In the winter of 2023, the British saxophonist Steve Gregory, famous for his iconic solo on George Michael’s «Careless Whisper,» granted an exclusive interview to the magazine of the Official International Queen Fan Club.
In this conversation with Dave Fordham, Gregory relived his experience collaborating with Queen on the song «One Year Of Love,» a track from the album «A Kind Of Magic» (1986). This romantic ballad, written by bassist John Deacon and sung by Freddie Mercury, was included in the soundtrack for the movie «Highlander,» and marked one of the rare moments when Queen incorporated an external guest musician.
Gregory, with a career spanning over 50 years that includes collaborations with artists like The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac, explained how the opportunity arose. His connection with Deacon dates back to the 1970s, when Gregory was part of the band Gonzalez, one of John’s favorite groups.
«John was a really solid bassist and he liked a lot of the same music as me,» Gregory recalled in the interview. Although he doesn’t remember exactly how he got the call for the 1986 session, he expressed his gratitude: «I really don’t know the story of how I got the call for ‘One Year Of Love,’ but it was nice that they asked me to play.»
An «atypical» song for the band
The song, described by Gregory as a «soulful ballad and not necessarily a typical Queen track,» replaced the usual guitar solo with a saxophone one, an idea that Deacon proposed to Mercury.
«John must have presented the idea of me playing to Freddie, who accepted it with both hands,» he commented.
Gregory recorded his part in the studio, adding an emotional touch that elevates the lyrics about fleeting love and pain. The string orchestra conducted by Lynton Naiff complemented his contribution, creating a cinematic atmosphere.
This 2023 reflection, republished on Queen’s official website in March 2025, highlights Gregory’s humility. He mentioned personal anecdotes, such as his granddaughter playing «Careless Whisper» at school, but no one believes that her grandfather is the one behind the legendary solo.
For Queen fans, this interview sheds light on a little-known chapter in their discography, reminding us how unexpected collaborations enrich music. «One Year Of Love» is not only an anthem to heartbreak, but a testament to the band’s versatility, thanks to talents like Gregory.
