Roger Taylor
Photo: Unknown photographer / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA (editorial use)
Roger Meddows Taylor (born 26 July 1949) is an English drummer, singer, and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the band Queen.
His most significant connection to David Bowie came through the creation of the 1981 single “Under Pressure”, a landmark collaboration between Bowie and Queen.
- Name: Roger Meddows Taylor
- Born: 26 July 1949 (King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England)
- Role: Drummer, vocalist, songwriter
- Bowie link: Drummer and co-creator on “Under Pressure” (1981)
- Core idea: Power, precision, vocal-driven drumming
The rhythmic engine of Queen
Roger Taylor’s drumming formed one of the defining elements of Queen’s sound. His style combined power and clarity with a strong sense of dynamics, supporting the band’s dramatic arrangements without overwhelming them.
In addition to drumming, Taylor contributed vocals and songwriting, making him one of Queen’s most versatile members.
The Montreux sessions
In 1981, Queen were recording in Montreux, Switzerland, when David Bowie joined them in the studio. What began as an informal encounter quickly turned into a spontaneous collaborative session.
Roger Taylor was central to shaping the rhythmic framework that allowed the song to evolve organically.
Drumming on “Under Pressure”
Taylor’s drumming on “Under Pressure” is deliberately restrained, providing structure while leaving space for John Deacon’s bassline and the vocal dialogue between Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
The controlled pulse of the track heightens its emotional tension, proving that impact does not always require complexity.
Vocal contribution and arrangement
Beyond drumming, Roger Taylor contributed backing vocals that reinforced the song’s layered vocal architecture. This vocal dimension was central to Queen’s identity and meshed naturally with Bowie’s expressive delivery.
The result was a track built on balance and contrast rather than dominance by any single performer.
A rare collaborative moment
“Under Pressure” remains a unique moment in Bowie’s catalogue — a true collaboration rather than a guest appearance. Taylor’s presence ensured that the track retained Queen’s rhythmic DNA while accommodating Bowie’s lyrical urgency.
The session has since become legendary for its intensity, openness, and creative trust.
Roger Taylor in Bowie’s creative universe
In Bowie’s creative universe, Roger Taylor represents collaborative equilibrium — a musician whose discipline and restraint allowed space for one of Bowie’s most iconic performances.
His contribution helped turn “Under Pressure” into a timeless statement on anxiety, humanity, and connection.