Queen guitarist Brian May has confirmed the band will not perform at Glastonbury Festival, citing a dispute with founder Michael Eavis over the badger cull. May, a vocal animal rights activist, criticised Eavis for supporting the cull, which aims to prevent the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2's Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, May described the cull as a 'tragedy and unnecessary crime' against UK wildlife. He also referenced past insults from Eavis, stating: 'Michael Eavis has frequently insulted me and I don't really particularly enjoy that.'
May, who co-founded the Save Me animal welfare organisation in 2010, ruled out a Queen performance at Glastonbury's 50th anniversary unless 'things changed radically'. He added that while Glastonbury has always been his favourite gig, the current rift prevents participation.
The badger cull has been a contentious issue, with Eavis's support previously prompting calls for a boycott from actor Peter Egan. Queen, currently touring with Adam Lambert, will instead perform at other summer festivals in 2020.
