Queen's Brian May Makes Surprise Appearance at Benson Boone's Birmingham Show

The rock legend joined the pop star on stage for Queen classics and Boone's hit song.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:30pm

Queen guitarist Brian May made a surprise appearance during pop star Benson Boone's concert in Birmingham, England, joining him on stage to perform Queen hits "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" as well as Boone's own song "Beautiful Things." May praised Boone's performance and band, calling the singer "one of the most genuine, thoughtful and generous people" he's met, and said he was thrilled by the reaction of the Birmingham audience, who he said gave him "that old love" that Queen had experienced in the city.

Why it matters

This unexpected collaboration between the legendary Queen guitarist and the rising pop star highlights the continued influence and appeal of Queen's music, as well as May's willingness to support and uplift younger artists. It also showcases Birmingham's enduring love for Queen and its music.

The details

May joined Boone during the encore of his Birmingham concert, playing guitar on the Queen classics "We Will Rock You" and "We Are The Champions" as well as Boone's hit "Beautiful Things." May praised Boone's show and band, calling the singer an "awesome performer" and "one of the most genuine, thoughtful and generous people" he's met. May said he was thrilled by the Birmingham audience's enthusiastic reaction, noting that Queen had "such great times in Birmingham" in the past.

  • Brian May joined Benson Boone on stage during the encore of Boone's concert in Birmingham, England on March 16, 2026.

The players

Brian May

The legendary guitarist for the rock band Queen.

Benson Boone

A rising pop star who was joined on stage by Brian May during his concert in Birmingham, England.

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What they’re saying

“While lotta fun with Benson Boone last night. His show is sensational – I just provided a little icing on the cake.”

— Brian May

“Gotta say pure fun and adrenaline are just one reason I wanna spend my weekend in Birmingham.”

— Brian May

“Benson Boone is not only an awesome performer but one of the most genuine, thoughtful and generous people I've ever met.”

— Brian May

“To be greeted with that ROAR from a Birmingham audience was beyond priceless – I felt that old love – Queen had such great times in Birmingham.”

— Brian May

What’s next

May's surprise appearance at Boone's Birmingham show has generated significant buzz and excitement among fans. It remains to be seen if the two artists will collaborate again in the future, either on stage or in the studio.

The takeaway

This unexpected collaboration between the legendary Brian May and rising pop star Benson Boone not only delighted fans, but also highlighted May's continued passion for music and his willingness to support younger artists. It also showcased the enduring appeal of Queen's music and the special connection the band has with the city of Birmingham.