Rare Queen Christmas Track 'Not For Sale (Polar Bear)' Unveiled After Decades

An unheard Queen Christmas song recorded in 1974 surfaces, revealing hidden gems from the iconic band's early days.

If you're a Queen fan like me, the thrill of discovering a lost track from the legendary band is nothing short of magical—especially when it’s a Christmas song! Just in time for the holidays, Queen has released ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’, a previously unheard tune from the vaults that dates back to 1974. This rare gem was recorded during sessions for their sophomore album, Queen II, but never made its way onto the final record.

Queen during the 1974 era when 'Not For Sale (Polar Bear)' was recorded.

A Vintage Christmas Surprise from Queen

The story behind this track adds a nostalgic charm. Brian May, Queen’s iconic guitarist, wrote the song originally for his earlier band Smile, and now fans get to hear it performed by Queen with the signature dual vocals of May and Freddie Mercury. Brian May shared the track’s premiere on Planet Rock radio, revealing that “to my knowledge no one has ever heard this version.”

This isn’t just a forgotten demo tossed aside; it’s a “work in progress,” set to feature on the upcoming reissue of Queen II scheduled for next year. May chose to sneak it into his radio special as a festive treat, eager to hear fans’ reactions:

“I hope people have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!” – Brian May

The song itself is a slow-burning number that lets you sink into that vintage 70s Queen vibe, complete with the charismatic vocal interplay between May and Mercury. For anyone longing to time travel back to that era, this track is a perfect soundtrack.

You can listen to ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ here:

Brian May’s Legendary Red Special Gift

While we’re basking in the glow of this newly unearthed tune, there's more Queen magic. Earlier this month, Brian May gifted Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath a left-handed replica of his famous Red Special guitar. This guitar, famously built in the early 1960s by May and his father from scratch, is a testament to DIY ingenuity. From reclaimed mahogany sourced from an old fireplace mantle to its oak fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl buttons, the Red Special is not only a musical instrument but a piece of rock history.

This guitar carried May through Queen’s iconic performances in the ‘70s and ‘80s and helped sculpt their distinctive sound. Passing on a replica to another guitar legend like Iommi feels like passing a torch between generations of rock royalty.

Queen’s Touring Future: Small Steps Ahead

On a more personal note, Brian May’s health updates have been on fans’ minds. After suffering a minor stroke last year, May has been candid about the challenges it brought. The stroke hit “all of a sudden, out of the blue,” temporarily impacting his arm control—a scary moment for sure.

May’s wife, Anita Dobson, recently hinted that while Queen is working on new music with Adam Lambert, the band is unlikely to return to the heavy touring schedules of the past. Instead, they plan to do “little bits and bobs” live, focusing more on music than marathon tours.

Final Thoughts: A Holiday Gift from Queen

Unearthing ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ feels like finding a secret ornament tucked away in the attic—something that adds sparkle to the holiday season for Queen fans everywhere. It’s a rare peek behind the curtain of their 1970s creativity and a warm reminder of the band’s enduring legacy.

FAQ

• When was ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ recorded?
  The track was recorded in 1974 during sessions for Queen’s second album, Queen II.
• Who sings on the track?
  Both Brian May and Freddie Mercury trade lead vocals on this previously unreleased version.
• Will ‘Not For Sale (Polar Bear)’ appear on any upcoming album?
  Yes, it is set to be part of the Queen II reissue expected in 2026.
• What is the story behind Brian May’s Red Special guitar?
  Brian May built the Red Special with his father in the early 1960s using reclaimed wood, and it became his signature instrument.
• Is Queen planning to tour again soon?
  According to Anita Dobson, Queen will likely avoid large tours in favor of smaller, selective performances.

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