A slewing-type working machine includes: a hydraulic motor for slewing an upper slewing body; a hydraulic pump; a slewing operation device including an operation member; a control valve controlling the hydraulic motor based on an operation signal of the slewing operation device; first and second pipe-lines connecting first and second ports of the hydraulic motor to the control valve; communication switching devices switching communication and cutoff between both pipe-lines and a tank; an electric motor; an electric storage device; and a controller, which communicates an outlet-side pipe-line to the tank during slewing, makes a brake based on a regenerative action by the electric motor and the electric storage device and causes the electric storage device to store regenerative power, upon deceleration operation. Upon failure occurrence, the controller brings the communication switching devices to a communication-cutoff state and stops the regenerative action to secure slewing.