Queen: New music? Here's why band WON'T record without Freddie Mercury and John Deacon

The Rhapsody Tour is making its way across the US and Canada as its first leg gets properly under way; with dates for Asia, Australia and New Zealand slated for 2020.

But despite their huge ongoing success, the current incarnation of Queen – Brian May and Roger Taylor with singer Adam Lambert – have never made new music together.

In a recent interview with OfficialCharts.com’s Take The Hit podcast, Lambert explained the very simple reason: without Freddie Mercury and John Deacon, would it really be Queen anymore?

Revealing that questions on the issue come more from the media than from fans, he said: “It’s funny, we keep getting asked about recording together, and the only people who keep bringing it up is the press!

“I think it’s one of those ‘never say never’ things.”

He elaborated: “I mean, who knows, maybe the right opportunity for the right reason will come up, but it hasn’t yet.

“But also – is it Queen at this point? I’m stepping in and singing their songs, it’s their catalogue.

“So if we were to put something new out that’s original, would it be Queen? Because Queen is Freddie and John too.”

Still, Lambert revealed that just performing with May and Taylor has been a real career highlight.

“It is the biggest blessing of my career, it has led to so much joy,” he said.

“Further opportunities, audiences who are elated that we’re there… I could go on and on about it.

“I know I will look back in old age and realise this has been the biggest and most transformative part of my career.”

Amid the success of the Rhapsody Tour, May recently took to Instagram to praise his bandmate Taylor – and the bond they have built up despite their differences.

“Me and my Bro’ might disagree about anything you care to name, but we have learned mutual respect over the years, and somehow when we play together, some kind of magic still happens,” he wrote.

“All hail Rog !!! We are proud of what we are, an ouvre we have worked for nearly 50 years to create and constantly update.”

Lambert, meanwhile, is gearing up for the release of his new album Velvet.