Queen’s Brian May on “Star Fleet Project” with Eddie Van Halen (audio)
Our Pre-Release 1983 Interview on the Jam Session and EP
In this interview from the fall of 1983, Queen guitarist Brian May explains how his one-of-a-kind studio jam session with Eddie Van Halen, drummer Alan Gratzer, keyboardist Fred Mandel, and bassist Phil Chen led to the blues-packed EP called Star Fleet Project. Our conversation took place at Brian’s request while the EP was still in the planning stages.
As you’ll hear, Brian details the science-fiction-themed project from start to finish. He reveals how his musical upbringing, especially his love and appreciation for the blues and Eric Clapton, inspired the EP, as did his young son’s love of a Saturday-morning TV show. Naturally, Brian also provides insight into working with Eddie Van Halen during one of Eddie's rare projects outside of the band Van Halen.
I hope you enjoy it!
Brian May promotional photo by Richard Gray courtesy Hollywood Records.
Related posts:
Queen’s Brian May: Our Complete 1982 Guitar Player Interview (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: My First Interview (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1979 Interview (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1980 Interview - Tape 1 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1980 Interview - Tape 2 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1980 Interview - Tape 3 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen: The Complete 1980 Interview - Tape 4 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen Plays, Sings, and Hums Unreleased Van Halen Songs, 1980 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar: Our 1987 Interview, Part 1 (Audio)
Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar: Our 1987 Interview, Part 2 (Audio)
Thanks to engineer/producer Nik Hunt for enhancing the sound of all of these recordings.
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