At 75, Roger Taylor FINALLY Reveals What Happened to Him and John Deacon
From Bandmates to Strangers: The Growing Rift Between Queen’s Drummer and Bassist
Queen, one of the most iconic rock bands in history, created timeless music that continues to inspire millions worldwide. At the heart of its success were its legendary members—Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. While the band’s chemistry and success were undeniable, recent revelations have cast a shadow on the once-close relationship between Roger Taylor and John Deacon.
For decades, Taylor and Deacon worked in perfect harmony, creating unforgettable music that became the soundtrack of generations. But as time went on, their paths began to diverge. The bond that once tied them together as bandmates slowly unraveled, and now, at last, Roger Taylor has opened up about the reasons why he no longer communicates with John Deacon.
The Early Days: A Perfect Match in Queen’s Rise
Roger Taylor and John Deacon, though very different in personality, formed a remarkable partnership within Queen. Taylor, the energetic drummer with a dynamic style, complemented Deacon’s quiet and methodical approach to bass. Together, they helped build Queen into the global powerhouse that it became. Deacon, often considered the unsung hero of the band, contributed his creativity and musical talent in key songs like “Another One Bites the Dust,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and many others.
Despite their contrasting personalities—Taylor being outgoing and outspoken while Deacon remained more introverted—the two seemed to find a perfect balance in the band. However, as their careers evolved, so did the tension between them. The band’s success could no longer mask the differences in their outlooks and ambitions.
A Growing Divide: Disagreement Over Queen’s Legacy
The tension that simmered behind the scenes came to a head after the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991. While Brian May and Roger Taylor were committed to keeping the Queen name alive, performing with guest vocalists like Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert, Deacon felt that the band’s legacy had ended with Freddie’s death. To him, the magic of Queen was in the synergy of the four members, and continuing without Freddie would diminish the band’s authenticity.
Deacon’s decision to leave Queen in 1997 after recording “No One But You (Only the Good Die Young)” was seen as a statement that he was unwilling to continue without Freddie. Taylor and May, however, saw it differently. They believed that Queen’s music should live on, and that performing with other vocalists allowed them to keep the band’s spirit alive for fans.
This philosophical divide was the beginning of the end for the close relationship between Taylor and Deacon. While Taylor and May embraced the idea of collaborating with other artists and continuing to perform as Queen, Deacon chose a life away from the limelight. This created a significant rift, one that, as Taylor reveals, became impossible to bridge.
Roger Taylor Breaks His Silence
In a recent interview, Roger Taylor finally addressed the question that many Queen fans have wondered about for years: why did he and John Deacon stop talking? Taylor didn’t shy away from the truth, admitting that their differences in how they viewed Queen’s future led to their estrangement.
Taylor expressed that while he respected Deacon’s decision to step away, he couldn’t understand how Deacon could abandon the band’s legacy so easily. “It was like losing a brother,” Taylor said. “We built something together, and to just walk away from it was difficult to understand. John had his reasons, but it didn’t sit well with me.”
Taylor also opened up about the personal toll the breakup of their friendship took on him. “We were such a close unit, and to have that broken, it was hard,” Taylor admitted. “We had been through so much together—triumphs, struggles, and everything in between. But when it came down to it, we just had different visions for what Queen should be after Freddie.”
The Final Straw: Deacon’s Withdrawal from the Music Industry
While Roger Taylor continued to embrace the spotlight, performing with Adam Lambert and participating in the Queen + Adam Lambert tours, John Deacon chose a reclusive life, staying away from the media and music industry. Deacon’s withdrawal from the public eye left fans heartbroken and confused. His absence was felt deeply within the Queen community, and many wondered whether Deacon’s refusal to participate in any Queen-related activities was rooted in unresolved grief, personal differences, or simply a change in his life’s priorities.
Taylor respects Deacon’s decision, but he doesn’t hide his disappointment. “I wish he would have at least stayed in touch, or given us a little more. We’re still family, but it’s a different kind of family now,” Taylor confessed.
The Present: A New Phase for Roger Taylor
Today, Taylor continues to remain active in the music scene, touring with Queen + Adam Lambert and working on new projects. He has embraced his role as one of rock’s most enduring drummers, but the pain of losing his longtime bandmate remains with him.
“I’ve come to accept that things change, and people grow apart,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t make it any easier, but it’s part of life. John was a huge part of Queen, and he will always be part of that legacy.”
Taylor’s comments reflect a bittersweet realization that not all relationships withstand the test of time, even in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. The Queen legacy continues, but without the harmony that once defined it.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Queen’s Legacy?
The legacy of Queen, however, endures. Fans around the world continue to celebrate the band’s music, with Roger Taylor and Brian May leading the charge to keep Queen’s music alive through new collaborations and live performances. Although John Deacon’s absence is felt, the music remains timeless.
As for Taylor, while the friendship with Deacon may never be fully repaired, he remains focused on the future. “We’ll keep going as long as people want to hear the music,” Taylor said. “And I’ll always carry with me the memories of what we created together.”
In the end, the breakup of the once inseparable bond between Roger Taylor and John Deacon serves as a reminder that even legends can experience their own challenges. The music, however, continues to speak louder than words ever could.
