Roger Taylor has announced his seventh solo album Violence Insane In A Beautiful World, which will be released on September 18.
The Queen drummer, songwriter and vocalist returns with his first full-length project since 2021’s Outsider, an album that reached number three on the UK charts. The new record is introduced by its lead single, Come On Summer (It’s Party Time), which is out now and features South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir, known for their viral Zulu-language version of Bohemian Rhapsody.
The album was mainly recorded by Taylor himself, alongside long-time collaborator Joshua J. Macrae and members of his touring band. It explores what he describes as the contrast between the world’s natural beauty and its growing instability.
He said: “There is a theme… what a beautiful world we live in, don’t f*** it up.
“The violence in the world seems to be as bad as it ever was… but kindness is very important. It seems to be forgotten quite a lot.”
While not strictly a concept album, the project ties together Taylor’s reflections on war, environmental concerns and political tension, while still maintaining an overall sense of optimism and the eclectic style that has shaped his solo work.
The Ndlovu Youth Choir appear on three tracks, which Taylor says brought a new energy to the music. “They’re just wonderful… it gives the songs a whole new dimension,” he said.
The album also features a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy, which Taylor called “one of the greatest ballads ever written.”
A striking coincidence came with the album artwork, which shows Earth from the viewpoint of an alien observer. Around the same time, NASA’s Artemis II mission captured similar imagery from the far side of the Moon.
Taylor said NASA staff, including Queen fans based in Houston, described the timing as feeling like “kismet”.
To support the release, Taylor will also play a short UK tour, his only UK dates of 2026. The shows begin on September 21 in Newcastle, followed by Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Swansea, and a final stop at London’s Roundhouse, a venue he last appeared at in 2011 during a guest performance with Foo Fighters.
Fans who pre-order the album from Taylor’s official store between June 10 and 13 will receive early access to tickets. Pre-sale codes will be sent on June 14, with pre-sale running June 15 and 16, before general sale opens on June 17 at 10am BST.
