Brian May wrote Queen’s first single, “Keep Yourself Alive.”
The song was released in 1973 as the band’s debut single and also opened Queen’s self-titled first album. May developed the song before Queen’s classic four-member lineup had fully settled, and its energetic guitar work became an early showcase for his playing and the group’s layered sound.
“Keep Yourself Alive” did not become a major chart hit in the United Kingdom at the time of its first release, but it later became an important part of Queen’s live and historical identity. The recording features May’s guitar textures alongside Freddie Mercury’s lead vocal, John Deacon’s bass and Roger Taylor’s drums.
A common mix-up is to credit the song to Freddie Mercury because he sang it. Queen’s songwriting credits were divided among all four members over the years, but this particular composition is credited to Brian May. The track’s title also gave the debut album an immediately recognizable opening statement.