Queen Guitarist Sir Brian May Rules Out Future Touring After Perspective Shift
In an interview with The Times, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May announced that the band will not tour again, explaining that a close family friend’s death while the band was in the United States put things into perspective. May, 79, and his bandmate Roger Taylor, 77, have focused on solo projects recently, including Taylor’s solo album Violence Insane in a Beautiful World and May launching his own brand of gin. May last toured with Queen + Adam Lambert on The Rhapsody Tour, which concluded in Japan on February 14, 2024.
Why Sir Brian May Decided to Stop Touring
“I made a decision 18 months ago that I didn’t want to tour again,” Sir Brian told The Times. When a close family friend died during an American tour, he informed his tour manager that he would nip home for a few days before returning. “She looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You know you can’t do that.’ I love to play, I love to travel, but the trade-off is sacrificing your freedom,” he said. He added that he wants to focus on his wife, actress Anita Dobson, his grandchildren, and his work in astrophysics, concluding that “maybe 50 years is enough.”
Roger Taylor Explores Immersive Virtual Concert Plans
While traditional touring has ended, Queen drummer Roger Taylor hinted at alternative ways for fans to experience the band’s music and performances by late lead singer Freddie Mercury. Comparing the concept to ABBA Voyage, Taylor said, “We do want to do something fairly revolutionary. Not as Abba did, but along those lines.” Taylor shared that visiting the Sphere concert hall in Las Vegas inspired him to sketch out an immersive Queen show that could conquer time and space.
Artificial Intelligence Concerns Halting Virtual Show Plans
Both band members expressed reservations about utilizing artificial intelligence to build an immersive virtual concert. Taylor noted that creating such a show currently requires artificial intelligence, stating he has “serious misgivings about that.” Sir Brian echoed these concerns, having previously discussed the environmental impact of data centers linked to artificial intelligence. He told Absolute Radio in September that he backed off from his plans for a Queen show because it required massive use of artificial intelligence and its associated consequences.
Did you know? Queen + Adam Lambert’s final tour stop on The Rhapsody Tour took place in Japan on February 14, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queen’s Future Plans
When did Queen play their last live tour show?
Queen + Adam Lambert wrapped up The Rhapsody Tour in Japan on February 14, 2024.
What solo projects have the band members pursued recently?
Roger Taylor released a solo album titled Violence Insane in a Beautiful World, while Sir Brian May introduced his own brand of gin alongside his ongoing work in astrophysics.
Why did Roger Taylor’s virtual concert plans stall?
Both Taylor and Sir Brian May expressed serious concerns over relying heavily on artificial intelligence and the environmental impact of the data centers required to power an immersive digital experience.
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