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Queen Unveils 1974 Outtake 'Not For Sale (Polar Bear)' on Planet Rock

The newly aired take is the first official remaster from the Queen II sessions, slated for release on a 2026 reissue.

Overview

  • Brian May premiered the track on December 22 during a Planet Rock Christmas special in the UK.
  • Written by May in his Smile era and recorded in 1974 for Queen II, the take had never appeared on an official release, with one outlet reporting Freddie Mercury on vocals.
  • May stressed this is an official, remastered version distinct from previously circulated bootlegs and Smile-era recordings.
  • The song will see a commercial release as part of a special Queen II reissue planned for 2026.
  • May also noted that Queen worked in the studio this year with touring singer Adam Lambert, reflecting ongoing activity under May and Roger Taylor.