Legendary guitarist Brian May has moved to clarify recent comments regarding the future of Queen‘s touring career. Following widespread reports that suggested the band had performed their final live shows, May took to social media to set the record straight, emphasizing that his previous statements were taken out of context.
In a recent interview with The Times, May had reflected on the personal toll of life on the road. “I made a decision 18 months ago that I didn’t want to tour again,” he explained. “I love to play, I love to travel, but the trade-off is sacrificing your freedom. I have a wife, grandchildren and a lot of astrophysics I want to do, so I’m thinking maybe 50 years is enough.”
Addressing the Misinterpretation
Following the publication of these remarks, various news outlets interpreted the guitarist’s words as a definitive retirement from touring. May, however, clarified his position via Instagram, stating, “This is a misinterpretation of what I actually said. I have actually never said Queen won’t ever tour again. I could never say never. I simply made a personal decision last year to take a break from touring.”
He further elaborated on his ongoing creative partnership with drummer Roger Taylor, noting that the pair remain active on various projects behind the scenes. “I don’t know what the future holds. I’m ever open to new adventures!” May added.
Exploring New Performance Frontiers
While the traditional touring model may be on hold, May remains interested in innovative ways to bring the band’s music to audiences. During his conversation with The Times, he expressed a desire to pursue something “fairly revolutionary” that moves beyond the standard concert format.
“Last year I went to the Sphere, my juices started flowing and I sketched out a whole Queen show,” May shared. “I think an immersive experience is still on the cards and it could conquer time and space, but currently you can’t make it without AI and I have serious misgivings about that. Data centers are a massive evil and have to be fought.”
As it stands, the future of Queen’s live presence remains open-ended, with May prioritizing both his personal life and his commitment to finding a sustainable, innovative path forward for the band’s legacy.
