Brian May Blocks Fans That Call Him Hypocrite
Brian May live in 2019 - AdamMethos / Youtube
Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May, is no stranger to pushing boundaries and rocking the stage. But amidst the electrifying performances of The Rhapsody Tour with Adam Lambert, May has found himself facing a different kind of battle: online negativity.
In a recent Instagram video, May’s private jet travel sparked criticism, prompting him to take a firm stance against online trolls.
May, known for his outspoken nature and environmental activism, found himself targeted by comments calling him out for his seemingly contradictory actions. The video, showcasing airport staff bidding farewell as he disembarks his private jet, ignited a debate about hypocrisy and the complexities of navigating personal choices within a larger environmental context.
Unfazed by the negativity, May’s response was swift and decisive. He declared his intention to block anyone who resorted to personal attacks and name-calling, “Generally, I immediately block anyone who calls me a hypocrite – who needs to put up with insults in their own comments page?!”
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“Generally, I immediately block anyone who calls me a hypocrite”
Following a comment calling him out, May took to Instagram to explain his stance. In a post addressed to his 3.3 million followers, the Queen guitarist justified the band’s reliance on private travel for their ongoing tour.
“Arriving (just in time bc) for our last internal flight of the tour. Everyone is so polite, and welcoming, and helpful here,” May wrote, acknowledging the convenience and efficiency of private jets while appreciating the friendly airport staff. However, his post took a defensive turn when addressing the accusation of hypocrisy.
“Someone in my comments was trying to give me grief about using private planes,” he stated, followed by his no-nonsense approach to online negativity: “Generally, I immediately block anyone who calls me a hypocrite – who needs to put up with insults in their own comments page?! (Life’s too short!).”
While May’s response sparked further discussion, it also highlighted the inherent complexities of reconciling environmental concerns with the demanding realities of touring musicians. The incident raises a crucial question: can rock stars truly achieve sustainability while juggling tight schedules and global travel demands?
“We always contribute to a scheme to offset the carbon emissions”
May, a staunch environmentalist and founder of the Save Me Foundation, also acknowledged the criticism and emphasized their commitment to minimizing their environmental impact. He addressed the concerns directly, stating, “But of course, we’re well aware of all that stuff, and, unlike the disgraceful Rishi Sunak, we actually care about the environment.”
The guitar maestro referred to the current British Prime Minister, who was facing issues regarding oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
May then outlined their efforts to offset their carbon footprint. “When our team are booking a private plane, we always contribute to a scheme to offset the carbon emissions,” he explained.
He further emphasized their overall commitment to sustainability, stating, “Overall, short of not touring at all, we apply a lot of effort these days to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible.”
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“Please go ahead and call me a hypocrite”
Things took a personal turn when the 76-year-old guitarist opened up about the realities of life on the road. Acknowledging potential accusations of extravagance, he emphasized the critical role efficiency and comfort play in maintaining their rigorous touring schedule and delivering top-notch performances.
“We take pride in working at the top level,” May declared, highlighting the necessity of collaborating with “top professionals in every field”, from caterers to sound technicians. He stressed the importance of caring for his entire team, ensuring their well-being throughout the tour.
However, his defense didn’t shy away from addressing his age and physical demands. “Doing 2-hour-twenty-minute shows and traveling most days,” he shared, “it would be pretty hard to do this at all without these creature comforts.” In his eyes, after five decades of hard work and dedication, utilizing private jets offered a necessary compromise.
Concluding with a defiant yet lighthearted note, May declared, “Please go ahead and call me a hypocrite, and I’ll take pleasure in blocking you!” Addressing his supportive fans, he raised a toast, emphasizing his appreciation for their understanding. Despite potential dissent, his stance reignites the complex discussion surrounding sustainability, celebrity responsibility, and the realities of maintaining artistic longevity at the highest level.
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The Rhapsody Tour might be their last
As Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor navigate the final leg of their Rhapsody Tour, whispers of farewell have begun to ripple through the legendary Queen camp. In recent interviews, both musicians have shed light on the taxing realities of life on the road, hinting that this massive venture might mark the end of an era.
The physical demands of performing high-energy shows for months on end, coupled with their advancing years, seem to be weighing on the rock veterans. While neither has explicitly declared retirement, their comments suggest a potential scaling back from such extensive touring.
May has acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining the grueling pace, particularly after five decades of dedication. Likewise, Taylor, 73, has alluded to a desire to explore other avenues and spend more time with loved ones.
This news, while bittersweet, resonates with long-time fans who have witnessed Queen evolve and adapt throughout their decades-long reign. While the thought of a world without Queen tours stings, their commitment to their craft and unwavering passion are evident in their ongoing endeavors.
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