Queen drummer Roger Taylor is sharing an update on “Queen Forever”, a new album due later this year that will include unreleased songs featuring the late Freddie Mercury.

The project sees Taylor and guitarist Brian May recording new backing tracks to the Mercury material, just as they did for 1995’s “Made In Heaven” album, and is expected to include at least one duet between Freddie and Michael Jackson.

“I’m not quite sure what’s on it yet,” Taylor tells the London Evening Standard. “We’ve got some great new tracks that haven’t been heard and there’s an interesting selection of older stuff.”

Dealing with the legalities with Jackson’s estate surrounding the material featuring the pop icon has been a challenge for the band.

“[Yes] if we could get a decision from the Michael Jackson estate, who seem to be, well, difficult,” says Taylor. “[Producer] William Orbit did a really nice mix of one of our tracks with Michael and I’m pretty certain that will be on Queen Forever. But it’s been like wading through glue.”

The album is expected before Christmas.

Queen are currently playing shows across Australia with vocalist Adam Lambert as part of their 2014 world tour.

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