Brian May Quits Queen Tours: 50 Years is Enough

Brian May, the 79-year-old guitarist for Queen, has decided to stop touring with the band after five decades.

He explained his decision, made approximately 18 months ago, by stating, "I'm thinking maybe 50 years is enough." May expressed a desire for greater personal freedom, which he feels is sacrificed during extensive travel and touring.

He wishes to dedicate more time to his wife, Anita Dobson, his grandchildren, and his ongoing work in astrophysics. This personal shift comes after a period of reflection, including an incident where he could not immediately attend a family friend's funeral due to tour commitments.

May also shared his interest in an immersive Queen show, inspired by a visit to the Las Vegas Sphere. While conversations about a potential residency were underway, he noted that realizing his vision might require significant artificial intelligence use.

He voiced concerns about AI, particularly its environmental impact from data centers. Drummer Roger Taylor, in a separate interview, compared the concept to ABBA's immersive concert production, suggesting Queen could develop its own unique approach.

The Queen + Adam Lambert tour concluded on February 14, 2024, in Tokyo. This marked a potential farewell for some members, though Taylor had previously suggested Queen could continue.

Additionally, a restored 4K concert film of Queen's July 27, 1986, performance in Budapest, captured during the Magic Tour, is set for release on October 7, 2026. The film has undergone extensive restoration and sound remixing.