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Brian May told The Times that he decided 18 months ago he no longer wanted to tour, citing the demands on his freedom and family life. Queen + Adam Lambert have not performed together since February 2024, but May says an immersive production remains under consideration, with concerns about artificial intelligence unresolved.
Queen guitarist Brian May says he decided 18 months ago that he did not want to tour again, describing the demands of life on the road as a sacrifice of personal freedom. His comments to The Times mark a firmer position on touring than he expressed earlier this year, while leaving open the possibility of a different kind of Queen production.
May, 79, told The Times that a close family friend died while Queen were touring in the United States. He said he asked the tour manager whether he could return home for a few days and then rejoin the tour, but was told that was not possible. The experience helped shape his decision, he said.
“I made a decision 18 months ago that I didn’t want to tour again,” May said. He described the pull between performing and life away from the road: “I love to play, I love to travel, but the trade-off is sacrificing your freedom.” He said he has a wife, grandchildren and astrophysics work he wants to pursue, adding that he was thinking “maybe 50 years is enough.”
Queen + Adam Lambert have not played together since ending their Rhapsody Tour with a show in Tokyo in February 2024. May’s comments point away from another extended run of conventional tour dates, but do not amount to an announcement that the group will never perform live in any format.
Queen’s Future Beyond the Road
May’s remarks give fans a clearer indication of why another long tour may not be on the table: the issue is not simply whether he enjoys performing, but the restrictions and time away that touring entails. His account of being unable to leave and return during a family loss puts that trade-off in personal terms.
The distinction between ending touring and ending Queen activity matters. May says he and drummer Roger Taylor are interested in developing an immersive production, potentially offering audiences a Queen experience without the same structure as a conventional tour. That idea remains exploratory, not a confirmed replacement for live dates.
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From Tour Dates to Immersive Plans
Earlier this year, May ruled out Queen shows in the United States while leaving open the possibility of performances elsewhere, according to the report. His new comments go further: he says his decision not to tour was made about a year and a half ago. The group’s last performance with Adam Lambert was in Tokyo in February 2024, at the close of the Rhapsody Tour.
May has also discussed a possible production inspired in part by the immersive format at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He told The Times that he had sketched out an entire Queen production after visiting the venue. He said the idea would not simply copy ABBA’s digital-avatar show, but could use immersive technology to create a different kind of experience.
““I made a decision 18 months ago that I didn’t want to tour again.””
— Brian May, speaking to The Times
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The Format and Future Remain Open
May’s comments describe his own decision not to tour; they do not set out a formal statement from Queen as a group or announce that all future live appearances are ruled out. No new dates, production schedule, venue or launch plan were provided in the report.
The immersive concept is also not confirmed as a finished project. May said it remains under consideration but raised concerns about the use of artificial intelligence. It is unclear what role AI would play, whether the project could be developed without it, or whether Queen will proceed.
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Awaiting a Queen Project Announcement
For now, May’s remarks establish his position on touring but do not announce a replacement event or timetable. The next concrete development would be a formal update from Queen or its representatives about whether an immersive production is moving forward.
Until details are announced, fans should distinguish May’s interest in exploring the concept from a confirmed show. The group has not announced new Queen + Adam Lambert performances since the Tokyo concert in February 2024, according to the report.
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Key Questions
Has Brian May said Queen will never perform live again?
No. May said he decided he did not want to tour again. His comments do not rule out every possible live appearance or a different performance format.
When did Queen + Adam Lambert last perform together?
They last played together at a Tokyo show in February 2024, which ended the Rhapsody Tour.
Why does May not want to tour?
May said touring limits his freedom and time with family and personal interests. He also described being unable to return home briefly after a family friend died during a US tour.
Is Queen planning an immersive show?
May said an immersive experience is still under consideration and that he had sketched out a production concept. No show has been formally announced, and he cited concerns about AI.
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