Brian May was having a really bad time finishing the guitar solo on "Dragon Attack." Been knocking away forever in the studio; still sucked. Stepped out to the pub and drank to the gills. Went back to the studio and banged out in one take what I think is one of the most original and interesting solos ever committed to tape.
Intoxicants passify the inner editor. That little voice that makes you hesitate before trying a novel solution b/c it seems like it might be stupid or lead to embarrassment. Having leverage to at least have the voice leave you alone for an evening can sometimes be a tremendous tool.
