Roger Taylor Talks What’s Next for Queen & the State of the World: ‘Without Being Too Rude, What Is Happening to America?’

Roger Taylor, the 77-year-old singer and songwriter of Queen, talks about the themes of his latest solo album, Violence Insane, in a recent interview. The album, released on September 18, is a 10-track set recorded at Taylor's home studio in the U.K. with co-production by Joshua J. Macrae. The album's overarching theme is the beauty of the world, despite the current state of affairs with more wars, needless deaths, and insane violence. Taylor hopes for a better future for his children and grandchildren.

Among the tracks, "Spit In His Eye" represents defiance, while "Chump" is a pointed comment about a U.S. president with a surname that rhymes with the title. The album also features the Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa, who performed a Zulu arrangement of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." Taylor was impressed by their costumes, choral arrangements, and happiness to collaborate.

The album includes various styles, from love songs like "I See You Now" and a rendition of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy" to a vibey tone poem "Violence Insane" and the silly "Don't Photographic Food." Taylor enjoys the eclectic nature of music, believing it keeps the interest alive.

As for Queen's future, Taylor acknowledges that guitarist Brian May is recovering from recent health issues but is unsure if he would be up for a grueling tour. The two, who live close to each other, are exploring other ways to present Queen, including using technology for a revolutionary show, possibly a virtual concert or something similar.

Meanwhile, Queen will release a new concert film, Queen Budapest, in theaters on October 7, documenting the landmark July 27, 1986 concert in Hungary, its final filmed performance with the late Freddie Mercury.