If Duff McKagan was the punk rock figure in Guns N’ Roses, then who was it in Queen?
Of course: Roger Taylor. McKagan showed his punk prowess with “It’s So Easy”, while Taylor demonstrated his punk proficiency with “Sheer Heart Attack”.
Taylor composed the song (and performed rhythm guitar and bass on it). He was always the “rocker” of the group, with a punkier edge than Freddie Mercury or Brian May. Interestingly, he actually started writing it years earlier for the 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬 album (1974) but did not complete it in time.
The song was featured on the 1977 album 𝘕𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. This was the height of the UK punk explosion (Sex Pistols, The Clash). While many prog-rock giants were being labeled “dinosaurs” by punks, Queen counters by proving they could be just as raw and aggressive.
The song’s notoriety was solidified by the legendary studio incident in which Sid Vicious wandered into Queen’s recording session and asked Freddie Mercury, “Have you succeeded in bringing ballet to the masses yet?” Freddie reportedly replied, “We’re doing our best, Mr. Ferocious!”
Rolling Stone described “Sheer Heart Attack” as a “punk-rock blast” that showcased Taylor’s distinct musical style.
Far Out Magazine called it a “high-octane masterpiece” that successfully bridged the gap between glam and punk.
While admiring its predecessor “Stone Cold Crazy,” James Hetfield (Metallica) cited the high-speed, jagged energy of this era of Queen as a primary influence on thrash metal.
UDiscover Music highlighted the song as a “photo-thrash” essential that showed Queen’s “chameleonic ability” to master any genre.
“‘Sheer Heart Attack’ was written in essence, not completely; it wasn’t finished at the time of recording 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘈𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬, but really we didn’t have room, and it wasn’t quite finished, and for a number of reasons it didn’t get on. But now, it lives again, and actually, I’m quite pleased with it. It’s really pure energy, and it’s one of my contributions to News of the World.” —Roger Taylor, 1977
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Featured image via Rolling Stone.
