Sheer Heart Attack (song)

"Sheer Heart Attack" is a song by the British rock band Queen, released on their sixth studio album News of the World in 1977. It is one of two songs on the album entirely written by Roger Taylor.

Background
"Sheer Heart Attack" was originally written for the album of the same name in 1974, but was not included on the album for several reasons. The song was finished for News of the World in 1977.

Roger Taylor plays almost every instrument on the finished track, with some help from Brian May on guitar. This is one of the few original Queen recordings that does not feature bass guitarist John Deacon.

The song was the B-side of the Deacon-penned single "Spread Your Wings" in February 1978. It was also the B-side of the single "It's Late", written by May, which was released only in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Japan in April 1978.

The opening lyrics make reference to "I Saw Her Standing There" by the Beatles, which start with "Well, she was just seventeen/You know what I mean", compared to the track's "Well you're just 17 and all you want to do is disappear/You know what I mean there's a lot of space between your ears".

Live performances
The song was performed live from 1977 to 1984. It has been released on three live albums: Live Killers in 1979, Queen Rock Montreal in 1981, and Queen on Fire - Live at the Bowl in 1982.

Personnel

 * Freddie Mercury – lead vocals and backing vocals
 * Brian May – lead guitar
 * Roger Taylor – lead vocals and backing vocals, drums, rhythm guitar, bass