Brian May has confirmed that Queen will not be performing at Glastonbury next year due to a disagreement over badger culling. The 78-year-old musician has consistently stated that his band would not play at the renowned Somerset festival because of his conflict with founder Michael Eavis over badger culling in rural areas, and Brian has reiterated that his Bohemian Rhapsody group won’t make an exception for next year’s event. Speaking to the Daily Mail, animal rights activist Brian said: “I wouldn’t do Glastonbury next year because of the politics of the people who run it, unless that changes, I won’t do it.

“They enjoy killing badgers, and they believe it’s for sport, and that’s something I cannot support because we’ve been trying to save these badgers for years, and they are still being killed for years, so that’s the reason we’re missing out on it.” When asked if Queen have repeatedly declined Glastonbury appearances, Brian insisted they haven’t been invited due to his stance.

He explained: “I don’t think the conversation of us doing has ever taken place because they know how I feel.”

Dairy farmer Eavis, 90, previously labelled May a “danger to farming” over his views on badger culling, which is carried out to prevent the spread of bovine TB.

Cattle infected with the debilitating disease are culled, and the entire herd can be at risk.

While Brian has now reiterated his political stance on the festival, he previously admitted it is “not impossible” that Queen could play at Glastonbury.

Speaking in 2023, he told The Guardian: “You can never say never, but it’s a very big matter of principle to me.

“I am convinced, more than ever, that the badger cull is the greatest crime this country has ever committed against wildlife. It’s completely pointless and the tragedy is immense: you’re talking about nearly half a million native animals killed and it’s not benefited farmers one bit.

“The fact that Michael Eavis supports badger-culling is difficult for me to swallow.

“I don’t really want to endorse his festival, but it’s not impossible that we could sit down and talk. I’ll talk to anyone – that’s the way we go forward.”

Queen and Adam Lambert last performed on tour in Japan back in February 2024.

Since then, Sir Brian May has made special appearances playing Bohemian Rhapsody at a couple of Benson Boone concerts and the Last Night of the Proms with Roger Taylor.

But when will the musical trio be ready to get back on stage and head around the world?

After all, the Queen duo are pushing 80 and physically won’t be able to take the touring toll forever.

Now Sir Brian May has spoken out and there’s a glimmer of hope for more touring and even new music.

Speaking with Daily Mail, the 78-year-old said: “I don’t know when Queen will be back on stage, it’s an unknown we’ll take it day by day… It was time to take a break and spend time with family, take stock… But never say never about not coming back, the rebuild of Queen II is coming back, and there are a couple of things you haven’t heard.’

Last year, Brian and Roger put out a remastered version of Queen I, so it’s exciting to know Queen II is getting the same special treatment.

Two and a half years ago, Johnny Depp’s supergroup rocked London’s O2.

And now the Hollywood Vampires are heading back to the UK and Europe in a newly announced tour supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Damned.

A statement from the band read: “Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry and Tommy Henriksen will kick off their summer run at The O2 in London on 12th August and wrap in Italy early September. After almost three years away, we’re finally coming back to tour the UK and Europe— We’re looking forward to Incredible crowds, massive energy and more unforgettable nights. See you all soon!”

Check out the full tour dates and ticket info below.

August 12 (Wednesday) – The O2, London, UK
August 14 (Friday) – TK Maxx presents Depot Live, Cardiff Castle, Cardiff, UK
August 15 (Saturday) – TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough, UK
August 17 (Monday) – OVO Hydro, Glasgow, UK
August 18 (Tuesday) – AO Arena, Manchester, UK
August 19 (Wednesday) – Utilita Arena, Birmingham, UK
August 21 (Friday) – Colchester Castle Summer Series, Colchester, UK
August 22 (Saturday) – TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax, UK
August 25 (Tuesday) – PSD Bank Nürnberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany
August 26 (Wednesday) – Adidas Arena, Paris, France
August 28 (Friday) – Lanxess Arena, Cologne, Germany
August 30 (Sunday) – Barclays Arena, Hamburg, Germany
September 1 (Tuesday) – Parco della Musica Open Air, Milan, Italy
September 2 (Wednesday) – Castello Carrarese Open Air, Este, Italy

Tickets will go on general sale next Friday January 23 at 10am local time and can be purchased here. VIP packages are also available.