Queen drummer Roger Taylor has revealed that bandmate Sir Brian May was "furiously jealous" after Taylor received the original 20-foot bronze statue of Freddie Mercury, a gift that followed the closure of a West End show.
Speaking on Virgin Radio with presenter Chris Evans, Taylor played a game of true or false. One statement read: "I was arrested in '83 for trying to steal a 20ft bronze statue from outside a London theatre." Evans guessed it was true, but Taylor corrected him, saying he was not arrested and did not steal it, as it was given to him.
The Story Behind the Statue
Taylor explained that the statue, which stood on top of the Dominion canopy, was destined for storage when the show closed. He said: "It was the massive 20ft statue of Freddie which they wanted to store in a warehouse when the show closed. I said, 'No, I'll have that in my garden. Why not? It's going to be cheap'."
The gift triggered a strong reaction from May. Taylor added: "And Brian was absolutely furiously jealous and eventually they made another one and he's got it in his garden. Mine's the original."
Queen's Future Plans
Taylor's comments come amid speculation about Queen's future. May has denied that the band will stop touring, clarifying on Instagram that a decision about the future would be made in good time and that they would continue producing music.
Addressing a Rolling Stone headline suggesting Queen would not tour again, May wrote: "This is a misinterpretation of what I actually said. I have actually never said Queen won't ever tour again. I could never say never. I simply made a personal decision last year to take a break from touring. I've been making lots of music, and Roger [Taylor] and I are constantly working together on Queen projects behind the scenes. I don't know what the future holds. I'm ever open to new adventures!"
Taylor is set to appear on James Martin's Saturday Morning on ITV at 9.30am today.
