Queen's Brian May Reveals Why Ex-Bandmate John Deacon Still Gets a Say in the Band Despite Leaving in 1997

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Michael Putland/Getty; Dave Benett/Getty

Michael Putland/Getty; Dave Benett/Getty

Despite exitingQueenin 1997,Brian Maysays the group’s ex-bassist, John Deacon, still has “a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ say” in the group.

In a new interview withMojo4Music, the legendary musician, 77 revealed that Deacon is still involved in final decisions that the band makes, noting, “We get messages that he’s happy with what we’re doing, but he doesn’t want the stress of being involved creatively, and we respect that."

“Freddie [Mercury]we can’t talk to, sadly. But the four of us worked as a team for so long that Roger [Taylor] and I have a pretty good idea what our fellow Queen members would be saying," he continued, adding, “This thing is longer than anybody’s marriage.”

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(from left) John Deacon, Roger Taylor, Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen in 1985.Dave Hogan/Getty

Dave Hogan/Getty

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Since his retirement, the musician has remained publicly silent throughout the 21st century about his contributions to the band, having not given a single interview since the 1990s.

source: people.com