Sir Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has drawn a firm line in the sand regarding the band’s future performances – specifically, a definitive “never” when it comes to Glastonbury Festival.
The deeply held conviction isn’t about musical preference or scheduling conflicts, but a profound disagreement with the festival’s founder, Michael Eavis, over a controversial practice: badger culling. For May, a passionate animal welfare advocate and founder of the Save Me Trust, the issue cuts to the core of his principles.
“I wouldn’t do Glastonbury next year because of the politics of the people who run it,” May stated, his voice unwavering. “They like killing badgers, and that’s something I cannot support. We’ve been trying to save these badgers for years, and they are still being killed.”
The conflict stems from Eavis’s stance on culling, a measure intended to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis among cattle. While proponents argue it protects livestock, May views it as a devastating and ultimately ineffective assault on a native species. He believes nearly half a million badgers have been needlessly killed with no demonstrable benefit to farmers.
Interestingly, May suggests Queen hasn’t even been formally offered a Glastonbury slot in years. He believes Eavis is well aware of his position and avoids the awkwardness of an invitation. The conversation, it seems, never truly begins.
This isn’t a recent development. May has consistently voiced his opposition, once calling the badger cull “the greatest crime this country has ever committed against wildlife.” Despite acknowledging the possibility of dialogue, his fundamental disagreement remains.
Queen’s story is one of enduring musical power, having captivated audiences for decades and selling an estimated 300 million records. From anthems like “We Will Rock You” to the operatic brilliance of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” their impact on music is undeniable.
The band has navigated significant changes since the tragic loss of Freddie Mercury in 1991, and the subsequent retirement of bassist John Deacon in 1997. They’ve continued to perform, first as a trio, then with Paul Rodgers, and currently with Adam Lambert.
However, even with Lambert at the helm, the future of extensive touring appears limited. May recently experienced a health scare – a minor stroke that temporarily affected his left arm – and his wife, Anita, has indicated that the era of globe-trotting tours is likely over. “They will do little bits and bobs, but they won’t do those big tours,” she revealed.
While Queen’s stage presence may evolve, Sir Brian May’s commitment to his principles remains steadfast, ensuring that Glastonbury will remain a stage the band will not grace, at least not while the current political landscape persists.
