sometimes, even rock legends can’t help imagining what it would have been like to play in the bands they grew up admiring.
