Brian May Clears Up Queen’s Live Future: ‘I’m on a Break’

Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, has recently clarified his stance on the band's live performances, emphasizing a current pause rather than a definitive end. After decades of relentless touring, May is enjoying a period of personal and creative respite, focusing on studio work and family life.

In conversations with Rolling Stone, May described his approach to music creation, highlighting his method of internalizing melodies before playing. This philosophy underpins his recent projects, including his contribution to the upcoming Masters of the Universe soundtrack, which is set to be released on vinyl soon. The album features a notable collaboration with the band The Darkness, where May reimagined the Eternia theme into a rock anthem, blending his guitar work with their vocals and instrumentation.

May also reflected on Queen's pioneering work in film scoring, particularly their 1980 soundtrack for Flash Gordon. At the time, the idea of a rock band composing a full film score was unconventional and met with skepticism. Despite initial resistance from producer Dino De Laurentiis, the project ultimately received acclaim and demonstrated the band's innovative spirit.

Following Flash Gordon, May's involvement in scoring Highlander further exemplified Queen's versatility. Collaborating with composer Michael Kamen, May contributed to a soundtrack that melded orchestral elements with rock, producing memorable pieces like “Who Wants to Live Forever.” Although the full Highlander score has yet to be officially released, May has expressed interest in making it available in the future.

Regarding Queen’s future live performances, May addressed recent misconceptions about his commitment. He clarified that while he is currently enjoying a break and has no immediate plans for extensive touring, he has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the stage. However, he indicated a preference for shorter, more selective live engagements rather than prolonged tours.

May also touched on the ambitious Sphere project, a 360-degree immersive music experience envisioned for the band. Though he remains intrigued by the concept, he acknowledged that progress has been slow and the project’s status is uncertain.

His creative ventures extend beyond Queen, with studio collaborations including a track with William Shatner, who is producing a heavy metal album at 95 years old. May also recounted working with his grandson on new music, and participating in a tribute track honoring Rory Gallagher alongside Graham Bonnet.

Additionally, May has partnered with veterinarian and TV personality Noel Fitzpatrick, who has recently taken up guitar. Together, they have developed music that intertwines Fitzpatrick’s medical mission with artistic expression, blending their talents in a unique cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Throughout his career, May has demonstrated a commitment to diverse musical explorations, balancing his legendary status with personal passions. His current period of reflection and selective creativity suggests a measured approach to the future, leaving open avenues for innovation both within and beyond Queen.

While details remain limited on certain projects, May’s recent discussions provide insight into his evolving priorities as a musician and individual. Fans can anticipate occasional appearances and new studio efforts, even as May enjoys his well-earned break from the demands of touring life.