Singer reacts to Coachella's snub of rock legend, outburst sparks attention

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of music, art, and fashion, drawing crowds from all over the globe to the sun-drenched deserts of Southern California.

It's a place where memories are made, the unexpected should be expected, and music legends can often be found gracing the stage alongside the latest chart-toppers.

However, as the pop singer discovered during his recent performance, not every moment at Coachella turns out to be the unforgettable experience it's meant to be.


Benson Boone, a 22-year-old pop balladeer, experienced what many artists might consider a dream come true when he was joined on stage by none other than Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen.

The moment was set to be a generational bridge, connecting Queen's timeless anthems with the fresh sounds of today's pop music.


1744766253930.png
Benson Boone's surprise appearance with Queen guitarist Brian May was met with a lacklustre response from Coachella attendees. Credit: YouTube


As the opening chords of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' filled the air, followed by Boone's hit 'Beautiful Things,' it should have been a moment that shook the festival grounds.

But the reaction from the Coachella crowd was, to put it mildly, underwhelming.

The sea of festival-goers, adorned in their festival best and perhaps distracted by the myriad of sensory experiences Coachella offers, seemed to respond deadpan to the rock icon's presence.


After May's initial solo, he was briefly taken offstage, but he returned to jam alongside Boone and his guitarist, Sus Vasquez.

Despite Boone's energetic performance, which included jumping on top of a grand piano and hurdling over May, the crowd's reaction remained tepid.

In a social media post after the performance, Boone expressed his frustration, humorously attempting to rally the crowd using a banana as a makeshift microphone before tossing it aside in resignation.

His caption, 'Me trying to get the Coachella crowd to understand what an absolute legend Brian May is,' captured his disbelief at the lacklustre response.

For his part, Brian May had been building anticipation for the performance with a series of Instagram posts praising Boone as a 'golden 22-year-old prodigy' and expressing his excitement about their newfound friendship.


This collaboration came after a challenging period for May, who had suffered a 'minor stroke' in September, casting doubt on his ability to continue playing guitar.

'I’m here to bring you some good news—the good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days,' he said.

Thankfully, with the support of his wife, Anita Dobson, and his resilience, May had recovered and returned to music, much to the relief of fans worldwide.

'I say this because it was in some doubt because that little health hiccup that I mentioned happened about a week ago and what they called it was a minor stroke. It was a little scary, I have to say.' he added.

The incident at Coachella raised questions about the nature of music appreciation among different generations.

It's a stark reminder that not all festival-goers are versed in the history of rock music or the iconic status of musicians like Brian May.

It also highlights the unpredictable nature of live performances, where the crowd's energy can be as influential as the talent on stage.


This story might resonate differently for our readers at the Seniors Discount Club. Many of you grew up with Queen's music as the soundtrack to your lives, and the thought of Brian May being met with anything less than adoration might seem unfathomable.

It's a testament to the changing times and the evolving landscape of music appreciation.


Credit: YouTube


Credit: TikTok

Key Takeaways
  • Pop singer Benson Boone was disappointed by Coachella attendees' lacklustre response to a surprise appearance by Queen guitarist Brian May during his set.
  • Despite performing a rendition of the Bohemian Rhapsody and Boone's hit Beautiful Things with the rock legend, the crowd's reaction was underwhelming.
  • Benson Boone attempted to engage the crowd and recognise Brian May's legendary status but expressed his frustration on social media.
  • Brian May, who had a minor stroke the previous year, has made significant progress in his recovery, being able to play guitar and return to music, as his wife, Anita Dobson, shared.
Have you ever witnessed a similar situation where a younger audience underappreciated a legendary artist? How do you feel about the way today's festival crowds receive music legends? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
 

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
Brian May is an absolute Legend and the former Queen Guitarist deserved more recognition from the obviosly uninterested crowd of Gen X and Millenial Attendees, No Acolades for Benson Boone I absolutely understand, his rendition of his hit beautiful Things Almost drove me to contemplate cutting my own throat more than once, the subject of the song was just so depressing, I was guaranteed to turn down the sound as soon as I heard the intro UGH. Brian May deserved far more from the crowd of wannabees at the festival than he received and it is sad that such a music legend was treated so dismissively:cry:
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×