Brian May Says Queen Sphere Show Is Not Happening Soon
The guitarist tells Rolling Stone that while he has a vision for a 360-degree residency, the project is moving slowly and he is currently enjoying time away from touring.
By Justin Barnes ·
Queen guitarist Brian May stated that the band is not close to launching a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Speaking to Rolling Stone, May addressed persistent rumors that have circulated for more than a year about the group performing in the venue's 360-degree environment. He described the current status of the project as unclear, noting that plans change rapidly.
"I don’t know what to tell you about that," May said. "I don’t even know where we are on that. I really don’t. Things change so fast." He clarified that his vision for the show would differ from the ABBA Voyage production. While acknowledging that fans often compare the two, May explained that Queen's history and path would require a distinct approach. He admitted he still has a template in his mind for the performance but indicated that progress is slow for various reasons.
May recently clarified his stance on future band activities after initially suggesting Queen was finished touring. He later described that earlier comment as a misquote. In the Rolling Stone interview, he expressed satisfaction with his current schedule, which allows him to pursue personal and professional interests without the pressure of constant travel. He described feeling like he is on a break and is enjoying the freedom that provides.
"I feel like I’m on a break, and I’m enjoying my break," he explained. "I’m getting to do all the things which I dreamed of doing when there was no time all those years on the road." He listed specific activities he is now prioritizing, including spending time with his children and grandchildren, working on side projects, and dedicating more effort to astrophysics and animal welfare campaigns. He characterized this period as a good decision for him so far.
While he remains open to the possibility of returning to the stage, May does not expect to commit to extensive touring schedules again. "Maybe one day I’m gonna wake up and think, ‘Ah, maybe we should get out on the road,’” he conceded. "But I don’t think I will be committing to nine-month-long tours again."
The interview coincides with the recent release of the 40th anniversary edition of the concert film Queen: Budapest, available on DVD and Blu-ray. The film captures a live performance and serves as a visual record of the band's era, even as the members focus on individual projects and potential future collaborations.
