Brian May Quits Touring, Queen Eyes Immersive Show

Queen + Adam Lambert will not be returning to the road for live tours, according to guitarist Brian May. The band's last performance was at Tokyo Dome on February 14, 2024. May stated in a recent interview that he decided 18 months prior to stop touring, prioritizing family, grandchildren, and astrophysics over the sacrifices required by life on the road.

Despite this decision, the band is exploring innovative ways to present Queen's music. May and drummer Roger Taylor are considering a "revolutionary" immersive show, similar in concept to the Las Vegas Sphere, which could redefine communal musical experiences. However, Taylor expressed significant reservations about the current necessity of artificial intelligence in such productions, calling data centers a "massive evil."

May had previously expressed exhaustion with touring in September 2025, citing a loss of freedom and difficulty returning home during family emergencies. He also noted concerns about safety in the United States, stating that Queen "grew up in America" but that the country "is not what it was." Meanwhile, Roger Taylor released a solo album, and Adam Lambert also released his own LP, indicating continued musical activity outside of touring.

Additionally, archival Queen projects are in development, including the concert film "Queen Budapest," recorded in 1986. While May has definitively ruled out touring, the possibility remains that he could change his mind, as many artists have done after announcing retirement from the road.