Photo: WENN
Next year looks set to be a big one for Queen, and the occasion is certainly not lost on Brian May. We caught up with the legendary guitarist to discuss Adam Lambert, new songs, touring and why they've chosen now to headline Isle Of Wight Festival.
This week saw the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' giants announced to headline next year's legendary Isle Of Wight - their first ever UK festival. So, why now?
"We never did them because we always did our own shows," May told Gigwise at the Classic Rock Awards. "It's partly because we liked to do our own production and we like control to do the thing as big as possible but Isle of Wight will give us big they will give everything we want, you know a headlining spot so it just seemed like a good idea and I feel very fortunate that we are alive and we can do that."
Speaking of the band's ongoing working relationship with current frontman Adam Lambert, stepping in as replacement for the late, great Freddie Mercury, May added: "He brings new blood; he brings enthusiasm, energy and opportunity. How could we do this without him If you looked for someone like that you would never find them."
So can we expect a new Queen album?
"Not at the moment for Queen, no," he replied. "I’m writing for a project I’m doing with Kerry Ellis at the moment got a couple of new things for that she’s a nice outlet and it’s stuff I’m very excited about."
Watch our interview with Brian May below
This month also saw the 40th anniversary of seminal track 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Speaking of the legacy of the track, May said: "It’s nice that everybody still wants to talk about it. It gets harder to say anything new but the song keeps talking for itself which is great. It keeps people guessing and it gives people joy so I think Fred would be very happy."
MORE: Read our interview with Adam Lambert discussing Queen and The Original High here
Isle Of Wight Festival takes place between 9 and 12 June 2016 at Seaclose Park, Newport. Buy Isle Of Wight tickets and get more information here.
Meanwhile, tickets for Adam Lambert's UK tour dates, which you can see below, are on sale now. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Thu April 14 2016 - LONDON Eventim Apollo
Sat April 16 2016 - MANCHESTER Academy
