# Queen guitarist Brian May opposes AI-driven virtual shows

> Brian May warns AI virtual shows risk 'massive evil' data centres.
- Title: Queen guitarist Brian May opposes AI-driven virtual shows
- Summary: Brian May warns AI virtual shows risk 'massive evil' data centres. Queen guitarist Brian May says AI virtual shows would require 'massive evil' data centres…
- Keywords: brian may, queen, abba voyage, data centres, freddie mercury, roger taylor, virtual show, news, entertainment, guitarist, Brian, May
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16197917/Queen-guitarist-band-Abba-Voyage-virtual-AI.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-10T00:42:58+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: brian may, queen, abba voyage, ai, data centres, freddie mercury, roger taylor, virtual show, news, entertainment
## Brian May opposes AI virtual shows
Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has poured cold water on the prospect of Queen returning with an ABBA Voyage-style virtual show because it would involve AI and the 'massive evil' of data centres.

> We all like AI. It helps us write emails. It's even saved a few lives. But the harm it is bringing to the world is immense.
## AI data centres cause environmental harm
May warned that huge data centres require 50 million to 150 million litres of water per year to cool a 100MW centre.
## May's concerns about AI ethics
Sir Brian described AI data centres as a 'massive evil' that 'have to be fought' and admitted he is 'not so keen as I was' on the technology.

> I'm not quite sure where I stand on it, because we'd be stealing from the Queen oeuvre.
## Queen's virtual show plans
Queen had explored creating a virtual show similar to ABBA Voyage, which uses digital avatars of the band from their prime in the late 1970s.
## May's animal rights background
Sir Brian is a long-time animal rights activist and founded the Save Me Trust which campaigns for the rights of foxes and badgers.
## Queen's political stance
Earlier this year, Sir Brian revealed that Queen will never perform at Glastonbury due to the band's political differences with the organisers, the Eavis family.
## May's current plans
May and Queen drummer Roger Taylor have been touring with American Idol alum Adam Lambert since 2012 under the Queen and Adam Lambert moniker.
## May's comments on AI
Sir Brian said he would 'dread' four films being made out of Queen, accusing the director of stirring resentment between the band.
## Queen's future plans
Sir Brian hinted at new music, saying 'It was time to take a break and spend time with family, take stock.
## Queen's virtual show concerns
Sir Brian said they would be 'stealing from the Queen oeuvre' and adding to the stresses that AI is adding to the world.
## Queen's past success
Queen had six UK number one singles and ten UK number one albums, with hits including Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are The Champions.
## ABBA Voyage show
The ABBA Voyage concert has been running since 2022, with more than four million having seen the London show.
## May's environmental concerns
May warned that AI data centres require massive amounts of water, with 50 million to 150 million litres needed per year to cool a 100MW centre.
## May's stance on AI
Sir Brian described AI data centres as a 'massive evil' that 'have to be fought' and admitted he is 'not so keen as I was' on the technology.
## Queen's future plans
May and Roger Taylor have been touring with Adam Lambert since 2012 under the Queen and Adam Lambert moniker, and Sir Brian hinted at new music.
## What happens next
Sir Brian said it was 'time to take a break and spend time with family, take stock' but never said Queen would not return.
## Key takeaway

Queen guitarist Brian May says AI virtual shows would require 'massive evil' data centres and ethical issues.