In a recent interview with Mojo4Music, Queen guitarist Brian May shed light on the band's ongoing relationship with former bassist John Deacon, who left the group in 1997. Despite his departure over two decades ago, Deacon still maintains a level of influence in the band's decision-making process.
May, now 77, explained that Deacon retains a "'yes' or 'no' say" in the group's final decisions. This arrangement reflects the deep-rooted connection between the band members, forged through years of collaboration and shared experiences.
"We get messages that he's happy with what we're doing, but he doesn't want the stress of being involved creatively, and we respect that," May stated, highlighting the band's understanding of Deacon's desire to maintain distance from the creative process.
The guitarist also touched on the band's approach to decision-making in the absence of their late frontman, Freddie Mercury. "Roger [Taylor] and I have a pretty good idea what our fellow Queen members would be saying," May remarked, emphasizing the enduring bond between the original lineup.
Deacon's involvement with Queen began in 1971 when he joined as the fourth member. His contributions to the band were significant, both musically and technically. He played bass on all of Queen's albums and is credited with creating the Deacy Amp, which May used to produce the distinctive guitar orchestras heard on many of the band's hit tracks.
However, Deacon's participation in the group began to wane following Mercury's death in 1991. By 1997, he had completely retired from the music industry. Since then, Deacon has maintained a notably low profile, avoiding public appearances and declining to give interviews.
May's revelations offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of rock's most iconic bands, showcasing the enduring respect and consideration they hold for all members, past and present. It's a testament to the band's legacy and the deep bonds formed during their journey together.