Queen guitarist Brian May has issued a stern warning to social media trolls, telling them to “shut up” while sharing a heartfelt tribute to late bandmate Freddie Mercury on Instagram.
The 78-year-old rock legend posted fan artwork depicting Mr Mercury at various stages throughout his life, featuring a touching illustration of the singer holding himself as an infant, surrounded by images from his childhood.
Mr May accompanied the post with his 1992 track Just One Life, originally written for actor Philip Sayer, writing: “The most beautiful memories are the saddest. Remembering the one and only Freddie M.”
The guitarist defended the artist against accusations of using artificial intelligence, saying: “I’m going to say this only once, to you people who think you’re so clever. This has nothing to do with AI.”
Brian May took to his Instagram to pay tribute to Freddie Mercury
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GETTYHe added: “It is the work of an artist whom I was pleased to credit, above. And I’m reminded again that, in commenting, if we have only a negative comment to offer, it’s better to shut up.
The post drew thousands of supportive responses from fans who praised Mr May’s tribute and shared their own memories of Mr Mercury, who died in 1991 aged 45.
One fan wrote: “Thank you so much, dear Bri, for your kindness and generous heart. I hug you and am with you today my dear friend. Thank you on my own behalf and in memory of our beloved and dear Freddie.”
Another supporter commented: “Freddie forever, the best singer in the world. Brian, l love Queen. The show must go on. Thank you for Queen, for being the icon you are and for keeping Freddie’s memory alive.”
Brian May posing with artwork by Nenu Arts
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Mr May has revealed ambitious plans for a potential ABBA Voyage-style hologram show that would reunite Queen’s original lineup, including Mercury and retired bassist John Deacon.
Speaking to The Big Issue, the guitarist expressed enthusiasm about immersive technology, saying: “Freddie is still alive through the music that we listen to all the time. In a sense, John is still with us in the same way, but now we have so many other opportunities.”
He highlighted venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas as offering possibilities to recreate the experience of the original quartet, adding: “That really appeals to me.”
Mr May suggested such technology could allow Queen to be “the original Queen again,” though he previously told The Graham Norton Radio Show podcast he preferred waiting until current members were “gone” before pursuing hologram performances.
Mr May and drummer Roger Taylor have opened up about the band’s severe financial troubles during the creation of Bohemian Rhapsody, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
The guitarist revealed that the band was “seriously in debt and in a very bad situation as regards management” when recording their 1975 masterpiece.
“We thought, ‘This is going to be a nice track for our new album, which hopefully is going to save us,'” Mr May explained.
Mr Taylor added: “We certainly weren’t thinking in terms of number ones, we just felt it was the best song on the album. It was the most arresting, unusual thing.”
The track dominated the charts for nine weeks, transforming the band’s fortunes during a period of economic hardship and soaring inflation.
Mr May believes the song connected with audiences during Britain’s economic turmoil of the 1970s, when the nation was labelled “the sick man of Europe” due to financial struggles and industrial unrest.
“When times are tough, music really can save you, raise your spirits,” the guitarist explained, noting he’d received numerous letters over the years from people saying Queen’s music had lifted them from depression.
Artwork by Nenu Arts on Instagram
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Nenu Arts
Regarding the hologram concept, Mr Taylor expressed mixed feelings about ABBA Voyage after attending the show, stating: “I had a good time. I enjoyed it, I didn’t find the actual projections that convincing.”
He believes current technology has progressed significantly since ABBA’s production began, suggesting “a lot more can be done” with today’s capabilities.