Will Queen Tour Again? Roger Taylor Speaks Out

What Is This About?

Queen is a legendary band. Roger Taylor is their drummer. Recently, he talked to BBC Radio 2 about whether the band will go on tour again (that means travel around playing live shows). Here is the simple version of what he said and what else has been happening.

Queen’s Recent Tour History

Think of a "tour" like the band going on a big trip to play music for fans in different places. Here is where they have been lately:

• In 2022, they played in the UK and Europe.
• In 2023, they toured North America with singer Adam Lambert as part of their "Rhapsody Tour" (a big, ambitious series of shows).
• In early 2024, they played live shows in Asia.

Important Point: Their most recent live shows were in Asia in early 2024. After that, no full tours have happened yet.

What Roger Taylor Said About Touring

Taylor was asked about the chances of Queen touring again. He explained it like this:

• "It is a big machine to gear up" – meaning getting Queen ready to tour is like starting a huge engine; it takes a lot of work.
• He said the decision is "more down to Brian [May] than me." Brian May is Queen’s guitarist.
• Taylor loves playing live and always has.
• The possibility of a future tour mostly depends on how May "feels about it."
• Taylor added: "So if we both wanna do it, I’d be happy to. But we’ll see. Never say never."

He also praised Adam Lambert, saying: "We have been working for a while with Adam Lambert, who has the most incredible voice."

What Brian May Has Said

Brian May is the other big decision-maker. Here is what he has shared:

• Earlier this year, he said he would refuse to tour in the US, calling it a "dangerous place."
• Before that, he said Queen would not headline Glastonbury Festival "because of the politics of the people who run it" (he pointed to founder Michael Eavis supporting badger culling). May said: "Unless that changes, I won’t do it."
• Last autumn, May said Queen made new music with Lambert and thought about playing at The Sphere in Las Vegas (a cool round venue). He said: "I’m very keen on the Sphere. It’s got my mind working."
• May’s wife, Anita Dobson, said in December that even though they are making new music, big tours are unlikely. She said: "They will do little bits and bobs, but they won’t do those big tours."
• May had a minor stroke in 2024 (a small brain attack that made him lose control of one arm). He called it "a little scary" and said it was a "wake-up call" about his health.

Other Queen News

Even without touring, Queen has been busy:

• Over Christmas, they released a never-heard festive song called "Not For Sale (Polar Bear)."
• In October, they were named the UK’s most-played rock act of the 21st century.
• Adam Lambert told NME earlier this year that "nothing is going on at the moment with Queen" because they are "all chilling" (relaxing) and taking a break from writing.

Roger Taylor’s Own Plans

While Queen figures things out, Taylor is doing his own thing:

1. He is releasing a solo album called Violence Insane In A Beautiful World (his seventh solo LP, first since 2021’s Outsider).
2. The album comes out September 18 via Columbia.
3. He will tour the UK later this year to celebrate it.

Important Point: Roger Taylor’s solo album and UK tour are happening even if Queen does not tour soon.

Summary

Queen last toured Asia in early 2024. Roger Taylor says a new tour depends mostly on Brian May’s feelings and health, but "never say never." May has said no to US tours and Glastonbury for safety and politics, and his stroke was a wake-up call. The band made new music and might play Las Vegas’ Sphere, but big tours seem unlikely. Meanwhile, Taylor has a new solo album and UK tour, and Queen dropped a Christmas song and topped UK rock playlists.

FAQ

Q: Is Queen going to tour the US again soon?
A: Brian May said he refuses to tour the US right now because he feels it is a dangerous place, so probably not soon.

Q: Why might Queen not do big tours anymore?
A: Brian May had a stroke and said it was a wake-up call; his wife said they will do "little bits and bobs" but not huge tours.

Q: What is Adam Lambert’s role in Queen?
A: He is the singer who performs live with Queen and has an incredible voice, per Roger Taylor.

Q: What is Roger Taylor doing while Queen waits?
A: He is releasing a solo album on September 18 and touring the UK later this year.