Benson Boone pokes fun at Coachella crowd’s underwhelming reaction to Brian May guest spot
Despite Boone’s disappointment in the crowd’s lack of enthusiasm, May himself is was “awestruck” by their shared performance.
Image: Allen J. Schaben / Getty
Brian May made an appearance at Coachella festival for a special performance of Bohemian Rhapsody alongside singer-songwriter Benson Boone last Friday, but his iconic solo seemed to be lost on the crowd.
The performance marked the Queen guitarist’s return to the stage following a stroke that impacted the control over his left arm. Following the event, Boone took to TikTok to joke about his frustrations over a lack of response to May and his significance in the world of music.
In his TikTok, Boone can be seen holding a banana to imitate a microphone and trying to hype up an imaginary crowd, before throwing it over his shoulder in a parody of annoyance. He writes, “Me trying to get the crowd at Coachella to understand what a legend Brian May is and the cultural impact he has on music and the world.”
@bensonboone Mystical Magical.
Despite the flat reaction, viewers online have praised the performance from Boone, who played the iconic intro on a grand piano before flipping off it, and strutting around the stage in a rather royal mantle. The performance was also completed by a mighty choir and live band.
May himself was also thrilled with their rendition, and wrote on his Instagram the following day: “I’m still reeling from last night at Coachella. Thanks to all of you folks who made it feel so special – you know who you are! And this particular way of concluding Bohemian Rhapsody will be hard to beat in the years to come! Thanks. And for Benson and his entire team, I have no words. I’m awestruck.”
You can watch the full performance of Bohemian Rhapsody from Benson Boone below: