01 August 2023 , 11:33
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Rock legends Queen have signalled they might soon follow in the footsteps of Sir Elton John and hang up their microphones for good and retire from live touring.
The iconic band were formed back in 1970 with original members Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor creating dramatic and captivating beats. And now after more than 50 years together, the group may soon step back from taking to the stage for live performances.
Original frontman Freddie died in 1991 at the age of 45 – losing his life due to health complications caused by the AIDs virus. The band have continued – with American singer Adam Lambert taking the mantle as lead singer in 2011.
The I Want To Break Free performers are currently on their 109 date The Rhapsody Tour – with gigs announced to be taking place in Japan in early 2024. But while teasing the future dates, 74-year-old drummer Roger signalled that the end may by in sight for the group when it comes to live performances.
Adam Lambert has performed with Queen since 2011 (WireImage)He said: “We are so excited to be returning to Japan, the country that has always held a special and most honoured place in our hearts. This may be the last time… who knows? We promise to bring a very real spectacular for you to enjoy.”
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Concerned fans have already been taking to social media to express their fears that the band might hand up their mics. One despairing fan tweeted: "Brian on one show tonight guess we will know more about tours then hopefully if they do retire they will play London but frankly I just hope they keep going for a while longer we ain’t ready to say goodbye to Queen and our Muffin Man."
Original frontman Freddie Mercury died in 1991 (Getty Images)Queen last played in Japan in 2020 during an earlier leg of The Rhapsody Tour which saw them perform in Saitama, Osaka and Nagoya. This autumn, the band will kick-start a 22-date North American tour before they jet across the Pacific to play to fans in the Japanese leg of their tour, starting in February 2024.
The first Japanese date is scheduled for February 4 in Nagoya, with the band going on to perform in Osaka on February 7, Sapporo on February 10 and finishing with two shows at the Tokyo Dome on February 13-14. The band last played at Sapporo during the Hot Space tour in 1982. Speaking about the performances, frontman Adam, 41, said: “The Japan shows back in 2020 were so much fun, the audience were incredible. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to come back. Can’t wait.”
Curly haired guitarist Brian, 76, last year signalled that the current The Rhapsody Tour could be the last time the group hit the road together. He said: “There’s a strong possibility that we’ll be going out together again. We’re talking about that as you and I speak, making those decisions.
“Now, it does get to be more of a decision as you get older. I’m not 35 anymore, and leaving home for two months is not easy.
“But we feel as like if we’re all fit and well, that we’d like to go out there one more time. It would probably be in the United States in 2023 at some point. I’m hoping that happens, but it’s a strong possibility.”
Meanwhile, their contemporary Sir Elton bowed out of live performances this year – after his mammoth Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour which took in 330 dates around the world, which also saw him headline Glastonbury Festival.