Queen's Roger Taylor says George Michael was never going to join the band & 'didn't suit'

Virgin Radio

23 Feb 2021, 12:59

Was George Michael really going to replace Freddie Mercury after the 1992 tribute concert? No, says Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

The musician addressed rumours in an interview with Classic Rock to celebrate Queen's 50th anniversary and explained: "I remember hearing the rumours, but it wouldn't have suited us.

"George wasn't really used to working with a live band. When he heard the power he had behind him in rehearsal, he couldn’t believe it. He thought he was on Concorde or something.”

While Axl Rose's powerful duet with Elton John covering Bohemian Rhapsody was very nearly a no-go.

He said: “I do remember being determined that we'd get Elton singing with Axl which was great because Axl never turned up for rehearsal. It was really flying by the seat of our pants.”

The iconic band - who feature on the front of Classic Rock magazine - have had to move their upcoming UK and European tour back to May 2022 due to the pandemic.