Brian May Records Guitar for Masters of the Universe
The legendary Queen guitarist collaborated with composer Daniel Pemberton on the film's upcoming musical score.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Metal
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Queen guitarist Brian May spent three days in Q3 2026 recording guitar parts for the score of the film Masters of the Universe. He collaborated with composer Daniel Pemberton, who sought a rock-inspired sound to reflect the fantastical nature of the He-Man franchise.
Why it matters
The collaboration continues a long history of high-profile rock musicians contributing to major film scores. May was motivated to participate by his positive personal memories of the franchise.
Brian May completed his contributions during a three-day session at his home studio. The project features the score track The Legend of Eternia, which includes performances by members of the band The Darkness.
The players
Brian May
He is the lead guitarist for the band Queen and a renowned musician known for his unique tone and the custom-built Red Special guitar.
Daniel Pemberton
He is a professional film composer recognized for his versatile scores across numerous cinematic genres.
The Darkness
This British rock band is known for their theatrical style and high-register vocal performances.
The details
Daniel Pemberton composed the score in a style designed to mimic the signature rock sound of Queen. Brian May recorded his parts using his iconic Red Special guitar after mentally composing the melodies before playing them.
Timeline
Queen released the Flash Gordon score in 1980.
Queen released the Highlander soundtrack in 1986.
The standard vinyl edition of the score is expected in January 2027.
The deluxe vinyl edition of the score is expected in February 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The project continues a legacy of iconic rock musicians anchoring major film scores to drive audience engagement. This trend mirrors the historical impact of the 1980 Flash Gordon film score, bridging the gap between stadium-rock aesthetics and cinematic storytelling.
Fans of Queen and the He-Man franchise can anticipate the score's release via standard and deluxe vinyl editions early in 2027. These formats will provide listeners with a physical record of the collaboration between the rock legend and composer Daniel Pemberton.
The takeaway
This project highlights how filmmakers continue to leverage the distinct sounds of legendary rock icons to heighten the emotional stakes of fantasy storytelling. Listeners looking to experience this fusion can watch for the vinyl releases to hear how the Red Special guitar shapes the film's sonic identity.
What happens next
The standard vinyl edition of the score is scheduled for release in January 2027, followed by a deluxe vinyl edition in February 2027.
Further reading
Discover more about heavy metal and rock influences in cinema in our Metal section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rolling Stone.
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