Queen guitarist Brian May is set to play a previously unreleased Queen track that “no one has ever heard” called Not For Sale (Polar Bear) for the first time during a special festive broadcast on Planet Rock later today.
The song was originally recorded during the sessions for Queen’s seminal 1974 album, Queen II, however, did not make the final cut with its remastered version featuring in the upcoming 2026 rerelease of the album.
While a “bootleg” version of the song may already have circulated by May’s pre-Queen band, Smile, the guitarist has assured that “no one” has heard this version.
May said: “It’s a song that goes back a very long way, but to my knowledge no one has ever heard this version.
“It’s a work in progress and will appear on the forthcoming rebuild of the Queen II album – coming next year – but I’m sneaking this into my Planet Rock special because I’m fascinated to know what people think about it.
“I hope people have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!”
The musician will also reflect on the music, stories and memories that have shaped his own Christmases over the years
Fans will be able to hear the song for the first time during May’s Planet Rock Christmas Special on Monday at 6pm.
The radio special, which will also be repeated on Christmas Day, will include a hand-picked selection of May’s favourite Christmas and seasonal tracks.
The musician will also reflect on the music, stories and memories that have shaped his own Christmases over the years.
From Bad News to Slade, Chuck Berry and The Crystals, fans can expect a range of tunes including a Christmas hit by May’s wife, singer and actress Anita Dobson.
Formed in the 1970s, Queen was made up of guitarist May, drummer Roger Taylor, late frontman Freddie Mercury and bassist John Deacon.
Brian May’s Planet Rock Christmas Special will air on Planet Rock on Monday 22 December at 6pm, with a repeat broadcast on Christmas Day at 1pm.
Source: Press Association