Queen guitarist Brian May has publicly questioned the value of artificial intelligence after testing Meta AI to recreate the cover of the band’s 1980 studio album, The Game.
The image generated by Meta AI depicted five figures instead of the four permanent members who comprised Queen during that era: Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. While online speculation suggested the extra figure might resemble longtime touring keyboardist Spike Edney—who began collaborating with the band in 1984—the digital creation departed significantly from the original album’s iconic stark white design and minimalist portraits.
May did not mince words when evaluating the practical utility of generative tools for artistic and cultural fields. According to coverage by The Independent, the legendary rock guitarist questioned whether society truly benefits from such technology.
Brian May Questions AI Utility and Environmental Impact
Reflecting on the tool’s output and the broader trajectory of automated systems, May expressed deep skepticism regarding the societal trade-offs involved. “Maybe it’s time to realize that we don’t actually need AI. But seriously now, I believe the price we are about to pay for this inevitable evolution is too high,” May wrote in his social media post, as reported by The Independent.
Beyond aesthetic missteps and questions surrounding artistic integrity, May addressed the physical infrastructure required to sustain rapid technological scaling. He warned against the construction of heavy-duty computing facilities within the United Kingdom. “We must not allow heinous data centres to be built in the United Kingdom,” May stated, asserting that such facilities would harm landscapes similarly to developments in the United States.
Diverging Perspectives Within the Music Community
May’s cautious stance highlights a broader debate among musicians and industry veterans regarding the integration of automated technologies into creative workflows. While artists like May emphasize preservation, environmental consequences, and the irreplaceable nature of human artistry, other figures view these platforms through a more pragmatic lens.
For instance, Linda Perry, singer for the rock band 4 Non Blondes, has offered a contrasting viewpoint on the emergence of generative systems. Perry characterized these applications as practical utilities capable of streamlining everyday tasks, suggesting that creators should adapt to the shifting technological landscape rather than resist it.
As debates continue over copyright, infrastructure, and the cultural footprint of automated tools, public figures across the entertainment industry remain sharply divided on how creative sectors should respond to rapid advancements in machine learning.