The Lyric Brian May Scribbled On A Plane Napkin That Became The Chorus To A Hit

April 1, 2025

It was a typical day for Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, as he settled into his seat on a flight bound for a music festival. The hum of the airplane engines provided a familiar backdrop, but inside his mind, a storm of creativity was brewing. As he gazed out of the window, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming performance. The pressure of being in one of the world’s most famous rock bands weighed heavily on him, and he sought a spark of inspiration to lift his spirits.

On that long flight, Brian pulled out a simple napkin and a pen from his jacket pocket. The blank surface seemed to call out to him. With each stroke of his pen, he jotted down a line that danced in his head, a lyric that captured his heart. “We will, we will rock you,” he wrote, not knowing that these words would soon become etched in music history. As he penned the chorus, the rhythm filled his mind and soul; he could almost hear the powerful beat that would accompany it, a heartbeat both for the band and for the audience that would one day roar along with it.

When the plane touched down, Brian took that napkin with him like a treasure. He shared the idea with his bandmates, Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, and they rallied around it with enthusiasm. The energy in the studio was electric as they transformed those simple words into a rousing anthem. The pounding beat and clapping hands brought the song to life, creating a connection that seemed to resonate with everyone who heard it. “We Will Rock You” was born, but it was more than just a song; it became a rallying cry for fans around the world.

The success of the song catapulted Queen to new heights. Concerts were no longer just performances; they turned into monumental experiences where audiences joined together, singing the chorus in unison. The raw energy of the song brought people together, bridging gaps between generations and cultures. Brian felt a profound sense of fulfillment knowing that something he had scribbled on a napkin had become a source of joy for millions. His resilience through the stress and doubts of the music industry had led to something extraordinary.

In the years that followed, “We Will Rock You” became an iconic anthem, played in stadiums, events, and countless celebrations. It was a reminder that music has the power to unite and inspire. For Brian, the journey from the cramped airplane to the expansive world stage was a testament to believing in oneself and never backing down from a spark of creativity. Every time he strummed that iconic riff, he was reminded of that day, the napkin, and the breathtaking magic of following one’s passion.

Through the highs and lows of his career, Brian May would often reflect on that moment of inspiration. It was a turning point not just for a song, but for him personally. It fueled his love for music and reminded him that even in moments of doubt, creativity could emerge from the most unexpected places. He learned that sometimes, taking a small step—like writing on a napkin—could lead to monumental changes, proving that dreams can take flight in the most surprising ways.