Brian May, the renowned guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, has hinted at a potential end to the band’s touring days. In a candid discussion with The Times, he voiced a desire to focus on family, personal interests, and astrophysics instead of embarking on more tours, after half a century of travelling and performing.
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Speaking about his decision, May, who is now 79, recounted a profound experience that influenced his outlook. During a stint in the United States for a tour, a close family friend passed away. May reflected on this moment, revealing that he considered briefly returning home but was reminded by his tour manager that touring does not allow for such flexibility. 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.”
May clarified his stance by stating that while he is stepping back from touring, he is still interested in innovative ways for Queen’s music to reach audiences. He expressed a desire to explore new ideas, saying, “We do want to do something fairly revolutionary,” though he emphasised that it wouldn’t follow the same direction as ABBA’s recent virtual shows.
In 2022, ABBA made headlines with a virtual concert series at London’s Olympic Park, where the group appeared in holographic form, known as ‘ABBA-tars’. This type of immersive experience has piqued May’s interest, suggesting that such a production could be a future endeavour for Queen. He mentioned being inspired after visiting The Sphere, a cutting-edge entertainment venue, which led him to brainstorm concepts for a unique Queen show.
However, May expressed reservations regarding the use of artificial intelligence in creating such an experience. He raised concerns about the environmental impact of data centres, describing them as a “massive evil” that should be diligently contested. His commitment to ensuring that any future Queen project maintains the band’s integrity and authenticity seems paramount to him.
The last time Queen toured was during the Rhapsody world tour, which concluded in February 2024 with Adam Lambert as the lead vocalist. Following this tour, May faced a health scare in late 2024 when he suffered a minor stroke that temporarily affected his left arm. In a subsequent interview with ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh, he shared insights into his recovery, revealing that he views challenges as wake-up calls. He maintains an active lifestyle, frequently cycling and swimming, which he credits for his continued vitality.
Despite the challenges he has faced, May’s passion for performing remains evident. In May 2025, young artist Benson Boone brought May on stage during his Coachella performance, showcasing a theatrical rendition of Queen’s classic track “Bohemian Rhapsody”. This moment reflects the enduring legacy of Queen’s music and May’s connection to it.
As May contemplates stepping away from the rigours of touring, he appears to do so with a sense of fulfilment. Fifty years of performing has left an indelible mark on music history, and while Queen may shift its focus in the future, the band’s impact remains substantial. Turning towards family and personal pursuits, May embodies a transition that many artists eventually consider, navigating the balance between passion and personal life.
In conclusion, as Brian May reflects on his incredible journey with Queen, he stands on the brink of a new chapter, exploring creative pursuits that honour the band’s legendary status while prioritising personal interests and family connections. The future may hold immersive experiences that pay homage to their music, ensuring that the essence of Queen resonates with audiences in novel ways, though perhaps no longer from the touring stage.