‘Wicked’: Queen’s Brian May Played on the Best Version of ‘Defying Gravity’

Classic rock and Broadway music aren’t associated with each other, but they sometimes overlap in amazing ways. For example, Queen’s Brian May once played guitar on a version of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked that is incredible. It might be the best version of the song out there. It also proved that the sentiment of the song works better in a hard rock context. 

Queen’s Brian May brought out the rock ‘n’ roll themes of ‘Defying Gravity’ from ‘Wicked’

Wicked has many songs that are beloved in the musical theater community. The one that has become the most famous is the show-stopper “Defying Gravity.” Part of the reason why the song is so ubiquitous is its incredible melody courtesy of Stephen Schwartz. Schwartz was behind other major musicals like Godspell and Pippin, and he also wrote songs for the Disney movies Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Enchanted. The other reason why “Defying Gravity” works so well is that it voices a universal sentiment. Everyone has felt put upon and wants to break free of what’s holding them back.

That desire for freedom is a major theme in rock ‘n’ roll. In fact, turning “Defying Gravity” into a hard rock song makes it feel more rebellious and triumphant. When musical theater star Kerry Ellis performed “Defying Gravity” with May, it brought a whole new layer to the song. It gave the track a certain energy that was both victorious and desperate. Idina Menzel’s original version of the track is great, but Ellis and May perfected the song.

Why performing in ‘Wicked’ is like running a marathon

During an interview with Teatralment, Ellis discussed her experience with Wicked. “Wicked changed my life, it took me to Broadway,” she recalled. “I opened the show in London. It led to the release of my first album and many awards. I am forever grateful to that show.”

She loved playing the Wicked Witch of the West. “One of the best things about playing Elphaba is the journey she goes on,” she said. “There are so many challenges with the character vocally, physically and emotionally it’s like running a marathon but the rewards are phenomenal.”

Kerry Ellis isn’t the biggest fan of ‘Defying Gravity’

Ellis gave fans insight into singing “Defying Gravity” while flying above the audience. “It’s funny really, when you’re in the harness you don’t seem as high as it looks from the audience,” she said. “It’s obviously riveting because I get to see the audience spaces for the first time in the show and to see all those smiles and excited faces is pure magic.”

Ellis was asked to name her favorite song from the musical and she didn’t mention “Defying Gravity!” “Depends on the day you ask me, I guess,” she said. “Today would be ‘No Good Deed.’ I love to perform it, and I don’t get to sing very often now.” “No Good Deed” isn’t one of the more famous tunes from the musical and it doesn’t have much of a hook. However, if Ellis and May took a crack at it, it might sound a lot better.

“Defying Gravity” is one of the most beloved songs in the history of Broadway, and May gave it that extra kick.