In one of those once-in-a-lifetime Coachella moments, Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May made a surprise appearance during pop star Benson Boone’s set. The duo performed a dynamic rendition of Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” captivating the crowd with their performance.
Queen’s original “Bohemian Rhapsody” is known for its operatic drama and meticulous studio layering, and Boone did a great job in replicating the energy with his live performance. A full onstage choir began the tune, with the all too familiar beginning and led into Boone’s performance at the piano. With a cape draped over his shoulders, the pop star channeled Freddie Mercury’s energy throughout the performance.
May made his grand entrance by rising from a platform to deliver the song’s signature guitar solo. His arrival brought a jolt of authentic Queen energy, anchoring the performance in classic rock gravitas. The stage was set ablaze with pyrotechnics, adding to the electrifying atmosphere. The blend of Boone’s modern vocal style with May’s iconic riffs created a compelling reinterpretation that honored the original while introducing a fresh dynamic for a new generation of listeners.
Emphasis on the new generation. Despite the grandeur of the collaboration, much of the crowd met Boone’s stage antics (including his trademark flips) with more enthusiasm than the arrival of the rock legend. The singer addressed the mixed reactions with humor, posting a TikTok video where he sang into a banana, playfully highlighting the crowd’s lukewarm response. He emphasized May’s monumental cultural legacy, calling him an “absolute legend.” Boone’s audience is largely younger fans who have found him through social media, and the consensus in the comments celebrated introducing iconic music figures to a new generation.
May, who had recently recovered from a minor stroke, expressed his excitement about the performance on social media, stating, “I’m still reeling from last night at Coachella. Thanks to all of you folks who made it feel so special… this particular way of concluding Bohemian Rhapsody will be hard to beat in the years to come!”
