Queen fans got an unexpected treat when Brian May and Roger Taylor reunited on stage in London. 

May joined his longtime Queen bandmate during Taylor’s sold-out concert at the Roundhouse on September 28, making a surprise appearance toward the end of the show. The pair then performed two of Queen’s most recognizable songs.  

Brian May Joins Roger Taylor for the Finale 

Taylor’s London concert was part of his Violence Insane in a Beautiful World solo tour, supporting his latest album of the same name. 

The Queen drummer spent most of the roughly two-hour performance handling lead vocals, backed by a younger group of musicians and longtime Queen touring keyboardist Philip “Spike” Edney. Taylor played drums on only one song during the set.  

Then came the surprise. 

May walked onto the stage for the final two songs, giving the packed Roundhouse an unexpected Queen reunion. 

They Performed Two Queen Classics 

May and Taylor teamed up for “We Will Rock You” and “Radio Ga Ga.” Queen’s official Instagram channel posted a carousel of photos and captioned it with, “A real Kind of Magic at The Roundhouse! Roger Taylor @rogertaylorofficial on his Violence Insane In A Beautiful World tour, adding the incredible Ndvulo Choir @choirafrica, and a surprise cameo from Sir Brian May @brianmayforreal A legendary night to remember!” 

The Ndlovu Youth Choir appears on Violence Insane in a Beautiful World, including the tracks “A Beautiful World,” “Come On Summer (It’s Party Time),” and “A Great Big Beautiful World.” The South African choir is also known for its distinctive version of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”  

Taylor’s New Album Inspired the Tour 

Taylor’s Roundhouse appearance came as he promotes Violence Insane in a Beautiful World, his seventh solo album. 

Released September 18 through Columbia Records, the album follows 2021’s Outsider. Taylor wrote and performed the songs himself, with assistance from longtime collaborator Joshua J. Macrae, members of his live band and the Ndlovu Youth Choir.  

The album takes inspiration from Taylor’s observations about the world, with its title reflecting his belief that the beauty of the world exists alongside violence and conflict. 

Despite those darker themes, Taylor has described the record as ultimately hopeful, emphasizing the importance of kindness.