“SPREAD YOUR WINGS
John Deacon / 4:36
Musicians
Freddie Mercury: lead vocals, piano
Brian May: electric guitar
John Deacon: bass, acoustic guitar
Roger Taylor: drums
Recorded
Basing Street Studios, London: late July 1977
Sarm East Studios, London: September 1977 (mixing)
Technical Team
Producers: Queen, Mike Stone
Sound Engineer: Mike Stone
Assistant Sound Engineers: Robert Ash (Basing Street), Gary Lyons (Sarm), Gary Langan (Sarm)
Single
Side A: Spread Your Wings (single edit) / 4:28
Side B: Sheer Heart Attack / 3:24
UK Release on EMI: February 10, 1978 (ref. EMI 2757)
Best UK Chart Ranking: 34”
This was the next John Deacon song after You & I from A Day At The Races album. The band had regretted releasing Tie Your Mother Down over You & I after the single didn’t chart particularly high.
Released on February 10, 1978, “Spread Your Wings” did not chart highly in the United Kingdom, only reaching 34 in the charts. Despite this it’s a fan favourite.
The song tells the story of Sammy who is struggling to make ends meet and being lectured by his boss. Musically it showcases John Deacons songwriting skills. The use of Bm - Bm/A - Bm/G# chords is a skilful touch and you could be forgiven for thinking the track is penned by Freddie Mercury
The song also appears on Queen live album Live Killers
The video was shot in January 1978 by director Rock Flicks in the snowy garden of Roger Taylor’s country house in Surrey while not being able to remember the names of the band. We Will Rock video was also recorded alongside this track
Brian May used the John Birch Red Special copy which would meet its end when Brian got frustrated with the instrument and smashed it.
