More than 50 years after it was recorded, a previously unheard Christmas-themed song from Queen is finally set to see the light of day. Guitarist Brian May confirmed that the track, titled “Not For Sale (Polar Bear),” had been sitting quietly in the band’s archives since 1974. According to May, this is a version that fans genuinely have never heard before.
The song dates back to the sessions for Queen II, a record that helped establish Queen’s darker, more theatrical side. While the album became a defining release for the band, several recordings were left behind as ideas evolved and track lists tightened. “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” was one of those unfinished pieces that never made the final cut.
That long silence ended this December when the song received its first-ever official radio play. It debuted on Planet Rock, giving listeners a rare glimpse into Queen’s creative process during their early years. For longtime fans, it was an unexpected holiday gift straight from the band’s formative era.
The Song’s Long and Unusual History
Although this Queen recording has never been officially released, the song itself isn’t entirely unknown. Brian May explained that earlier versions of “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” may have circulated in bootleg form under Queen’s pre-fame name, Smile. Still, he stressed that this particular 1974 Queen version had remained unheard until now.
Described by May as a “work in progress,” the track reflects the experimental mindset the band had during the Queen II sessions. Rather than a polished holiday single, it captures Queen testing ideas, arrangements, and moods while still shaping their identity. That unfinished quality is part of its appeal, offering a more intimate look at how the band worked behind closed doors.
May admitted he deliberately slipped the song into his Planet Rock Christmas special to see how people would react. It wasn’t about presenting a perfected lost classic, but about sharing something honest from the archives. His curiosity seemed rooted in whether fans would appreciate hearing Queen in such an unguarded creative moment.
What Comes Next for “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)”
The radio debut is only the beginning for the track. “Not For Sale (Polar Bear)” is scheduled to appear on a future reissue of Queen II, currently expected in 2026. The reissue promises to revisit the album with fresh perspective, giving fans a deeper look at the sessions that shaped one of Queen’s most ambitious early releases.
Including the song in the reissue adds historical value rather than rewriting the album’s legacy. It won’t change what Queen II represents, but it does expand the story around it. For listeners interested in how Queen evolved, the track acts as a missing puzzle piece rather than a forgotten hit.
As for its timing, releasing a long-lost Queen Christmas song more than half a century later feels fitting. In his message to listeners, Brian May wished fans a wonderful Christmas and New Year, framing the release as a shared celebration rather than a major commercial event. For many, that simple gesture may make the song’s arrival feel even more special.