The band will give a sneak preview March 19 in South Africa at a concert to benefit Nelson Mandela’s 46664 organization.

Queen last toured in 1986. Original singer Freddie Mercury died of complications from AIDS in 1991.

Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor became excited about the possibility of a tour with Rodgers on vocals after several performances together last year, including a televised U.K. Hall of Fame Awards show.

May and Taylor gushed enthusiastically about working with the former Free and Bad Company singer.

“Ever since the run-up to that awards show, I felt in my waters that something big and scary was happening,” May said. “Scary because as soon as you press the button for something like this you set a massive juggernaut into motion which cannot be stopped!

“So bang goes the home life, and anything else we might have planned for the coming months. Suddenly the Queen Phoenix is rising again.”

Taylor added, “I always hoped we would tour again and I’m thrilled we’re doing it. It feels good and it smells good, and I know we’re doing it with the right singer for the right reasons.”

May and Taylor also expressed eagerness to perform Queen songs that were never played live, possibly including “Innuendo” and “The Show Must Go On.” Due to Mercury’s health, the band was unable to tour in its last years together, although they continued to record.

The band also plans to play several Free and Bad Company hits familiar to Rodgers fans.

Longtime Queen bassist John Deacon is “retired” and will not appear on the tour. No replacement has been announced.

The seven U.K. shows have reportedly already sold out. The current itinerary wraps May 11 at the Wembley Pavilion in London.