Queen legend Sir Brian May made a surprise appearance at the Coachella music festival last night to pay tribute to one of the band’s most famous songs. The legendary guitarist joined Benson Boone on stage as part of the singers performance of Bohemian Rhapsody. This latest appearance comes less than a year after the 77-year-old star suffered a “minor stroke” which left him struggling to get “a fork to his mouth” . Just two days ago (April 10) Brian’s wife, Doctor Who star Anita Dobson, 75, confirmed he was “back to his old self,” during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.
Proving her right he joined Grammy nominee Benson and a full choir on Friday night as he gave his take on the band’s 1975 hit on the first night of weekend one of the legendary music festival. He began his performance at the piano wearing a regal blue velvet cape trimmed with white fur akin to the red one Freddie Mercury famously wore on stage before removing the overgarment as he worked the stage to reveal a sparkly blue jumpsuit underneath, which appeared to be an homage to a similar outfit worn by the Queen frontman in the 1970s.
Brian had hinted at the performance on his Instagram earlier posting a picture from a private jet with Boone stting opposite him. “Look who I bumped into – on the way to the fabled Palm Springs … Maybe something will happen ?!,” he penned.
He also posted a selfie of the pair which he captioned: “Do we look happy ? !!! Gonna treasure this moment on the plane with @bensonboone – a truly golden 22 year old prodigy. I’m proud and happy to say we are now officially pals.”
Although he has yet to comment on the performance Brian did repost a clip of it to the delight of fans. “He looked great!! So glad to see him play,” one commented.
“What an absolute treat to get to hear Brian himself!!!” another exclaimed. “Amazing, so beautiful, just seeing Brian makes everything ok,” a third chimed in.
“Wonderful!!! @brianmayforreal rocking as usual!!!” a fourth wrote. Meanwhile a fifth gushed: “Legendary guitarist. So wonderful to see him on stage!”
Brian revealed his health news to fans in September last year, sharing on Instagram in a video.
“I hope you’re all well out there. I’m here to bring you first of all some good news. I think good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days.” He twiddled his fingers to highlight how mobility in his fingers had improved.
“I say this because it was in some doubt because that little health hiccup that I mentioned happened about a week ago. What they called it was a minor stroke and all of a sudden – out of the blue – I didn’t have any control over this arm so was a little scary.
“I have to say I had the most fantastic care and attention from Frimley Hospital where I went blue lights flashing… the lot. Very exciting!”
