Brian May Solo Interview "Unite and Hold Hands" July 30, 11:35

The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics held on July 23.

The song that was played when the torch entered the stadium was "Holding Hands" by the British rock band "Queen".

Japanese is also used in some of the lyrics.

Prior to the opening ceremony, we asked Brian May, the guitarist of "Queen", about his thoughts on this song in a solo interview.

(International Department Reporter Mariko Sato)

Brian May responded to an online NHK interview on July 7, prior to the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics.

Q Please tell us about the song "Hand in Hand" written and composed by Mei and with Japanese lyrics.

"I wrote this song for Japan, of course for Japanese fans, because we always felt very familiar and thought it was very valuable. And we wrote it. I wanted to make it eternal. I wanted to pay homage. "

" I think that "gathering together" as expressed here is the key to everything. Mankind is the cause of division. We have to put things aside and unite, because otherwise we can't move forward. (As the infection of the new Corona spreads), "To defeat a common enemy. Now is the time to convey the message contained in the lyrics, "Let's hold hands with each other."

Q In Corona, it seems that the number of violent incidents against Asian residents in the United States has increased rapidly and the division has deepened.

"I think the world of corona wrath symbolizes the situation in the world today. People want to blame someone and impose stereotypes on someone. And when they find someone's faults, I attack that person because of its shortcomings. I think it's very sad. But we have to overcome it. We recognize each other as human beings, respect each other, and agree with someone's remarks. Even if you can't, you have to understand that disagreements are okay. Just because you disagree, you don't have to drive and attack the other person. On the other hand, someone who plays music There are people everywhere who are having fun with. Music is what connects people and I think music is valuable. "

Q May himself used a photo and video posting app to perform a live concert called "Micro Concert" as the infection of the new coronavirus spread. Why did you decide to do it?

"With the new Corona, I couldn't move from home or go to my studio, so it was great to share our performances with the world through Instagram. It was a two-way live with the fans. It was a precious moment in my life because I realized that'micro concert'was communication.'

"I'm'micro concert' Another reason why I started "Music" is that music is very important to support people's spirits and to overcome difficult situations. It was said in England that "music and theater are not essential". As a result, the victims were those who worked around the entertainment area, that is, those who were in charge of sound, lighting, production, etc. suddenly lost their source of income. I wanted to play for people and that was the only way I could do it. "

Q It's been 30 years since vocalist Freddie Mercury passed away.

"When I lost Freddie, I lost sight of where I was going. I had to pave the way for myself. But I don't regret it and it was a valuable experience. It wasn't long before we were able to talk about Freddie and the wonderful things we experienced, enjoy them, and be proud again. We built them as "queens" for many years. What I've done, the work I've done together, it's part of my life. It's a very big part, but not all of my life. "

Q About holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in Corona.

"I'm not sure about the infection status of the new corona in Japan, but I knew that there were pros and cons to hosting the Olympics and Paralympics, and I really sympathize with those who think that they should be more cautious. However, the fact that it was actually held must have made us decide to do our best. With everyone paying attention to the Olympics, we also have to face our responsibilities. I hope it will be a joyous tournament. "

International Department Reporter

Mariko Sato

Joined in

2011

After working at Fukushima Bureau and Social Affairs

Department

,

in charge of

International Department

America and

Europe from 2015

"Queen" solo interview Brian May

Click here for past interview articles on the lyrics of "hold hands"