Brian May has weighed in after former U.S. President Donald Trump used a Queen track in a video promoting his newly unveiled “MAGA Symphony” painting.
The artwork, revealed by Trump earlier this week, depicts him as an orchestral conductor presiding over an ensemble of prominent pro-Trump figures. Among those illustrated are late conservative media figure Charlie Kirk playing violin, press secretary Karoline Leavitt on harp, and Elon Musk portrayed on electric guitar.
Trump shared the Jon McNaughton-created painting on Truth Social, soundtracking the post with Queen’s “Who Wants to Live Forever.”
May addressed the situation in an Instagram post published on Wednesday, February 4, offering his response to the use of the band’s music alongside the imagery.
“Well, lots of people have sent me this clip, wondering what my reaction will be,” May wrote. “It was recently posted using our music (without permission) on something called ‘Truth Socials’ by the current president of the United States of America. The music is ‘Who Wants to Live Forever,’ and I have now realised that Instagram is muting the sound on this post of mine in ‘multiple regions.'”
Brian continued: “You will notice the painting depicts lots of today’s Republicans as musicians in a fictional orchestra. And Mr. Trump as the conductor. Well, before we react, I’ll be fascinated to hear your reactions, folks.”
The guitarist offered a range of possible reactions to the outlandish painting. “Do you find this … Inspiring? Electrifying? Appealing? Appalling? Laughable? Beautiful? Pathetic? Desperate? Loveable? Despicable? Patriotic? Narcissistic? Artistic? Inappropriate? Or not worthy of comment,” he asked. “Do you think we, Queen, should object? Or applaud? Feel angry? Or grateful, honoured? Or just smile benignly? Well, my comments page is yours!!! Try to keep it clean! Cheers – Bri.”
This also isn’t the first instance of Trump pairing his image with music from Queen. The band previously voiced objections in 2016 after “We Are the Champions” was used during his Republican National Convention appearance, and in 2019 they moved to block footage from a Trump rally that featured “We Will Rock You.”
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, May expressed a deep affection for American audiences but admitted that safety concerns are currently a prohibitive factor for the group.
“America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account,” May said.
He elaborated on the decision, noting that the hesitation extends beyond just his band.
“It’s very sad because I feel like Queen grew up in America and we love it, but it’s not what it was,” May said. “Everyone is thinking twice about going there at the moment.”
Beyond the specific exclusion of the U.S., May remained noncommittal about when—or if—the band would return to the stage anywhere in the world.
“I don’t know when Queen will be back on stage — it’s an unknown,” he admitted. “We’ll take it day by day.”
