Brian May has described the "joy" he feels at hearing former bandmate Freddie Mercury's voice as he works on releasing previously unheard Queen material.

Brian May revealed that he and drummer Roger Taylor were close to announcing new tour dates for the band.

Mr Taylor has previously hinted that Queen were planning to reunite with former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert for a project this year.

And, speaking in London today at the launch of a campaign to raise money for a badger vaccination initiative, Mr May said that the group were close to announcing new dates.

He also confirmed that a biopic of Freddie Mercury's life, starring Skyfall actor Ben Whishaw, was getting underway.

Mr May has previously revealed that he is working on a new Queen record which will feature at least three previously unheard tracks featuring Freddie Mercury on vocals.

Describing how it felt to be working on the material, he said: "When I hear Freddie's voice coming off the recording, it's 35 years ago but it feels as if it was yesterday, and he's full of beans and naughtiness. It's a joy.

"You can't live in the past, but I think it's important to keep an awareness of it, and a connection to it.

Mr May, who was given the all-clear for prostate cancer after a scare earlier this year, said that he was "busier than ever".

As well as continuing his campaign work for animal rights, he is also planning to tour with longtime collaborator Kerry Ellis in February for a series of concerts in the UK, Russia, Belarus and Malta.

Joking that he was struggling to find "time to sleep", he said: "We're incredibly busy right now. Forty years since Queen were formed, and over 20 years since Freddie died and we are busier than ever. 

"We're about to press the button on some touring, which I'm very excited about, and we have a film to make.

"I'm also involved with lots of books and my astronomy work, and campaigning for animal welfare takes up more and more time, so it's important for me to try to keep a balance."

Speaking in December, Roger Taylor implied that Queen were planning to reunite with Adam Lambert for a project, after a series of shows with the singer in 2012.

He said: "He's very theatrical. And he really interprets our songs just brilliantly. I feel he's going away from the pop thing which is good, I think. And he's becoming a serious player." 

"He's got a voice which is pretty unbeatable. I do think we will be working with Adam next year, yeah."

Following Mercury's death in 1991, the band also collaborated with singer Paul Rodgers, but amicably parted company with him in 2009.

Adam Lambert to Rock With Queen Again

Dr. Brian May said: “I think we may do some Queen gigs later on this year. I’m probably not supposed to say this, but we’re looking at doing something.”

“Of course, Adam Lambert is a great frontman and we know already that works, so we’d be looking towards some gigs with Adam, hopefully. I’m excited about that, if it happens.”

Continuing to praise the star who he says has an "amazing range", Brian stated that "If it (a tour) happens this year, it will be with Adam."

Lambert of course is also working on his own new material, and hopes to have his third studio album released at some point this year.

Brian May Talks Freddie Mercury Biopic, Reveals Plans for New Queen Album and Tour

After revealing earlier this month that doctors have found him cancer-free following a recent health scare, Queen guitarist Brian May has now announced some more news that should make the band’s fans happy.  In a lengthy letter May sent out to Queen Fan Club members, and posted at BrianMay.com, the rocker gives an update about the status of several projects relating to the group, including the Freddie Mercury biopic and an album that will feature unreleased Queen recordings.

Regarding the movie, May reports, “[We are] ready to start the engine rolling” on the flick.  He points out that it’s been difficult “trying to assemble the right team to make the film,” while adding that “the lineup is looking very exciting…I think just the announcement will cause a bit of a sensation!”

Brian also reveals that he and drummer Roger Taylor are putting together a new Queen record that will contain “at least THREE previously unheard tracks with Freddie singing.”  He says that he and Taylor are “[w]orking hard on this material now,” adding that more details about the project “will unfold” soon.

Another exciting revelation May announces in the letter is that he and Taylor “have been looking at doing some dates” under the Queen moniker this year.  Noting that “I think we’re up for one more swing out there, he says the lineup will be “Roger and myself, and who knows who else!!”  May also reports that he’s seen “an amazing working list of dates” for the trek.

Meanwhile, May and longtime collaborator Kerry Ellis will be hitting the road in February for a series of concerts that includes stops in the U.K., Russia, Belarus and Malta.