Back in 2002, Kerry Ellis won the role of Meat in Queen musical We Will Rock You. It was during this time that she began a collaboration with Brian May himself. Over the years the pair have worked on albums, including Ellis’ debut Anthems and performed concert tours together.
Now in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, the 40-year-old singer has revealed just how impressive and busy May is, even at 72.
Ellis said: “He doesn’t sit still, he’s never not doing something.
“There’s never a down day, he never gets a minute to himself – a really busy guy.
“You kind of forget he’s in his seventies but he’s incredibly energetic and does so many things.”
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The singer added: “And if you’re not performing you’re resting and recovering and making sure you’re looking after yourself well.
“It is quite a difficult thing and then when you come off tour that’s also really difficult as well because you come back to reality and you’re putting the washing on and making the breakfast and those everyday things.
“It’s such a dynamic change and it’s quite a hard thing to get your head around. I think every performer goes through it in a way.
“Brian is known all over the world and with this social media platform he can obviously be a bit more vocal about [his struggles], but I think it’s a good thing. He’s speaking out and reaching out and saying how he’s feeling and I think it might help other people, which is great.”
While May is currently touring with Queen and Adam Lambert, Ellis will soon be performing around the UK with Queen Machine Symphonic and the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra.
The new show sees the top European Queen tribute band team up with the We Will Rock You star and Brian May collaborator, alongside the 15-piece orchestra.
Ellis teased: “Fans get all the hits, they get everything they want to sing along to. And we always have a big party at the end with We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions and Bohemian Rhapsody, so it’s a real good fun night. The singer of the band is amazing. He has lots of energy, runs around, gets the crowd to sing.”
Kerry Ellis tours with Queen Machine Symphonic across the UK from April 15 and tickets are available here.