Back view of rock drummer Roger Taylor poised behind his drum kit on an illuminated arena stage.

Musician, songwriter, and singer

Roger Taylor

Best known for Drummer and multi-instrumentalist for the rock band Queen

Born
1949
From
British
Working since
1968
Also known as
Roger Meddows Taylor

Roger Taylor was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, England, and grew up in Truro, Cornwall. In the late 1960s, while studying biology and later dentistry in London, he joined the band Smile alongside guitarist Brian May. In 1970, with singer Freddie Mercury and later bassist John Deacon, they formed Queen. Taylor served as the band's drummer, backing vocalist, and contributing songwriter, penning major international hits including 'Radio Ga Ga' and 'A Kind of Magic'.

Beyond Queen, Taylor launched a solo career and formed the side project The Cross in the late 1980s. Following Mercury's death in 1991, Taylor and May preserved Queen's legacy through high-profile collaborations, most notably touring globally as Queen + Adam Lambert. Taylor continues to release solo music and perform internationally.

Follows: instagram @rogertaylorofficial

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Roger Taylor in brief

  • Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Queen in 2001.
  • Wrote major Queen hits including 'Radio Ga Ga' and 'A Kind of Magic'.
  • Appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2020.
  • Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.
  • Formed the rock band The Cross in 1987 as lead singer and guitarist.

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