Will Queen Retire? Here's What Roger Taylor Says

Queen Bohemian Rhapsody Music Video

How long will Queen reign? It's a question that many people have asked over the years, particularly after the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury. Despite the loss of the rock band's iconic and memorable performer, the namesake has continued to play concerts around the world and sell out shows in stadiums. But is there going to be a day where Queen is put to rest? It's something Roger Taylor -- one of the two remaining members of Queen's original line-up alongside Brian May -- has pondered over the years. While the answer is left a tiny bit murky, it sounds like Queen is here to stay. Taylor said:

We realize now that this is what we do and we enjoy doing it while we still can. I don’t know how much longer but right now we really enjoy playing and I look forward to our next tour, whenever it may be.

The conversation topic came up during Roger Taylor's recent interview with NHK World-Japan. With the band gaining more attention and notoriety thanks to last year's biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which Taylor was credited as an executive music producer on alongside Brian May, the popular band is experiencing a new cultural renaissance -- particularly with the hit single "Bohemian Rhapsody" becoming the most streamed song of the 20th century thanks to the film's huge financial success.

It would therefore stand to reason that now may not be the time to call it quits. In fact, Roger Taylor knows his time in the band is finite and there will be a time to call it quits. Whether that time is coming up around the corner or still a good few years in the future, though, Roger Taylor isn't completely sure just yet. He's just happy Queen has Adam Lambert and an audience that still wants to see them live. He also noted:

The band is now Brian May and myself, and we have become closer in a way. We realized this is our life and this is our destiny and I think we enjoy it. We have this wonderful singer, Adam Lambert, who is a joy to work with and it’s a beautiful combination. He is much younger than we are but it works. He is very intelligent and has the most beautiful voice.

Currently, there are only two remaining members of Queen, along with former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert taking on singing duties for the iconic band. The band continues to sell out concert venues and make a big splash wherever it goes. Now that the film version of the group's life story is the recipient of five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek, it doesn't sound like Queen will be turning down the music.

But how long will the party last? That's a question that's left undetermined at the moment. But it sounds like Roger Taylor wants to keep a good thing going for as long as humanly possible, so we should expect to see a lot more Queen popping up around the world.

Will Ashton

Will is an entertainment writer based in Pittsburgh, PA. His writing can also be found in The Playlist, Cut Print Film, We Got This Covered, The Young Folks, Slate and other outlets. He also co-hosts the weekly film/TV podcast Cinemaholics with Jon Negroni and he likes to think he's a professional Garfield enthusiast.