Roger Taylor Unveils New Solo LP & Single

Roger Taylor, the legendary drummer and songwriter for Queen, has revealed his upcoming solo album, "Violence Insane In A Beautiful World". Set for release on September 18 through Columbia Records, the project marks his first solo effort since the 2021 acclaimed album "Outsider".

To kick off the launch, Taylor has released the upbeat single "Come On Summer (It's Party Time)." The track features the Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa, who previously gained fame for their Zulu-language rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Taylor noted that the choir's contribution added a powerful new dimension to the music.

The album explores the contrast between the world's natural beauty and the chaos of modern violence and environmental decay. While Taylor addresses these heavy topics - including the impact of plastics in the ocean and global conflict - he emphasizes that the overall tone remains hopeful, focusing on the essential nature of kindness. Interestingly, the album art, which depicts Earth from an alien's perspective, coincided with real-life images captured by NASA's Artemis II mission.

Drawing inspiration from the eclectic style of The Beatles, Taylor's new work blends various musical sounds. He also continues his tradition of political commentary, expressing concern over current populist movements and global leadership.

To celebrate the release, Taylor will embark on a U.K. tour beginning September 21 in Newcastle, with additional dates in cities such as Manchester and London. Fans who pre-order the album will receive exclusive early access to tickets.

With a career spanning over five decades and more than 300 million records sold with Queen, Taylor continues to expand his musical legacy. Whether through his OBE-recognized contributions to music or his passions for sailing and classic cars, he remains a definitive figure in rock history.