Queen guitarist Brian May recently addressed the departure of the band’s former bassist, John Deacon, shedding light on Deacon’s current status within the iconic rock group. Deacon, who joined Queen in 1971 and contributed to all of their albums, stepped away from the band in 1997 and has since maintained a reclusive lifestyle, rarely appearing in public.
During a “reader interview” with The Guardian, May fielded questions from fans, including one inquiring about any indications or reasons behind Deacon’s permanent departure. Brian May responded by acknowledging Deacon’s sensitivity to stress and the challenges the band faced after the loss of lead vocalist Freddie Mercury.
Brian May recalled a few joint endeavors they pursued after Mercury’s passing in 1991. In 1996, they collaborated on recording the song “No One But You,” which May had composed as a tribute to Mercury when a statue was erected in Montreux, Switzerland in his memory. They also performed together at the opening of the ballet season in Paris, with John Deacon on bass and Elton John lending his vocals.
However, during that time, May recounted a pivotal moment when John Deacon expressed his inability to continue. Brian May and the rest of the band recognized Deacon’s need for a break, but he ultimately did not return to the group. The exact details surrounding Deacon’s departure remain undisclosed, as May emphasized the importance of respecting Deacon’s desire for privacy.
Despite his absence from the band for over 26 years, May emphasized that Deacon remains an integral part of Queen’s operations. While communication with Deacon is infrequent, May revealed that important business decisions still involve consulting him. Although Deacon may not engage in direct conversation, he finds ways to convey his input, maintaining an ongoing connection to the band.
In conclusion, Brian May’s interview sheds light on John Deacon’s departure from Queen and his continued involvement with the band, even in his reclusive state. The interview highlights Deacon’s sensitivity to stress, the challenges faced after Freddie Mercury’s death, and the lasting impact he has on the band’s decision-making processes.
