Rock legends Queen could be set for a spectacular digital comeback, with plans for a groundbreaking virtual concert in the style of ABBA Voyage. Guitarist Sir Brian May has revealed he and drummer Roger Taylor are exploring ways for the band to perform once more with their original, iconic lineup.
The Vision for a Digital Queen
Speaking exclusively to The Big Issue, the 78-year-old guitarist explained how modern technology has created unprecedented opportunities. "Freddie is still alive through the music that we listen to all the time," May said. "In a sense, John is still with us in the same way, but now we have so many other opportunities."
The band's legendary frontman Freddie Mercury passed away in 1991, while bass guitarist John Deacon, now 74, retired from performing in 1997. While May and Taylor have enjoyed successful tours as Queen + Adam Lambert, the prospect of reuniting the original four members has become technologically feasible.
Beyond Simple Holograms
May expressed particular excitement about immersive venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas, which could recreate the authentic Queen experience. "That really appeals to me," he confessed. "It wouldn't be just playing old footage or whatever. It would be creating Queen as if we were creating it today. I'm very taken with the idea that we can be the original Queen again."
Speculation about such a project intensified after the company managing Mercury's estate submitted a trademark application for his identity in 3D and virtual reality formats, suggesting advanced digital recreations are being considered.
Mixed Reactions and Technological Advances
Drummer Roger Taylor, 76, admitted to having mixed feelings after experiencing the ABBA Voyage show. "I had a good time. I enjoyed it, I didn't find the actual projections that convincing," he revealed. However, he acknowledged that technology has advanced significantly since the ABBA show began development, suggesting even more impressive results are now possible.
The band members are conscious of their advancing years while remaining passionate about their music's legacy. "We haven't finished yet, we can play fine, but we are getting older," Taylor explained, "and so we're just looking at all the options, especially with the incredible technology we have now which is literally changing by the day."
Fans would undoubtedly welcome the chance to experience Queen's classic hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, and We Are The Champions performed by what would effectively be the complete original band. With six UK number one singles and ten UK number one albums to their name, a virtual Queen concert could become one of the most spectacular music events of the decade.
The full interview is available in this week's Big Issue, on sale now.
