Brian May Expresses Concerns Over AI's Role in Potential Queen Virtual Show

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has expressed significant reservations about incorporating artificial intelligence into a potential virtual Queen concert, particularly one that might feature a digital recreation of Freddie Mercury. May, who had previously explored the possibility of an immersive spectacular similar to ABBA's Voyage show or the Eagles' performance at the Las Vegas Sphere, has stepped back from the idea due to his concerns about AI.

May stated that such a show would necessitate the extensive use of AI, a technology he now views with skepticism. "We looked at it very seriously after I saw what the Eagles did with the Sphere, which I thought was amazing," he told Absolute Radio. "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."

His concerns extend beyond the artistic implications, touching on ethical and environmental aspects. May described the data centers required to power AI as a "massive evil" that "have to be fought." He also voiced worries about the broader societal impact of AI, stating, "It's turning us into a very different civilisation and, personally, I'm terrified. These tech billionaires do not have our best interests at heart."

Furthermore, May highlighted the environmental cost associated with AI data centers, noting their substantial water consumption for cooling purposes. The ABBA Voyage concert, which uses digital avatars of the band from their prime, has been running since 2022 and has drawn over four million attendees to its London show. Plans for a Queen hologram show had previously circulated when the company managing Mercury's back catalog filed a trademark for his name in 3D and Virtual Reality (VR), though the band's representatives offered no comment at the time.

While May and fellow Queen member Roger Taylor continue to explore ways to potentially recreate the original band lineup, they are seeking alternatives to AI that address the ethical considerations. Despite these hesitations, May has hinted at new musical material from Queen, suggesting that "the rebuild of Queen Two is coming back, and there are a couple of things you haven't heard." Queen and Adam Lambert have been touring together since 2012, and May indicated that while a break was taken for family time, the future of Queen on stage remains an open possibility.

In unrelated comments, May also recently stated that Queen would likely not perform at the Glastonbury Festival due to political differences with the event's organizers, the Eavis family, citing their stance on badger culling. He also expressed disapproval of director Sam Mendes's plans for multiple Beatles biopics, suggesting it could stir resentment among band members.