Brian May: Johnshift Is Still Part Of Queen

John forced (second from the left) with Queen (Instagram @officialqueenmusic)

JAKARTA - Guitarist Brian May said former bassist John way was still "very part of the Queen".

Naday joined Queen in 1971 and contributed to all the albums of this legendary band.

The bassist left the music industry in 1997 after Queen recorded the single No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young).

He took no part in Queen's new iteration after Freddie Mercury's death.

In an interview with The Guardian, May answered a series of questions raised to him by fans.

Someone asked if he had a "firassion" that forced him out of Queen forever, and why did he think the solitary bassist was leaving.

What I can say is, historically, John is quite sensitive to stress. We all find it difficult, losing Freddie (Mercury), but I think John is very difficult," the guitarist replied.

We did some things together, in 1996: the recording of No One But You a song I wrote about Freddie when we put up a statue to commemorate him at Montreux (Switzerland) and one show in Paris," he continued.

The (appointment) is to open the ballet season with the amazing new work of Maurice Béjart, aboutCE and Queen. We played with John as bassist, and Elton John sang with us.

At that time, John just looked at us and said, 'I can't do this anymore'. We knew that he at least needed rest, but it turned out he never came back.

Explaining howchair is still involved in Queen, May added: I don't think I can explain in more detail we have to respect the fact that John needs his privacy now but he's still part of the band's machine.

"If we have a big decision, from a business point of view, it always leaves John. That doesn't mean he talks to us - generally he doesn't - but he will communicate in some way. He's still part of Queen."