QUEEN's Future: Will They Rise from the Ashes Again?
In a recent chat on "The Rock Show With Shaun Keaveny" on BBC Radio 2, QUEEN's own powerhouse drummer Roger Taylor weighed in on the band's potential return to the live stage. At the ripe age of 76, Taylor acknowledges the complexities involved, declaring, "It is a big machine to gear up, if you know what I mean." He quickly passes the baton to guitarist Brian May, stating, "It's really how he feels about it. So if we both wanna do it, I'd be happy to. But we'll see. Never say never." With the formidable Adam Lambert lending his voice to the legacy, the prospect of a QUEEN revival is tantalizingly close yet obscured by uncertainty.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lambert, who has been the face of QUEEN on stage since 2012, recently shared his thoughts with Smooth Radio. "There's nothing on the books with QUEEN," he admitted candidly. However, he made it clear that the conversation about a future tour is still open, stating, "If they call me and say, 'Hey, we wanna tour again,' I'll say, 'Yeah, sure, I'd love to.'" For Lambert, the QUEEN gig has been a dream side job, a chance to celebrate the iconic Freddie Mercury's legacy while also forging his own path with his upcoming album, "Adam."
Yet, the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. Earlier this year, May expressed concerns about the current state of America, citing it as a "dangerous place" and lamenting that the country they once thrived in is not what it used to be. "Everyone is thinking twice about going there at the moment," he lamented, leaving fans to wonder if the U.S. will ever see the return of QUEEN. The uncertainty only thickens when considering that both Taylor and May have indicated there’s no plan for a final farewell tour. "I don't think we're done," Taylor said, dismissing the notion of a definitive ending.
In the shadows of this uncertainty lies the health of both May and Taylor. Brian May has been through the wringer, suffering a minor stroke earlier this year, followed by a heart attack in 2018 that nearly claimed him. Despite his health challenges, which have reportedly left him cautious about large-scale touring, May hinted at the possibility of new QUEEN music, indicating that the band might not be done just yet. "It was time to take a break and spend time with family, take stock. But never say never about not coming back," he teased, igniting hope amongst the QUEEN faithful.
As QUEEN's legacy looms large and the band members navigate their health and the tumultuous world around them, one thing remains clear: the spirit of QUEEN is far from extinguished. Whether they will take the stage again or not, the music and the memories endure, echoing the timeless essence of rock and roll. For now, fans must hold their breath and stay tuned—QUEEN's next chapter is waiting to be written.