What's Not Clicking? Benson Boone Roasts Coachella Crowd for Not Appreciating ‘Absolute Legend’ Brian May

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. A Night to Remember: The Collaboration
4. The Audience Disconnect: Boone's TikTok Roasting
5. Brian May: The Cultural Impact
6. The Setlist: A Blend of New and Old
7. Reflections on the Experience
8. The Legacy of Coachella: A Stage for Change
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Benson Boone's Coachella debut featured a surprise performance with Brian May of Queen, highlighting the cultural impact of both artists.
• Boone's humorous TikTok video critiques the crowd's lack of enthusiasm, emphasizing May's legendary status.
• The set showcased nine songs, including Boone's unreleased track "Mystical Magical," solidifying his presence in the music festival scene.

Introduction

Imagine the thrill of sharing a stage with an icon. For Benson Boone, a 22-year-old rising star, this dream became a reality when he performed at Coachella alongside Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen. Yet, as Boone took the stage, an unexpected twist unfolded: the crowd appeared less than ecstatic about the rock maestro's presence. This unexpected disconnect sparked Boone's humorous TikTok commentary, where he reenacted his attempts to engage the audience. This moment encapsulates the delicate relationship between emerging artists and their fanbases at monumental events like Coachella, and it highlights a generational gap in music appreciation.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is a pivotal platform for artists, both established and new, to showcase their talents amidst a whirlwind of creativity and culture. As Boone navigated his debut performance, he grappled with the complexities of rocking a crowd that seemed oblivious to the historical significance of one of the greatest rock legends of all time.

From the epic finish of “Bohemian Rhapsody” to Boone's heartfelt reflections on his set and his gratitude toward May, this article delves into the highlights of Benson Boone’s performance at Coachella 2025, the backlash he faced, and what this suggests about the current music scene.

A Night to Remember: The Collaboration

Benson Boone graced the Coachella stage for the first time on April 11, 2025, with a nine-song set that encapsulated his artistry while building toward a momentous finale featuring Brian May. The evening crescendoed with May joining Boone for an encore performance, where they covered Queen's signature song “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Boone’s own hit single, “Beautiful Things.” The magic of this collaboration is not merely in the performance itself but in what it signifies: the bridging of two generations—Boone, the spirited newcomer, and May, the seasoned icon.

In a statement from the stage, Boone exclaimed, “This show is by far and easily the biggest production I have ever been a part of. The work, dedication, and time to build and see out something like this is near unfathomable.” His joy was palpable, linking the emotional weight of live performance with the collaborative spirit of music.

This merger of talent exemplifies a recognized trend in modern performances, where collaborations span different musical backgrounds, reinforcing the communal nature of concerts, particularly at festivals like Coachella.

The Audience Disconnect: Boone's TikTok Roasting

Following the evening’s highlights, Boone took to TikTok to poke fun at the crowd reaction during May’s appearance. His post creatively depicted his attempts to galvanize the audience into acknowledging May's legendary status. “Me trying to get the Coachella crowd to understand what an absolute legend Brian May is and the cultural impact he has on music and THE WORLD,” he jested, using a banana as a makeshift microphone before humorously discarding it.

This candid expression resonates with a broader narrative: the generational divide in music appreciation, particularly within festival environments where youthful exuberance sometimes overshadows musical legacy. "If they don't know now, I hope they know someday," Boone mused, reinforcing his admiration for May and his disbelief at the apathetic crowd.

This sentiment reflects a notable cultural challenge faced by entering artists who are often steeped in reverence for their predecessors yet must contend with audiences that may lack historical context or interest in older musical influences.

Brian May: The Cultural Impact

Brian May, co-founder and guitarist of Queen, remains a towering figure in the music industry, not only for his technical prowess but also for his contributions to popular culture. With hits that have transcended generations, May's work with Queen reshaped the landscape of rock music. His involvement in Boone’s set exemplifies a sacred duty for artists: paying homage to those who paved the way. May’s response to Boone’s enthusiasm was equally gracious; he described Boone as “a truly golden 22-year-old prodigy” and declared himself "awestruck" by the performance.

May’s influence extends beyond music; he is known for his advocacy on various issues, including animal rights and education in science. His appearance alongside Boone bridged contemporary pop with classic rock, illustrating the timeless nature of music and its ability to connect disparate generations.

The Setlist: A Blend of New and Old

Boone’s Coachella set comprised nine tracks, including a live debut of an unreleased song titled “Mystical Magical.” Emphasizing his creative growth, Boone aims to present music that both resonates with the current generation and pays homage to those who came before him. Each song played encapsulated a piece of his journey as an artist, hinting at his potential as both a storyteller and a musician.

Noteworthy Performances:

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – This iconic number performed with May, highlighted the deep-seated connection between contemporary artists and their rock predecessors.
2. “Beautiful Things” – The crowd was more actively engaged during Boone's own song, setting the pace for what he hopes to achieve in the future.
3. “Mystical Magical” – The debut of this new track suggests potential exploration of direction for Boone’s evolving sound.

Boone’s determination to integrate new material while embracing the venerable classic rock canon demonstrates his strategic approach to melding past and present influences in a unique musical narrative.

Reflections on the Experience

Benson Boone concluded his performance with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude to everyone involved—from his team to the audience. “I can’t wait to come back to Coachella next weekend. Thank you for everything you do even if it’s just a simple stream," he stated, signaling not only his excitement but also the communal nature of music in our digital age.

This remark not only reinforces the relationship between performers and their communities but also highlights how emerging artists must often maneuver through platforms and fleeting attention spans to cultivate genuine connections with audiences.

The Legacy of Coachella: A Stage for Change

As Coachella continues to attract global attention, it evolves into a stage for musical discovery—a place where young artists like Boone can flourish alongside legends like May. This environment fosters a unique dialogue between the old and the new, urging both artists and audiences to reflect on the importance of musical heritage.

However, Boone's experience serves as a microcosm of a greater challenge. It paints a picture of a festival landscape that demands an appreciation of history while simultaneously encouraging innovation. As older artists continue to collaborate with fresh faces, there's an opportunity for audiences to engage more deeply with the music’s legacy and its evolution.

FAQ

Why was Benson Boone’s performance at Coachella significant?

Benson Boone’s performance was significant as it marked his debut at a leading festival, featuring a surprise appearance by legendary guitarist Brian May, highlighting the intergenerational connections within music.

What did Boone mean by the crowd not appreciating Brian May?

Boone humorously critiqued the crowd’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for May's iconic presence, using social media to convey his disbelief and hoping to raise the audience's awareness of musical history.

What songs did Benson Boone perform at Coachella?

Boone's set included nine songs, with notable performances of “Bohemian Rhapsody” featuring Brian May, his own hit “Beautiful Things,” and a debut of an unreleased track titled “Mystical Magical.”

How has Brian May influenced the music industry?

Brian May, a co-founder of Queen, has influenced the music industry through his contributions to rock music, his advocacy efforts, and his status as a cultural icon, merging impressive musicianship with social responsibility.

What did Boone express after his performance?

After his performance, Boone expressed profound gratitude for being part of the show, recognizing the dedication of his team and the festival, and emphasizing his love for music and community engagement.

Benson Boone's experience at Coachella reflects the vibrant, evolving landscape of the music industry: a space where legends meet newcomers, creating cultural narratives that resonate with audiences across generations. The hopes, dreams, and humor encapsulated in his performance offer a lens into the future of music—a future that honors the past while eagerly embracing the present.