Brian May rules out Queen ever touring again, saying 'maybe 50 years is enough'

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026 · last updated 7 October 2026.

Brian May, 79, made the decision 18 months ago to stop touring after a close family friend died while Queen were on the road in America and he realised he couldn't simply leave the tour to be with his family. The guitarist has a wife, Anita Dobson, grandchildren, and astrophysics research he wants to pursue, adding the trade-off of touring is "sacrificing your freedom."

May and drummer Roger Taylor are working on an immersive Queen experience inspired by the Las Vegas Sphere, though May has 'serious misgivings' about the AI needed to make it work.

The guitarist called AI "immense" in the harm it brings to the world, saying 'it's trashing our future' despite its everyday conveniences.

Queen last toured with lead singer Adam Lambert on the 'Rhapsody' tour, which concluded in 2024 — their final run after decades performing without Freddie Mercury.