Sunday, March 8, 2026

Brian May unboxes expanded Queen II reissue

As Queen prepares to release a series of expanded reissues of its 1974 classic, “Queen II”, later this month, guitarist Brian May is giving fans a preview of the package in a new unboxing video.

Due March 27 via Hollywood Records, Queen’s heaviest record reached No. 5 on the UK album charts while scoring the group its first hit when the lead single, “Seven Seas Of Rhye”, reached No. 10 on the UK charts.

“Queen II” has been remixed, remastered and expanded in a lavish 5CD+2LP box Queen II Collector’s Edition, as well as a 2xCD Deluxe Edition, Vinyl LP, Vinyl Picture Disc LP, 1xCD and cassette formats, all featuring a brand new 2026 mix.

The 5CD+2LP Queen II Collector’s Edition box set features the 2026 mix of the album, plus intimate fly-on-the-wall audio of Queen in the recording studio, previously unheard outtakes and demos, live tracks and radio sessions alongside a 112-page book featuring previously unseen photographs, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, and special memorabilia, as well as memories of writing and recording the album from the band members.

“With Queen II, I couldn’t believe how much work we put into it,” says Roger Taylor. “I think we felt we were evolving our own sound. We were pioneering this sort of multitracking thing. It gave you a tremendous pallet, massive choral effects with just three of us singing.”

Pick up some Queen for your collection here.