It’s a new era for the beloved band.<\/p>\n
Brian May has made a major decision about Queen\u2019s<\/a> future on the road, and longtime fans may want to pay attention. The 79-year-old guitarist<\/a> says he decided 18 months ago that he no longer wants to spend long stretches touring, after the death of a close family friend made him rethink what he was willing to give up to stay on the road. His decision could mean Queen\u2019s days of traditional extended tours are over, but May isn\u2019t walking away from music. Instead, he\u2019s looking toward a new chapter that gives him more time for his family, his astrophysics work and, as he puts it, his freedom.<\/p>\n In a recent interview with The Times,<\/a> May shared that the death of a close family friend while Queen was touring the United States made him rethink future tours. The legendary guitarist realized that even in a family emergency, he couldn\u2019t simply leave the tour for a few days and head home. That experience made him decide he no longer wanted to spend large chunks of time on the road.<\/p>\n \u201cI love to play, I love to travel, but the trade-off is sacrificing your freedom,\u201d May explained, adding that he has \u201ca lot of astrophysics\u201d he intends to pursue, in addition to spending time with his wife and grandchildren.<\/p>\n Related: 1977 Doobie Brothers Hit Left Michael McDonald With a Melody but No Lyrics Until Carly Simon Stepped In<\/a><\/p>\n What Brian May\u2019s Decision Means for Queen<\/p>\n Queen + Adam Lambert haven\u2019t performed since their Rhapsody Tour ended in February 2024, and May\u2019s recent comments suggest fans shouldn\u2019t expect another major Queen tour in the future.<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean Queen is disbanding. May and drummerRoger Taylor<\/a>are still considering ways to bring Queen\u2019s music to audiences without committing to a traditional tour. An immersive experience like ABBA\u2019s Voyage is one option. Other artists, like Harry Styles, have chosen longer-stay residencies that allow them to perform in one place for an extended period while fans travel to them.<\/p>\n Brian May Isn\u2019t Retiring From Music<\/p>\n Fans shouldn\u2019t take Brian May\u2019s decision as a retirement announcement. It\u2019s more like the end of one era and the beginning of another.<\/p>\n Queen\u2019s music isn\u2019t going anywhere, and May and Taylor haven\u2019t ruled out performing together again. But after decades of stadiums, airports and hotel rooms, May is ready for a different kind of life\u2014one that gives him the freedom to pursue his astrophysics, spend time with his wife and grandchildren and decide for himself when he wants to pick up the guitar and play.<\/p>\n For a musician who has spent more than five decades on the road, that may be the biggest change of all: Brian May isn\u2019t saying goodbye to Queen. He\u2019s simply choosing what comes next on his own terms.<\/p>\n Related: 1971 Rock Classic Tops Ranking of Most Misheard Lyrics Thanks to Phoebe on \u2018Friends\u2019: \u2018Hold Me Closer Tony Danza\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udfacSIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/a>\ud83c\udfac<\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Oct 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It’s a new era for the beloved band. 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