Queen drummer Roger Taylor says he no longer speaks to John Deacon – but insists there is no feud

Queen drummer Roger Taylor has revealed that he is no longer in contact with the band’s former bassist John Deacon. However, Taylor stressed that their lack of communication should not be mistaken for a personal dispute.

Speaking in a recent Classic Rock interview, Taylor described Deacon as an intensely private individual who has largely withdrawn from public life. The drummer suggested that Deacon now communicates primarily with the band’s legal and financial representatives.

“John is a real recluse,” Taylor said. “I think he speaks to our lawyers and our accountant and that’s it.”

Despite their lack of contact, Taylor maintained that there is no personal rift. He admitted that he does not know how his former bandmate spends his time and indicated that Deacon simply prefers to be left alone.

Deacon gradually retired from the music industry following Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991. His final public performance alongside the surviving members of Queen came in 1997, when they performed “The Show Must Go On” with Elton John. As a songwriter, Deacon was responsible for enduring hits including “Another One Bites the Dust”, “You’re My Best Friend” and “I Want to Break Free”.

The remarks arrive amid continuing discussion of Queen’s future. Guitarist Brian May recently clarified comments about whether the band might tour again.

Queen is a British rock ensemble established in London in 1970 by Freddie Mercury, who served as lead vocalist and pianist, along with Brian May on guitar and vocals, and Roger Taylor on drums and vocals. Subsequently, John Deacon joined the group as the bassist.

Their initial musical influences encompassed progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal, although the band progressively transitioned towards more mainstream and radio-accessible genres by integrating elements of arena rock and pop rock. Prior to the formation of Queen, May and Taylor had performed together in the band Smile.

Mercury, an admirer of Smile, motivated the band to explore more sophisticated stage and recording techniques. He became a member in 1970 and proposed the name “Queen” for the group. Deacon was recruited in February 1971, prior to the release of their debut self-titled album in 1973.