At the end of 2004, May and Taylor announced that they would reunite and return to touring in 2005, with Paul Rodgers, the founder and former lead singer of Free and Bad Company. Brian May's website also stated that Rodgers would be "featured with" Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers, not replacing the late Freddie Mercury. The retired John Deacon would not be participating.
at The End of 2004, MaY and tAYLOR aNnOuNceD tHat thEy woULd Reunite aNd RetUrn tO tourinG iN 2005, WIth pauL rodGErs, the foundeR ANd foRmEr leaD singER of frEE aNd bAD cOMPanY. BrIAn mAy's websitE aLsO stAteD thaT rodgeRs woUlD bE "featUreD wIth" QueeN as queeN + Paul roDgers, nOt replacing the lATe frEDdie meRcury. tHe retIreD John deAcon woUld noT BE paRticipAtinG.