How John Deacon’s Immortal Role In Queen Works

Since Freddie Mercury’s death, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor have carried on, keeping the band’s legacy alive. They’re now gearing up to release a special reissue of Queen, their 1973 debut album. Yet, bassist John Deacon, who left the spotlight long ago, remains noticeably absent from these efforts. He’s stayed out of the public eye since a single-song performance with Elton John in 1997, marking his last live appearance with Queen. “It’s his choice. He doesn’t contact us,” May revealed to The Daily Mail in 2018. Taylor added, “I haven’t heard a squeak from John. Not a single guttural grunt.”

Why Did John Deacon Leave Queen?

Deacon’s decision to leave Queen seems to stem from the immense emotional toll of losing Mercury in 1991. His last song with the band was ironically titled “The Show Must Go On,” but after a tribute performance in Paris in 1997, Deacon decided he couldn’t continue. Taylor recalled that night, saying, “I could tell he wasn’t happy because he was chain-smoking and very, very nervous.” Losing Mercury had “severely traumatized” Deacon, who since then has quietly stepped away from the public eye.

Since Mercury’s death, Deacon has appeared only twice in public with Queen, including the iconic 1992 tribute concert and a 1993 benefit show.

Deacon’s Quiet Influence on Queen’s Legacy

Despite his absence, Deacon hasn’t completely cut ties with Queen. May recently confirmed to Mojo that Deacon is still a voting member in the band’s decisions. “John still has a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ say,” May explained. “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 and Taylor have found their rhythm as a duo, with May noting, “The four of us worked as a team for so long that Roger and I have a pretty good idea of what our fellow Queen members would be saying.” For May and Taylor, keeping Queen alive is a commitment “longer than anybody’s marriage.”