Brian May is worried that AI could destroy the music industry at its core.
While speaking about Daily Mail’s new campaign against AI, the Queen guitarist said it may be ‘too late’ to stop its impact. “My fear is that it’s already too late – this theft has already been performed and is unstoppable, like so many incursions that the monstrously arrogant billionaire owners of Al and social media are making into our lives. The future is already forever changed,” May said.
“But I applaud this campaign to make the public aware of what is being lost. I hope it succeeds in putting a brake on, because if not, nobody will be able to afford to make music from here on in,” he added.
Brian May has spoken out again about AI’s impact on music. In a 2023 interview with Guitar Player, he predicted that 2023 could be the last year humans truly dominated the music scene. “I think by this time next year the landscape will be completely different. We won’t know which way is up. We won’t know what’s been created by AI and what’s been created by humans…”
“I really think it could be that serious, and that doesn’t fill me with joy. It makes me feel apprehensive, and I’m preparing to feel sad about this,” he added.
The campaign is supported by Simon Cowell, believing AI shouldn’t be allowed to take credit for human creativity. The campaign includes articles in several major newspapers, condemning the UK government’s AI plans.
In addition, over 1,000 artists have joined forces to release a ‘silent album’ titled ‘Is This What We Want?’ to protest the proposed ‘opt-out’ copyright model. The album features contributions from artists like Damon Albarn, Kate Bush, and Hans Zimmer, highlighting how the music industry would be empty without human talent. All proceeds are being donated to Help Musicians charity.
