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Benson Boone’s Cardboard Cutout Prank Steals the Show at Coachella
Pop-rock artist Benson Boone injected humor into his Coachella performance, playfully teasing the audience with a cardboard cutout of Queen’s Brian May. Following a subdued response to the legendary guitarist’s actual appearance the previous weekend, Boone staged the lighthearted prank during his Friday night set. The “Beautiful Things” singer presented the mock-up of May as a surprise guest for his rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” sparking amusement during the second weekend of the renowned music festival.
A Royal Homage with a Twist
Boone, sporting a fur cape in tribute to Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, began his “Bohemian Rhapsody” cover at a turquoise piano. After performing his signature flip from the instrument, he moved to center stage to reveal the cardboard May rising into view after the second verse.
As Boone sang the iconic line, “I sometimes wish I’d never been born at all,” the cutout took center stage while guitarist Sus Vasquez delivered the first guitar solo.
Stage Antics and Crowd Engagement
“Brian May!” Boone exclaimed enthusiastically to the Coachella crowd.
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During the song’s bridge, the Grammy-nominated performer playfully grabbed the cardboard figure, sliding it past his backup singers and parading it across the stage during the second guitar solo.
The “Beautiful Things” hitmaker briefly set down the cutout multiple times, but in a comical mirroring of the song’s lyrics, it humorously tipped over, “any way the wind blows.”
Undeterred, Boone repeatedly picked up the cardboard “May,” holding it aloft as he concluded the song in the California desert setting.
Boone’s Humorous Explanation
“I would like to inform you all, on Brian’s behalf, he would’ve loved to be here, but he unfortunately had to fly out, so we conceived that idea, and he sends his love,” Boone told the audience as he wrapped up his set, which included his popular track “Beautiful Things.”
Teasing the Surprise
Earlier that day, Boone hinted at a special guest for the Queen classic on social media.
“Just wait till you see who I bring up for Bohemian Rhapsody today …” the singer posted as a caption.
Following the Coachella gig, Boone shared a playful TikTok video, lip-syncing to “Bohemian Rhapsody” alongside the oversized cutout.
Fan Reactions and Previous Weekend
“He really said this crowd doesn’t deserve Brian again,” one fan joked online.
“I honestly don’t understand how you brought out one of the best guitar players of all time and THATS how they reacted I would have been screaming my head off,” another commenter shared.
“I don’t blame Brian May for flaking from that horrible crowd tbh,” a third person responded.
Initial Coachella Performance with the Real Brian May
On April 11, during Coachella’s first weekend, Boone had indeed presented Brian May’s musicianship to the festival audience. This appearance occurred seven months after the 77-year-old rock icon had suffered a stroke that temporarily impacted his arm movement.
However, the crowd’s reaction was reportedly underwhelming, with a somewhat indifferent response to the surprise guest, possibly due to a lack of recognition.
Brian May’s Response to the Coachella Tribute
The real Brian May acknowledged the cardboard tribute on Wednesday, sharing a video of the performance on Instagram with the message: “Well, I’m still processing that moment in Coachella – seems like the world is, too. Mr Boone — you gave us all a gift. Bri.”
May’s Absence Explained
The legendary guitarist’s absence from Friday’s Coachella performance was due to his involvement in a NASA Asteroid mission.
“I’m here to take part in an encounter with an ASTEROID that has never been seen by human eyes,” May stated on Instagram. “Wanna see how the scientists here are thinking it MIGHT look on Sunday when the fly-by happens? I’ll show you (next post). Meanwhile, I’m enjoying Historic Boulder Colorado in the snow! Bri.”