Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Brian May recently experimented with artificial intelligence by creating an AI-generated image inspired by Queen’s 1980 album The Game — but the result left the legendary guitarist unimpressed.
On Monday, Aug. 11, the 79-year-old Queen guitarist posted the image he generated using Meta AI on Instagram, explaining that he wanted to see how the technology would recreate the cover of The Game. Instead of praising the result, May used the experiment to question whether AI deserves the growing role it has in society.
“I just had to share this with you guys,” May wrote, joking about the image and questioning whether this was really the kind of “intelligence” that could eventually have such a major influence on the world.
His playful criticism soon turned into a serious warning. May argued that the costs associated with the rapid expansion of AI could ultimately outweigh its benefits, particularly as companies continue developing massive data centers.
He also urged officials in the United Kingdom to prevent more large-scale data centers from being constructed, warning that they could have damaging effects on the country’s environment and landscape.
May has been raising concerns about artificial intelligence for several years, particularly over its potential impact on music and other creative industries.
In a 2023 interview with Guitar Player, he expressed concern that AI could quickly make it difficult for audiences to distinguish between work created by humans and material generated by machines.
At the time, May predicted that the music industry could become increasingly difficult to navigate as AI-generated material became more widespread. He feared that the technology could eventually blur the distinction between human creativity and artificial production.
His concerns have since been echoed by numerous high-profile musicians. In 2024, artists including Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Miranda Lambert, Billy Porter, Brothers Osborne, Camila Cabello, Darius Rucker, FINNEAS, Imagine Dragons, J Balvin, the Jonas Brothers, Jon Bon Jovi, Kate Hudson, Metro Boomin, Noah Kahan, Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, Sheryl Crow, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder and Zayn Malik were among the artists who signed an open letter opposing AI music-generating technology.
The musicians warned about the potential consequences of AI for creators and the broader music business, particularly when technology is used without proper consent or compensation.
More recently, SZA has also spoken openly about her concerns over AI. During a March 2026 interview with i-D Magazine, the singer said she felt especially troubled by the way AI was being used in Black music.
She questioned why AI-generated covers were appearing so soon after artists such as Olivia Dean released new music, arguing that emerging performers could lose potential income when artificial versions of their work compete for streams.
SZA also criticized what she described as stereotypical portrayals of Black music appearing in AI-generated material, adding another perspective to the growing debate over how artificial intelligence could reshape the creative world.
