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Taken from Mirror (Jan 08, 2020)
Brian May says Queen asked to do Live Aid-style gig as Australian fires blaze
Brian has been vocal about his feelings surrounding the devastation brought to Australia by the furious bushfires that have destroyed 2000 homes and killed millions of animals
by Will Twigger
Brian is an environmental activist. Courtesy Image |
Queen icon Brian May has revealed that he and the rest of the band have been asked to get on board for a Live Aid-esque project "to try and help out the victims" of the blazing Australian bushfires.
Brian's been vocal about his concerns over the fire, which have killed millions of animals, at least 25 people and destroyed 2000 homes.
He told the PA news agency that Queen - comprised of him, Roger Taylor and vocalist Adam Lambert - are planning to go ahead with a scheduled appearance in Australia as part of a wider tour.
"Of course, we are going there very soon," said the 72 year old environmental activist, "We are looking at it very carefully.
"We have been approached to do a benefit concert, or be part of a benefit concert, a bit like Live Aid, if you like, to try and help out the victims of the fire."
Queen put on the "the greatest live gig" back in 1985 for Live Aid, alongside other huge acts like Elton John, U2 and David Bowie.
Brian continued: "Of course, I am very concerned about the animals. There's 24 people that have died which is a tragedy in itself, but half a billion animals is almost inconceivable.
"You are looking at a radical change of wildlife in Australia. It's like a mass extinction, which is something so awful.
Queen performed at 'the greatest live gig' for Live Aid in 1985 (Image: Getty) |
The fires are still raging (Image: Fairfax Media via Getty Images) |
"And we can do nothing about it really. We could have done something about it in the past.
"We know there are various things that could have been done. But it's a real caution for the rest of the world."
He's previously taken to social media for collective action so that similar disasters might be avoided in the future.
Brian penned: "The young generation are involved in fighting the fires on Kangaroo Island. Respects.
"Thousands of good people lost their homes. 24 good folks lost their lives.
"And...HALF A BILLION WILD ANIMALS burned to death in NSW [New South Wales] alone? Can it be true?
"Almost unthinkable. And no end in sight? What can we do? We can pray.
"And we can put pressure on our leaders to prioritise the health of our planet rather than 'The Economy.'
"It's already too late for these creatures. We can only pray it's not too late for the rest of our world. To all our Australian friends - we send love - and our prayers. Bri."
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