Queen's Las Vegas Plan: Brian May slows the timeline
The guitarist tells Rolling Stone that while a 360-degree show remains a goal, the band is not rushing to secure the Sphere venue.
By Carolina Wood ·
Brian May is tempering expectations for a long-awaited Queen residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Rumors have circulated for more than a year that the band would perform at the high-tech venue, but May told Rolling Stone that the project is not imminent. He said he does not know exactly where the group stands on the idea, noting that things change quickly in the music industry.
The guitarist maintains interest in a 360-degree surround sound environment for a retrospective performance. May clarified that the concept would differ from the ABBA Voyage show, citing Queen's distinct history and path. He stated he has a template in mind for what the production could look like, but he does not believe the team is progressing rapidly on the logistics.
Recent comments from May have caused confusion regarding the band's touring status. He previously suggested Queen was finished touring, a statement he later retracted as a misquote. In the latest interview, May described his current status as a personal break. He said he is enjoying the freedom to pursue activities he had no time for while on the road, including spending time with his children and grandchildren, studying astrophysics, and working on animal welfare campaigns.
May admitted he might eventually return to live performance, but he does not expect to commit to nine-month touring cycles again. He described his current schedule as a good decision so far, allowing him to focus on side projects and family.
The band's recent releases have kept the catalog in the spotlight. A 40th anniversary edition of the concert film Queen: Budapest recently hit stores on DVD and Blu-ray. This release coincides with renewed fan speculation about future live events and special presentations.
Roger Taylor, May's bandmate, has also contributed to the speculation surrounding a Sphere show. However, May's recent remarks serve to slow down the narrative that a deal is already closed. The guitarist emphasized that while the vision exists, the execution is still in early stages.
More Business · Business Watchdog · Report a business · Got a Story?
