Benson Boone Brings Out Brian May for Surprise ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in London
via Benson Boone / YouTube
Benson Boone’s London stop on his American Heart World Tour turned into an unforgettable experience when he surprised fans with a living rock legend. During his Tuesday show at the O2 Arena, Boone brought out Queen guitarist Brian May for a jaw-dropping encore performance. The duo delivered both Queen’s classic Bohemian Rhapsody and Boone’s chart-topping hit Beautiful Things, leaving the crowd stunned.
This wasn’t their first collaboration. Earlier this year, the pair shared the stage at Coachella, where their chemistry impressed both rock and pop audiences alike. The reunion in London carried that same electric energy, merging generations of music fans under one roof. Boone’s youthful enthusiasm met May’s timeless virtuosity, proving that great music transcends age and genre.
Following the show, Boone posted a lighthearted video on social media featuring him and May doing a viral TikTok mashup — a playful blend of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes and Nicki Minaj’s “Beez in the Trap.” Captioned “Guess who’s back,” it captured the joy and spontaneity that marked the evening’s surprise collaboration.
A Friendship Forged Through Music
Their musical partnership seems to have grown naturally out of mutual admiration. After their Coachella appearance, Boone took to Instagram to express his gratitude, calling May “one of the most legendary musicians of all time.” The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, known for his soulful voice and emotive songwriting, often cites Queen as one of his inspirations.
May responded with warmth, calling Boone a “truly golden prodigy” and praising the energy of their joint performance. For the veteran guitarist, performing with a rising star like Boone reflects his continued support for new artists who carry on rock’s creative spirit. Their collaborations bridge eras — May’s iconic guitar tones pairing beautifully with Boone’s heartfelt vocals.
It’s rare to see an emerging pop artist share such authentic synergy with a rock legend, but Boone and May have struck that perfect balance. Each performance feels less like a gimmick and more like a celebration of shared passion, proving that legendary rock anthems can still resonate through fresh voices.
Back on Tour After a Brief Setback
Boone’s surprise collaboration with May came shortly after a tough moment on his European tour. Over the weekend, the singer had to cancel a Birmingham show just an hour before it began due to throat and vocal issues. In a heartfelt post, Boone apologized to fans, saying, “I have tried everything I can to revive my voice, but I cannot give you the show I’d like to be able to give you.” His honesty and regret struck a chord with fans, who flooded his page with messages of support.
Thankfully, his recovery was quick — and his return at the O2 proved he was back in full form. The powerhouse vocals he unleashed alongside May were a testament to his resilience and professionalism. Boone’s gratitude toward his audience and collaborators shone through, making the London concert even more meaningful.
Currently, Boone continues his European tour with stops across Germany, Belgium, France, Norway, and Sweden through mid-November. With his voice restored and momentum stronger than ever, this young artist seems poised to make even greater waves — and perhaps share a stage again with Brian May before long.
