Queen drummer Roger Taylor has sparked fresh excitement over the band’s future, revealing that he and guitarist Sir Brian May have been discussing new live possibilities – including cutting-edge avatar technology that could reintroduce late frontman Freddie Mercury to the stage in a modern, immersive way.
Speaking on Virgin Radio’s Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Roger said he and Brian “talk because we live near each other” and admitted there’s “a possibility of doing something”, noting how rapidly live-show technology has evolved.
When Chris suggested the idea was like “going on tour with Freddie”, Roger pushed back, stressing that Freddie could never be replaced – though he acknowledged that avatar-style performances are “sort of” in the same realm.
It marks a shift in tone from Roger’s earlier stance. He previously said that while he “had a good time” and “enjoyed” ABBA Voyage – the Swedish group’s hologram show – he wasn’t convinced by the projections, though he believes technology has advanced significantly since its 2022 debut.
He said: “I didn’t find the actual projections that convincing.
“I do think technology now has come so much further since the ABBA show started, I think a lot more can be done.”
Brian, meanwhile, is “very taken” with the idea of a Queen hologram show. He’s spoken openly about how recreating the original lineup – Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Roger Taylor and himself – in a new digital format “really appeals” to him, especially with venues like Las Vegas’ Sphere opening up fresh creative possibilities.
Brian explained to The Big Issue that Freddie already appears in Queen’s live shows during Love of My Life, but believes the band could “take that a lot further”, creating a modern version of Queen rather than simply replaying archival footage. He also revealed that working on reissues of Queen I and Queen II has reignited his interest in how the band’s legacy could be presented to future generations.
Brian has, however, previously said he wouldn’t want a hologram version of Queen while the surviving members are still performing – but once the band is “gone”, he’s open to a full digital production.
