Brian May has big plans for next summer's reissue of his 1983 EP Star Fleet, featuring Eddie Van Halen.
He says, "It won’t be just a remaster. We’re remixing everything from highest definition transfers from the original multi-tracks. You’ll still be able to hear the old mixes, but I’m excited about what we’re cooking up now. All the original material -- every detail rescued -- magnificently remixed -- and much more! And lots of moments of EVH in his prime that nobody ever heard before. Wish I could unleash it all now...but it WILL Be worth the wait -- I promise!!!"
May also posted a video of him psyching himself up by blasting Van Halen in the studio.
Credited to Brian May + Friends, Star Fleet has three tracks -- a cover of the theme to the Japanese sci-fi anime series Star Fleet; a May original, "Let Me Out"; and a jam, "Blues Breaker," which was dedicated to Eric Clapton. Unfortunately, Clapton wasn't impressed, reportedly saying something along the lines that playing the blues has rules.
In Eddie news, rare footage of him playing an early configuration of his iconic Frankenstein guitar has been posted on YouTube.
The eight-millimeter film was shot on September 8th, 1978 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center seven months after Van Halen had released their self-titled debut album.