04-07-1999 – BBC – Queen plan new reign

The surviving members of the rock group Queen are planning to reform for a new album, eight years after the death of singer Freddie Mercury. Drummer Roger Taylor told UK newspaper The Express he and guitarist Brian May are keen on working together again, and the duo are hoping bassist John Deacon will be able to join them.

“The good news is I spoke to Brian May last week and he suggested we book a studio, write a song and see what happens.

“I haven’t spoken to John in ages but Brian and I are hopeful he will do it,” Taylor said.

There have been reports George Michael has been interested in providing vocals for the trio. He once sung vocals on a new version of the Queen song Somebody To Love.

Taylor said: “The plan for a lead singer is to write the song first and then find the best voice for it. That’s how we’ll probably go about it. We might do the same on the other songs.

“A lot of singers have expressed an interest in working with Queen. We’re not thinking of anyone taking Freddie’s place permanently. I think this is just the right time to get together again.”

Mercury died from an Aids-related condition in 1991. An album of tracks he had been working on before his death, Made In Heaven, was released in 1995.

Now Taylor is hoping it is the right moment for him and his bandmates to make a new start.

“The three of us went through a difficult period after Freddie died. It took a lot of time to get over it and there were horrible expectations about what we do next.

“Now we’re getting on with life. We are more relaxed.”