Brian May Expresses Concerns Over AI's 'Massive Evil' Impact

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has expressed significant reservations about utilizing artificial intelligence for a potential virtual Queen experience, likening the technology's reliance on data centers to a "massive evil." The prospect of a show similar to ABBA's Voyage concert, which features digital avatars of the band from their prime, had been explored by May and fellow band member Roger Taylor.

However, May, 79, stated in comments to Absolute Radio that he has become less enthusiastic about AI due to its broader implications. "We looked at it very seriously after I saw what the Eagles did with the Sphere, which I thought was amazing," he said. "I spent a lot of time planning what I thought could be a Queen show. I've kind of backed off now because you can't do it without massive use of AI, with all the consequences of that."

May voiced ethical concerns about potentially "stealing from the Queen oeuvre" while simultaneously contributing to the global stresses amplified by AI. He also highlighted environmental worries, particularly the substantial water usage required for cooling data centers, which are essential for AI operations. "We all like AI. It helps us write emails. It's even saved a few lives. But the harm it is bringing to the world is immense," May told the Sunday Times, describing AI data centers as a "massive evil" that "have to be fought." He added, "It's turning us into a very different civilization and, personally, I'm terrified. These tech billionaires do not have our best interests at heart."

Rumors of a Queen hologram show gained traction earlier when the company managing Mercury's back catalog filed a trademark for his name in 3D and Virtual Reality (VR). At the time, the band's representatives offered no comment.

May and Taylor have continued to perform with vocalist Adam Lambert since 2012 under the moniker Queen and Adam Lambert. While May has expressed uncertainty about when Queen might return to the stage, he hinted at the possibility of new music and the "rebuild of Queen Two." He also recently stated that Queen would not perform at the Glastonbury Festival due to political differences with the organizers regarding their stance on badger culling.

The ABBA Voyage concert, which has been running since 2022, has been seen by over four million people.