Legendary Queen guitarist Sir Brian May officially confirmed on October 3, 2026, that he will no longer go on tour with the iconic rock band. In a joint interview alongside bandmate Roger Taylor published by The Times, the 79-year-old musician explained that a tragic personal loss during their previous tour forced him to reevaluate his priorities, leading to the permanent decision to step back from life on the road.
May revealed that the pivotal moment occurred during Queen + Adam Lambert's Rhapsody Tour in the United States, when a close family friend passed away. While May wished to return home briefly to support his family, tour logistics prevented him from leaving. The trade-off between touring commitments and personal freedom prompted the legendary guitarist to conclude his touring career, choosing instead to focus on his family, astrophysics interests, and selective creative endeavors at home in England.
As a founding member of Queen alongside singer Freddie Mercury, drummer Roger Taylor, and bassist John Deacon, Sir Brian May helped shape rock history over five decades. Renowned for his distinct guitar work on his custom-built Red Special instrument, May authored enduring anthems such as "We Will Rock You," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "The Show Must Go On." The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and remains one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
Despite stepping away from touring, May remains actively engaged in preserving Queen's legacy and launching new ventures. The announcement coincided with the premiere of Queen Budapest, a newly remastered 4K IMAX concert film capturing the band's historic 1986 performance behind the Iron Curtain. Additionally, May recently made a surprise appearance at Roger Taylor's solo concert at London's Roundhouse and launched his own signature beverage brand, Red Special Gin, crafted in partnership with Portobello Road Distillery.
Moving forward, May and Taylor have floated the concept of developing an immersive Queen virtual experience, allowing fans worldwide to enjoy the band's catalog without requiring physical touring schedules. While full-scale international tours are officially a thing of the past, May emphasized that his love for making music remains intact. He plans to pursue specialized creative collaborations and scientific work while spending quality time with his wife, actress Anita Dobson, and their grandchildren.
