Queen Legends Reunite: John Deacon Signs With Brian May and Roger Taylor for First Time in 30 Years

In a historic moment for Queen fans around the globe, legendary bassist John Deacon, 73, has reunited with guitarist Brian May, 78, and drummer Roger Taylor, 76, for their first public collaboration in nearly three decades. Known for stepping away from the music world after Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Deacon’s recent participation marks a rare glimpse of the reclusive musician joining his bandmates in a meaningful gesture.

The reunion centers on a special copy of Queen’s iconic 1975 album A Night At The Opera, home to the band’s timeless masterpiece, Bohemian Rhapsody. This signed album will be auctioned during the annual Freddie Mercury Birthday Party on September 6 at Casino Barrière Montreux, the legendary home of Mountain Studios and the Queen Studio Experience tour.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust, the charity established in Freddie Mercury’s memory, confirmed that John Deacon personally signed the album within the past two weeks alongside Brian and Roger. “We are tremendously proud to offer this, signed by all three of them just recently,” the charity announced, reassuring fans that the signatures are “100% authentic.” The involvement of Deacon is especially notable given that he has not publicly signed memorabilia since retiring from active music participation.

While Brian May and Roger Taylor have continued to tour extensively with Queen + Adam Lambert, Deacon’s last public appearance with the band occurred on January 17, 1997, performing The Show Must Go On with Elton John in Paris. Since then, he has maintained a low profile. Yet, as May explained earlier this year in Mojo magazine, Deacon still retains veto power over major band decisions, even without engaging in creative work. “John still has a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ say. 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 said.

Adding to the exclusivity of the Montreux event, Roger Taylor will also display his legendary Live Aid drum kit for photo opportunities, offering fans a chance to celebrate Queen’s unparalleled legacy firsthand. The charity auction serves both as a fundraiser and a tribute to Freddie Mercury’s enduring influence, drawing collectors and devoted fans eager to bid on unique memorabilia.

Bidding for the signed A Night At The Opera album will be conducted in person at the venue starting at noon on the day of the event. Online and telephone bids will not be accepted, highlighting the one-of-a-kind nature of this auction. While the minimum bid is yet to be announced, organizers expect the album to command a significant price due to its historical and sentimental importance.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of A Night At The Opera, cementing its place as one of rock music’s most celebrated albums. The unprecedented signing by three of Queen’s original members serves as a powerful reminder of the band’s lasting impact and the enduring bonds that persist despite decades of change.

For fans, this rare act of participation by John Deacon is both a tribute to Queen’s storied past and a celebration of their ongoing legacy—a once-in-a-generation moment truly worthy of the music immortalized in Bohemian Rhapsody and beyond.