From Billboard · Gary Graff · · 1m 30s
Queen’s Roger Taylor on Peace, America’s Struggles, and Future Shows
Roger Taylor’s new album tackles global violence and America’s decline, with plans for UK tours and virtual Queen shows.
In brief
Roger Taylor’s new album tackles global violence and America’s decline, with plans for UK tours and virtual Queen shows. Roger Taylor’s solo album addresses current global crises and America’s challenges while planning UK tours and virtual Queen performances. Originally reported by Billboard.
New Album Release
Roger Taylor drops his seventh solo album, Violence Insane In a Beautiful World, on Sept. 18.
“It’s about how this is a beautiful world that we live in, and with all this terrible violence and everything let’s not screw it up.”
Album Theme
The album explores global violence and the need for peace, ending with a warning against destroying the planet.
“We’re in a bad state in most of the world at the moment, more wars, more needless deaths and insane violence.”
America’s Struggles
Taylor criticizes U.S. political turmoil, calling the country’s decline a 'shame' despite its potential.
“Without being too rude, what is happening to America? It’s such a wonderful country, but it’s changing to the worse at the moment.”
Chump Track
The song 'Chump' directly addresses U.S. politics, with Taylor stating it’s about the current president.
“‘Chump’ is fairly self-evident, what it’s about.”
Ndlovu Youth Choir
South African choir joins the album with Zulu arrangements of Queen’s songs and a reprise of 'A Beautiful World'.
“I was very smitten with them, with these amazing costumes and fantastic choral arrangements.”
Album Style
The album blends love songs, John Lennon covers, and experimental tracks to avoid creative boredom.
“If I just did one style of music all the time I think I would be deathly bored.”
UK Tour Dates
Taylor’s UK tour starts Sept. 21 in Newcastle and runs through September.
“We’ll be doing a quick six-concert swing through the U.K., starting Sept. 21 in Newcastle.”
Virtual Queen Shows
Taylor and Brian May explore virtual concerts using tech like ABBA Voyage and Sphere in Las Vegas.
“We’ve been thinking about using some kind of technology to present some kind of show, fairly revolutionary.”
Queen Budapest Film
Queen releases a concert film from their 1986 Budapest show, set for theaters on Oct. 7.
“It was pretty crazy, with 80,000 inside and 45,000 outside listening.”
Future Projects
Taylor says he’s not planning another solo album but hopes to keep creating music until he’s 80.
“I’m 77; maybe there won’t be a next one, but I hope there will be.”
What matters most
Roger Taylor’s solo album addresses current global crises and America’s challenges while planning UK tours and virtual Queen performances.
