What’s occurring, rockers? Strap yourselves in, because this one’s a proper job! The Riff Report has been buzzing louder than Brian May’s amp stack since the news dropped: Queen legend Brian May has joined forces with The Struts on a revamped version of their debut single “Could Have Been Me.”
Now, before you shrug and think, “Oh, it’s just another collab,” let me stop you right there. This isn’t your average “guest spot.” This is the guitar sorcery of Brian freakin’ May colliding with one of Britain’s most flamboyant exports of the last decade. That’s like throwing petrol on a glitter cannon. BOOM. 💥✨
And the result? A rock resurrection that feels like Freddie’s ghost popped down from the heavens, winked at Luke Spiller, and said: “Go on, darling. You’ve earned this one.” 👑🎤
The Struts: From Derby to the Damn World 🌍👠
Before we dive headfirst into Brian’s glorious riffs, let’s rewind the tape a bit. Who exactly are The Struts, and why is this collab such a big deal?
Formed in Derby in 2012, The Struts were the band who came out of nowhere with eyeliner thicker than your nan’s gravy and ambition bigger than Wembley. Their debut single “Could Have Been Me” (2014) was a statement — all spit, swagger, and stadium-sized choruses. It screamed: “We’re here to save rock ‘n’ roll from beige indie nonsense!”
Early Days 🥂
- Luke Spiller (vocals): Often dubbed the “second coming of Freddie Mercury.” A frontman who struts like he was born with glitter in his bloodstream.
- Adam Slack (guitar): The riff machine — think Keith Richards meets Mick Ronson with a touch of modern crunch.
- Jed Elliott (bass) & Gethin Davies (drums): The rhythm section keeping this glam circus on the rails.
They toured relentlessly, supporting everyone from The Rolling Stones to Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl even called them “the best opening band we’ve ever had.” And if Grohl blesses you, that’s basically sainthood in rock terms. 🙌
By the time their debut album Everybody Wants dropped, they were already being hailed as glam’s saviours. America, especially, lapped them up — The Struts weren’t just a UK band, they were an exported party machine.
Brian May: Eternal Riff King 👑🎸
Now let’s switch gears. Brian May doesn’t just play guitar. He makes that homemade Red Special speak, scream, and weep. He built it with his dad in the early ’60s (out of a fireplace, no less — only in Britain, mun!) and it went on to soundtrack everything from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “We Will Rock You.”
May’s guitar tone is instantly recognisable. You hear it, and your brain just goes: “That’s Queen. That’s history.”
So when Brian plugs into a Struts track, it’s not just a cameo. It’s an anointing. Like Zeus tossing thunderbolts, except the thunderbolt is a harmony-laden solo that makes your pint foam over. 🍺⚡
The Original vs The Revamp 🎶⚔️
Alright, let’s talk shop. “Could Have Been Me” (2014) vs. “Could Have Been Me” (2025 Brian May Edition).
The OG (2014) 💿
- Pure Struts energy: youthful, bratty, and strutting into the spotlight like peacocks on Red Bull.
- Luke’s vocals had that raw “hungry band” edge — he was clearly channeling Freddie but hadn’t yet found his full command.
- The guitar riff slapped, but it still felt like the band were holding back, waiting for the big break.
The New Version (2025) 🚀👑
- Enter Brian May: his guitar doesn’t just add flavour; it rewrites the DNA. The solo is dripping with those trademark harmonies, like Queen crashing a glam revival.
- Luke Spiller’s vocals are more seasoned now — still flamboyant, but with years of touring grit. He owns the song in a way 2014 Luke couldn’t.
- Production: bigger, shinier, more cinematic. This feels less like a single and more like an anthem designed for stadiums.
It’s not a remix. It’s a resurrection. The song was already strut-worthy, but now it’s stratospheric.
Fan Reactions: Glitter Meltdowns Everywhere 💅🔥
The second this collab dropped, fans went feral online. Here’s a sampler:
- “This is the Queen collab I never knew I needed!”
- “Luke Spiller + Brian May = Freddie smiling in heaven rn 🕊️✨.”
- “The Struts just levelled up to main boss status.”
- “Brian May could strum a Tesco receipt and I’d cry, but THIS… this is art.”
On TikTok, the sound is already being used in edits of cats wearing tiny leather jackets. Which, frankly, is the internet working at its highest possible function. 🐈⬛🎸
The Queen Connection 🏰
This isn’t just a random feature. The Struts have always been heavily influenced by Queen. Luke Spiller has said countless times that Freddie Mercury was his guiding light.
And Queen, for their part, have always been open to passing the torch. Remember when Adam Lambert stepped into Freddie’s shoes and nailed it? Brian and Roger know the importance of keeping the flame alive.
This collab feels like May giving The Struts the ultimate nod: “You lot have got what it takes. Keep strutting.”
What’s Next for The Struts? 🔮
So where do they go from here?
- New Album Incoming? With this reimagined track, whispers are flying that a full record could be on the horizon, possibly with more high-profile collabs.
- Festival Circuit Takeover: Glastonbury? Download? Reading? Hell, even Steelhouse Festival up the mountain in Ebbw Vale — imagine Brian May rocking the valleys! 🏔️
- Queen x Struts Tour? Ok, this might be fan fiction… but don’t pretend you wouldn’t sell your nan’s mobility scooter for tickets.
Why This Matters 🖤
In a world where rock is constantly being declared “dead” by boring pundits, moments like this remind us: rock isn’t dead. It’s alive, strutting, and wearing eyeliner thicker than ever.
The Struts represent the future. Brian May represents the immortal past. Together, they’ve created something timeless.
And let’s be honest, we live for this kind of madness. The kind of collab that makes you grab your mates, crack a cider, and yell “YESS MUN!” at the clouds. 🌧️🍎
Final Riff 🤘
So there it is, butt. A collab dripping with glitter, riffs, and history. “Could Have Been Me” has gone from a debut anthem to a full-blown glam-rock hymn, blessed by one of the greatest guitarists who ever lived.
The Struts strut harder. Brian May remains untouchable. And us lot? We’re just lucky enough to be along for the ride.
Long live glam. Long live Queen. Long live The Struts.
Now, turn this one up loud enough to scare the neighbours. 🎶🔥
