Queen guitarist Brian May pours cold water on prospect of band doing Abba Voyage-style virtual show because it would require AI driven by the 'massive evil' of data centres

Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, has publicly voiced significant hesitations about the band's potential return through AI-powered virtual performances. Despite ongoing explorations to reimagine Queen’s original lineup with the late Freddie Mercury, May’s concerns about the ethical and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) technology have led him to reconsider such endeavors.

The idea of a Queen virtual show akin to the successful ABBA Voyage concert, which uses digital avatars to recreate band members in their prime, has been under discussion by May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor. ABBA’s London residency has attracted millions since 2022, setting a precedent for immersive experiences that transport audiences back to a band’s heyday. Similarly, the Eagles recently presented a high-tech performance at the Las Vegas Sphere, integrating live musicians and LED visuals for a captivating spectacle.

May has acknowledged the allure of these technological innovations but remains cautious. Following his initial enthusiasm after witnessing the Eagles’ Sphere show, he has since retreated from pursuing a Queen virtual concert that would heavily rely on AI. He highlighted the substantial data processing power necessary to support such productions, which depend on vast data centers that carry significant environmental burdens, including massive water consumption for cooling systems.

Beyond environmental concerns, May expressed ethical discomfort with utilizing AI to replicate Queen’s artistic legacy. He described the challenges involved in balancing the desire to celebrate the band's history while avoiding exploitation of their creative output. The guitarist intimated that employing AI in this manner could feel like an unauthorized appropriation of Queen’s musical oeuvre, complicating the project’s viability.

May’s wariness extends to broader apprehensions about AI’s societal impact. He characterized data centers as a looming threat and cautioned that the rapid advancement of AI technologies is reshaping civilization in ways that provoke personal unease. He also voiced skepticism about the motivations of technology magnates driving AI development, suggesting their interests may not align with the public good.

The speculation about a Queen hologram show gained traction when Mercury’s estate management filed trademarks related to 3D and virtual reality representations of the singer. However, representatives have since refrained from confirming any concrete plans. Meanwhile, May and Taylor continue to tour with vocalist Adam Lambert under the Queen + Adam Lambert banner, maintaining the band’s live presence without digitally resurrecting Mercury.

In addition to his views on AI, May has recently reaffirmed Queen’s absence from the Glastonbury Festival, citing political disagreements with the event’s organizers. His longstanding commitment to animal rights and opposition to culling practices have influenced this decision, underscoring his willingness to prioritize principles over high-profile performance opportunities.

May also hinted at new Queen-related projects, suggesting that although the band is taking a hiatus to focus on personal matters, a resurgence with fresh material remains a possibility. Details about these upcoming works remain limited, leaving fans eager for further announcements.

Meanwhile, May has expressed disapproval of the planned Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes, fearing that multiple films could foster divisions reminiscent of those experienced by Queen. His comments reflect a protective stance toward his band’s legacy and a cautious approach to how their story might be portrayed in the future.

As Queen navigates the complexities of honoring their past while embracing contemporary technologies, Brian May’s stance underscores the challenges artists face when confronting the promises and pitfalls of AI. His reservations highlight an ongoing debate about the role of digital innovation in preserving and presenting musical heritage.