Queen’s Next Big Move: Brian May Teases New Songs with Adam Lambert!

Queen guitarist Brian May hints at potential new material with Adam Lambert
Queen fans have long speculated about the possibility of new studio material featuring Adam Lambert, and the band’s recent comments have only intensified the buzz. Queen guitarist Brian May recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of new music, stating that the iconic rock band “could come up with some new material.” This marks a hopeful sign for the future, particularly given the strong performance dynamics between May, drummer Roger Taylor, and their current frontman, Adam Lambert, since 2011.

A Storied Legacy and the Quest for New Music
Queen, a legendary band formed in 1970, last released a studio album with Freddie Mercury, Made in Heaven (1995), a poignant collection that included Mercury’s final recordings before his passing in 1991. Following this, Queen ventured into new material with Paul Rodgers in 2008, releasing The Cosmos Rocks. Despite its commercial success, reaching number five in the UK, the album did not garner lasting impact and was largely forgotten in the years that followed.

Since Adam Lambert joined Queen for live performances in 2011, the band has focused primarily on tours and live albums, including Live Around the World (2020). However, fans have long wondered if the dynamic frontman could contribute to new Queen songs. Despite speculation, no original studio material with Lambert has yet been released.

Recent Statements on New Material
The possibility of new music with Lambert has been teased on several occasions. In April 2023, Brian May mentioned on a US radio interview that Queen had “dabbled a little” in the studio but emphasized the need for any new material to be “something so special.” In a later interview, Adam Lambert acknowledged the pressure that comes with stepping into Freddie Mercury’s legendary shoes. He explained that any new material would have to meet an impossibly high standard, especially given the iconic status of Mercury and the band’s legacy.

In October 2024, Roger Taylor offered further insight into the band’s ongoing creative process. During an interview with Uncut magazine, Taylor explained that he and May had discussed the possibility of new material, noting, “If we feel we have some good material, why not? We can still play. We can still sing.” He also revealed that the band had been experimenting in the studio with Lambert, although no breakthroughs had yet occurred. These ongoing sessions, including a notable attempt during a 2021 US tour, show that the band is actively exploring new ideas, but they remain cautious about releasing anything that doesn’t meet their high expectations.

The Nashville Sessions and Other Attempts
During Queen’s 2021 US tour, the band recorded a “great song” in Nashville, but it was ultimately scrapped. Roger Taylor shared hopes that the track might “come to light” later, though it hasn’t yet been released. Despite these setbacks, May and Taylor have both expressed their enthusiasm for continuing to explore new musical directions, even if the results have not yet yielded the breakthrough they are hoping for. In a 2021 interview, May admitted that the band found recording challenging, with nothing exciting enough to release at that time.

Current Status: No Confirmed Release Yet
As of March 19, 2025, there has been no official confirmation of new Queen material featuring Adam Lambert. The band’s website, QueenOnline.com, offers updates on upcoming live shows and reissues, such as the expanded version of their 1973 debut album, but there is no mention of new studio albums in the works. The lack of any specific announcements for 2025 suggests that while Queen remains open to the idea of new music, no concrete plans have been set.

Fan and Critical Reactions
The speculation about new Queen material has certainly sparked fan excitement. Queen + Adam Lambert’s tours have been met with overwhelming support, with sold-out performances across North America, Europe, and Asia. Fans are eager to see whether this successful live partnership could translate into studio recordings.

However, the pressure is immense. The success of Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), the hit biographical film about Freddie Mercury, has only increased the expectations for any new music. Adam Lambert has consistently emphasized that he does not intend to replace Freddie Mercury but wants to bring his unique style to the band’s performances. This nuanced approach could play a crucial role in shaping any future material, ensuring it honors Queen’s legacy while embracing Lambert’s individuality.

Looking Back: The Paul Rodgers Era
In many ways, the band’s cautious approach to new music with Lambert is reminiscent of their collaboration with Paul Rodgers in the late 2000s. The album The Cosmos Rocks (2008), released during that time, was not well-received by critics and fans alike. Rodgers’ blues and soul influences didn’t quite align with the classic Queen sound, and the album didn’t make a lasting impact. This history likely informs Queen’s hesitancy to rush into recording new material with Lambert. They are mindful of staying true to their vision and ensuring that any new work feels like a natural extension of their legacy.

What’s Next for Queen and Adam Lambert?
As of now, the future of Queen’s studio material remains uncertain. With both Brian May and Roger Taylor expressing interest in creating new songs, it’s clear that the band remains creatively engaged. Whether or not this leads to a full studio album with Adam Lambert is still to be seen, but fans continue to hold out hope for a new chapter in Queen’s musical journey—one that honors the past while embracing the present. For now, Queen’s live shows remain their primary focus, but the possibility of new material is tantalizing. The legacy of Freddie Mercury will always loom large, but Adam Lambert’s presence in Queen provides a fresh, unique take on their timeless sound.