Wohl keine Queen-Shows mehr

Brian May and Roger Taylor, the surviving core members of Queen, have decided to put their ambitious plans for an immersive concert experience in Las Vegas on hold. The concept, which initially generated excitement following May’s visit to The Sphere arena to see Eagles’ show, is now facing significant obstacles, primarily due to ethical and technological issues related to artificial intelligence.

The Sphere, a cutting-edge venue known for its immersive audio-visual displays, had inspired May to envision a unique Queen production that would blend the band’s iconic music with next-generation technology. However, May has expressed reservations about the current necessity of heavily employing AI to realize such a project. According to reports from visions.de, he is concerned about the implications this technology has on intellectual property rights and the ethics surrounding its use.

Additionally, May has highlighted environmental considerations, pointing out the substantial energy consumption of data centers required to support AI functionalities. His apprehension reflects a broader discourse on technology's ecological footprint, which he believes must be addressed before moving forward with such ventures.

This decision also coincides with May’s announcement that, after more than five decades of touring, he intends to step back from the traditional live circuit. Prioritizing family time and his interests in astrophysics, May seems to be signaling a gradual retreat from the rigors of performance life. Fans should thus not expect new live shows featuring the classic lineup in the immediate future.

Queen’s recent live activity included performances in Tokyo during their 2024 "Rhapsody Tour," where they shared the stage with Adam Lambert. Despite the end of touring, the band maintains a strong presence through archival releases, which are poised to be a significant focus going forward.

In a landmark music industry transaction in 2024, Queen sold their entire music catalog to Sony Music for an impressive $1.27 billion. This deal positioned their catalog among the most valuable in music history, underscoring the enduring commercial power of their legacy.

While May has not ruled out the possibility of releasing new Queen material, details remain sparse. A 2025 interview suggested an openness to creating fresh content, though no concrete plans or timelines have been disclosed.

The pause on the immersive show project and the ending of traditional touring mark a notable transitional moment in Queen’s extensive career. The band's future appears to be oriented more towards curated releases and cautious exploration of technology, balancing innovation with ethical and environmental concerns.

As Queen navigates this new phase, fans and the music industry alike watch with interest to see how the band’s legendary catalog and legacy will continue to evolve in an era where digital and live experiences increasingly intersect.