For decades, countless bands have attempted to capture the spirit and grandeur of Queen. From the theatricality of their live shows to the emotional power of their music, the bar set by Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon remains nearly untouchable. While many groups have tried to carry that torch, most have fallen short.
That’s why it’s remarkable that Brian May himself has now recognized a band that he believes is carrying on Queen’s magic. As one of rock’s most respected guitarists, his words carry enormous weight. If anyone can identify the essence of what made Queen special, it’s May.
The guitarist’s recent praise isn’t just a casual compliment; it’s an endorsement of a younger band that has managed to blend showmanship, emotional depth, and musical brilliance in a way that echoes Queen’s legendary presence. That band is The Struts.
The Struts Step Into the Spotlight
The Struts, a glam-rock outfit from Derby, England, first emerged in the early 2010s with a sound that seemed to channel the spirit of classic rock while injecting a fresh energy. Their breakout single “Could Have Been Me” quickly earned them international recognition, eventually landing in the top ten of the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
Though the song initially resonated more in America than in their native Britain, its message of living boldly and unapologetically began to catch on worldwide. For Brian May, it was a discovery that came later than he would have liked, but one that made an immediate impact.
Calling “Could Have Been Me” one of the best rock songs ever, May lamented how the track “passed people by” in Britain. For him, the anthem embodies both the urgency of youth and the timeless desire to seize life’s opportunities.
A Collaboration That Bridges Generations
In September 2025, The Struts invited Brian May to join them on a re-recorded version of “Could Have Been Me.” For May, the chance to contribute wasn’t just about revisiting a song he had grown to love. It was also about aligning himself with artists who embody the same fearless energy that made Queen iconic.
Revisiting the song gave May a sense of nostalgia, as though he had stumbled across the kind of anthem he wished he could have played when he was younger. For the guitarist, this was more than a guest appearance—it was a validation of the band’s artistry.
The collaboration represents a rare musical moment where past and present collide. By working with The Struts, May effectively stamped the group with his seal of approval, bridging generations of rock and reaffirming that Queen’s legacy can still find new life in today’s music.
Luke Spiller and the Spirit of Freddie Mercury
At the heart of Brian May’s admiration lies The Struts’ lead vocalist, Luke Spiller. In interviews, May has openly compared Spiller to Freddie Mercury, citing not just his powerful voice but his unshakable confidence and charisma. It’s a comparison that isn’t made lightly, given Mercury’s legendary status.
May emphasized that Spiller possesses the same rare “extra ingredient” that Freddie had—the ability to make the world come to him through sheer force of will and authenticity. That trait, combined with his songwriting and vocal prowess, places Spiller in a league few singers ever reach.
For May, “Could Have Been Me” captures both the band’s artistry and the kind of inspirational message that resonates deeply across generations. As he put it, it says everything a young person needs to know about living life without regret. With The Struts, May sees a band capable of ensuring Queen’s magic continues to inspire audiences for years to come.
