Queen released the song “Hammer to Fall” in 1984.
The track was written by Queen guitarist Brian May and appeared on the band’s ninth studio album, The Works. It became the album’s fourth and final single, with the UK single released on September 10, 1984, and the US release following on October 12. The album version runs for 4 minutes and 28 seconds, while the shorter single edit lasts 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
“Hammer to Fall” combines Queen’s powerful hard-rock sound with lyrics about mortality and the threat of nuclear conflict. May later explained that the “hammer” represents death, or the Grim Reaper, and that the song is ultimately about recognizing death as part of life. Its forceful guitar riff and Freddie Mercury’s vocals made it a major live-performance favorite.
The song is sometimes dated incorrectly because it was recorded in January 1984 and appeared on The Works during that year. Recording and release dates are different, but both point to 1984. It also gained renewed attention when Queen performed it during the Live Aid concert in July 1985.