Brian May covers hero Buddy Holly's 'Maybe Baby': "He's the reason I'm a rock star"

14 April 2022, 11:30 | Updated: 10 October 2023, 13:59

Brian May has covered Buddy Holly
Brian May has covered Buddy Holly. Picture: Alamy

By Tom Eames

Brian May has unveiled a tribute cover version of a Buddy Holly classic.

The Queen guitarist's rare version of Buddy Holly's rock and roll classic 'Maybe Baby' is now available for download and streaming, and it comes with a stunning new video.

The music video features Brian May 'fan art', comprised of a collection of colourful fan-created images of the legendary artist from throughout his career.

Watch the video below:

Brian May - Maybe Baby (Official Video)

Brian's new version of the track appears on the second disc of bonus tracks on the deluxe reissue of his second solo album, 1998's Another World.

The second release in his Gold series, it features the remastered original album alongside Another Disc, where he treats his fans to many previously unreleased remixes, rarities, live tracks and cover versions.

“I've never done a Buddy Holly song, and I did 'Maybe Baby,'” said Brian.

“That song more than probably any other, is the reason that I'm here doing this, playing guitar and being a rock star and being a very fortunate person.”

The album will also feature covers of the Shadows' 1961 instrumental 'F.B.I.' and Conway Twitty's 1958 ballad 'It's Only Make Believe.'

'Maybe Baby' was a massive hit for Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and it had a huge effect on Brian, who was just ten years old at the time.

“I heard Buddy Holly make that incredible sound on his guitar, that clang, singing that beautiful song, hearing those wonderful harmonies of the Crickets,” he said.

“And it completely motivated me. I just thought, 'That's what I want to do. I want to be able to make music that does that to people, makes them feel this kind of yearning, makes them feel this joy and passion.'”