Queen guitarist Brian May has confirmed that the band will not perform at Glastonbury Festival, citing a dispute with founder Michael Eavis over the badger cull. May, a prominent animal rights activist, criticised Eavis for supporting the controversial cull aimed at preventing bovine tuberculosis.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, May described the cull as a “tragedy and unnecessary crime” against UK wildlife. He also dismissed rumours that Queen had been booked to headline the festival's 50th anniversary in 2020, stating that he would not perform “unless things changed radically”.
May, who co-founded the animal welfare organisation Save Me, said Eavis had “frequently insulted” him. He added: “What bothers me more is that he is in favour of the badger cull, which I regard as a tragedy and unnecessary crime against wildlife.”
The guitarist, currently touring with Adam Lambert, acknowledged that Glastonbury had “always been my favourite gig to play” but ruled out any appearance under current circumstances. The badger cull has previously sparked boycotts, with actor Peter Egan calling on music fans to stay away from the festival in 2019.
