ER
THE QUEEN released their single “Save Me”. The song is taken from their 1980 album The Game. It was written by Brian May, recorded in 1979, and released in the UK on January 25, 1980, almost six months before the release of the album. “Save Me” spent six weeks on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 11.
The song was played live from 1979 to 1982 and recorded for their live albums, Queen Rock Montreal at the Montreal Forum, Quebec, Canada in November 1981 and Queen on Fire – Live at the Bowl at the Milton Keynes Bowl, Buckinghamshire, England in June 1982. The song is also included on Queen’s Greatest Hits and Queen Forever albums.
Brian May wrote “Save Me” about a friend whose relationship with his wife had ended. Kerry Ellis included a version of the song on her debut album Anthems. She has performed the song with Brian May on Anthems: The Tour (2011) and at various events.
Musically, the song is complex, with verses in the key of G major, and a chorus in the key of D major. The instrumental solo, in the related key of G major, serves as an ode.
The video for this song was shot at Alexandra Palace on December 22, 1979 and was directed by Keith “Keef” MacMillan and featured animation of a woman and a dove. The video would be the last to feature Freddie without a moustache as he would sport once again starting with “Play the Game”, his next single, until 1987 when he shaved it off for “The Great Pretender” music video.
In pop culture: – In the New Girl episode “Tinfinity”, the song plays when Shivrang proposes to Cece. Intended to be an introduction to Schmidt’s friendship with Nick, celebrating 10 years of being roommates, Shivrang steals the show. Schmidt, as a result, ends up ruining their marriage.
Personnel: – Freddie Mercury – lead and backing vocals, – Brian May – acoustic and electric guitars, piano, synthesizer, backing vocals, – Roger Taylor – drums, backing vocals, – John Deacon – bass guitar. [sources/photo special]
