Thirty-five years after the death of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, guitarist Sir Brian May revealed to Metro that he deliberately avoids marking the anniversary because it brings up too much pain, describing the day his dear friend died as one of the most terrible days of his life.
The Bottom Line
- Sir Brian May stated in a recent interview that he actively avoids celebrating or marking the November anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s death because it dredges up deep personal pain.
- The 79-year-old guitarist clarified via Instagram that he never stated Queen would never tour again, despite recent reports suggesting a definitive retirement after fifty years.
- May explained that while he stepped back from touring to focus on family and astrophysics, he and drummer Roger Taylor remain actively involved in behind-the-scenes Queen projects.
Why Brian May Avoids the Anniversary of Freddie Mercury’s Death
But for his longtime bandmate, the date holds a very different emotional weight. Speaking to Metro, Brian May shared that he does not celebrate or mark the actual anniversary. It’s a day to avoid because it brings up pain,
May said, adding that the day he died was one of the most terrible days of our lives.
Mercury’s death came only a day after he instructed Queen’s manager Jim Beach to release a public statement confirming his diagnosis. His funeral drew the surviving members of Queen—May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon—alongside a tight circle of 35 close friends, including Elton John. Despite avoiding the grim anniversary itself, May emphasized that Mercury remains a constant presence in his daily life. He’s in my life very strongly,
May told Metro, noting that Roger Taylor feels the exact same way. There isn’t anything that we do where we don’t refer to him in some way; the times we had together, the values and adventures that we shared.
Clearing Up the Confusion Over Queen’s Touring Future
The emotional reflections arrived alongside swift clarifications regarding the future of the rock band. Earlier in the week, an interview with The Sunday Times published on October 4 suggested that May had declared Queen would never tour again after fifty years. By Wednesday, the guitarist took to his personal Instagram page to correct the record, writing that his comments had been misinterpreted.
This is a misinterpretation of what I actually said. I have actually never said Queen won’t ever tour again,
May wrote online. He explained that while he made a personal decision last year to step away from the rigorous demands of the road, the door remains wide open. I could never say never. I simply made a personal decision last year to take a break from touring. I’ve been making lots of music, and Roger and I are constantly working together on Queen projects behind the scenes.
| Milestone / Event | Details & Timeline |
|---|---|
| Freddie Mercury’s Passing | November 1991 (Approaching 35 years) |
| Recent Touring Era | Rhapsody Tour with Adam Lambert (2019–2024) |
| Recent Solo Appearance | Brian May joined Roger Taylor for his final two London 2026 solo tour songs |
| Current Status | Touring break announced by May, ongoing studio projects with Roger Taylor |
Balancing Legacy, Family, and Scientific Pursuits
The intense physical toll of international touring eventually forced May to reevaluate his priorities. Reflecting on a moment during a previous American tour when a close family friend passed away, May recounted wanting to briefly return home, only to be told by his tour manager that the schedule made it impossible. That realization sparked a broader reckoning with personal freedom.
With a life encompassing his wife, actress Anita Dobson, his grandchildren, and his ongoing academic work in astrophysics, May noted that fifty years of music history is a substantial legacy. May previously shared caution regarding artificial intelligence in music, noting a personal discomfort with unauthorized digital replication. For now, the focus remains firmly on honoring the past through continued creative work rather than stepping back onto the global stage just yet.
