While Brian May's reissue last week of Brian May + Friends: Star Fleet Project is a hard rock re-imagining of the signature tune from the Japanese-made kids science fiction series of the same name, it includes two other songs.
"Blues Breaker" is a jam that was dedicated to Eric Clapton. Unfortunately, Clapton wasn't impressed, reportedly saying something along the lines that playing the blues has rules.
May recently commented on that, saying, "I think he hated it! But that’s Okay; he’s entitled. He can do what he wants. I mean, Eric could do anything and he’ll still be our hero. That’s the way it is. There’s probably lots of things I disagree with Eric about, but that doesn’t change anything. He’s been one of the greatest influences, inspirations of my life, and that’ll never change. I always get goosebumps if I get to be anywhere near him. When I’m playing with him, the couple of times I’ve done it, it’s a wonderful moment, experience."
The third song, "Let Me Out," is one that May wrote by himself.
The reissue of Brian May + Friends: Star Fleet Project, featuring Eddie Van Halen, then-REO Speedwagon drummer Alan Gratzer and others, is the third in the “Brian May Gold Series” following 1992's Back to the Light and 1998's Another World. It contains 23 tracks spread over two CDs, one vinyl LP, and a vinyl single, as well as other collector’s items.
Yesterday, May turned 76, and Def Leppard wished him a happy birthday with a unique take on his 1976 Queen song "Tie Your Mother Down."