Queen drummer Roger Taylor has announced his seventh solo studio album, Violence Insane In A Beautiful World, which will be released on 18 September 2026.
The new record marks Taylor’s first full-length album since 2021’s Outsider, which reached Number 3 on the UK Albums Chart. Alongside the announcement, the Queen legend has unveiled the album’s lead single, Come On Summer (It’s Party Time), featuring South Africa’s Ndlovu Youth Choir.
The choir previously gained worldwide attention for its Zulu-language interpretation of Queen’s classic Bohemian Rhapsody and appears on three tracks across the new album.
Roger Taylor reflects on a troubled world
Taylor says the album explores the contrast between the beauty of everyday life and the increasing instability seen around the world.
“There is a theme… what a beautiful world we live in, don’t fuck 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 a concept album, Violence Insane In A Beautiful World draws on themes including conflict, environmental concerns and political division, balanced by a sense of optimism that has long characterised Taylor’s songwriting.
Ndlovu Youth Choir brings a new dimension to the album
Recorded largely by Taylor himself alongside longtime collaborator Joshua J. Macrae and members of his touring band, the album embraces a broad musical palette.
Taylor singled out the contribution of the Ndlovu Youth Choir as one of the project’s highlights.
“They’re just wonderful… it gives the songs a whole new dimension.”
The album also features a cover of John Lennon’s classic ballad Jealous Guy, which Taylor described as:
“One of the greatest ballads ever written.”
NASA connection adds unusual twist to album artwork
The album’s cover artwork depicts Earth from the perspective of an alien observer, a concept that unexpectedly coincided with imagery captured during NASA’s Artemis II mission.
According to Taylor, staff at NASA noticed the similarity and reached out to him about the timing.
“Kismet.”
The coincidence provided an unexpected link between the album’s themes and one of the most significant space exploration projects of recent years.
Roger Taylor announces six-date UK tour
To support the album, Taylor will embark on a six-date UK tour in September.
The run will be his only UK performances of 2026 and will reunite him with the musicians who joined him on the Outsider tour.
The tour concludes at London’s Roundhouse, a venue where Taylor last performed as a guest of the Foo Fighters in 2011.
Roger Taylor 2026 UK Tour Dates
- 21 September – Newcastle, O2 City Hall
- 22 September – Edinburgh, Usher Hall
- 24 September – Birmingham, The Alexandra
- 25 September – Manchester, Opera House
- 28 September – London, Roundhouse
- 29 September – Swansea, Building Society Arena
How to get Roger Taylor tour tickets
Fans who pre-order Violence Insane In A Beautiful World through Roger Taylor’s official store between 10 and 13 June will receive access to the ticket pre-sale.
Pre-sale codes will be distributed on 14 June, with pre-sale access running on 15 and 16 June.
General ticket sales begin on 17 June at 10am BST.
