Very few bands have left a mark on rock history quite like Queen. With their unique sound, electrifying performances and their most popular hits like “Somebody to Love” and “We Will Rock You” that still resonate today, the group redefined what it meant to be rock royalty.
Queen was formed in London in 1970 when guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, formerly from the 1960s band Smile, teamed up with singer Freddie Mercury. After a few temporary bassists, John Deacon joined the band in 1971, completing the final lineup. The band then released their self-titled debut album in 1973.
In a new interview to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody,” May and Taylor sat down with Rolling Stoneto discuss the creation behind the tune and their 1975 album A Night at the Opera, as well as what it was like working with and knowing the late Mercury.
While May and Taylor were eager to reflect, one former member was notably absent from the article.
Deacon was always the most private and quiet member of Queen, who completely stepped away from the spotlight after Mercury passed away in due to HIV/AIDS in 1991. Rolling Stone reported that the 74-year-old bassist hasn’t given an interview in decades. Deacon also doesn’t speak to the other living band members anymore, even socially, which May and Taylor find “quite hard.”
“He’s still part of the destiny of the band, though. If we’re trying to make business decisions, he’s always consulted, but it happens through the management or through our accountant,” May admitted. “We don’t speak, which is a shame, but we do know that we have his blessing. That’s important.”
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 01: Photo of QUEEN; Posed group portrait – Roger Taylor, Freddie Mercury, Brian May and John Deason (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)Richard E. Aaron/Redfern
Though it’s been 33 years since Mercury passed away, the remaining living band members still feel his presence in their daily lives. May even admitted that the late singer still appears in his dreams.
“It is never a surprise that he’s there,” he said. “I don’t think ‘You shouldn’t be here.’ It’s just like he’s part of my life, as he always was.”
“Brian and I often think he’s in the room in the corner,” Taylor admitted. “Cause we know exactly what he’d say and what he’d think. Even though it was all those years ago now that we lost him.”
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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