Brian May issues blistering response to eco warriors after being branded a 'hypocrite' for plane travel
Brian May exercise siteclip 090224
Brian May has emphatically hit back at naysayers who've criticised the 76-year-old for the environmental damage he and his Queen bandmates may have caused on their latest outing.
May is currently touring up and down Japan with Adam Lambert and Roger Taylor as the trio take on the last leg of their Rhapsody tour.
The band are performing in Tokyo this week having already travelled to Nagoya, Osaka and Sapporo in the East Asian country.
With five decades of globe-trotting under his belt, May is no stranger to receiving the odd comment about his carbon footprint.
However, despite admitting he normally "blocks" those who criticise him and his Queen bandmates for their intercontinental jet-setting, May recently decided to address the issue head-on.
In a video shared to his Instagram page this week, May - who'd also wowed fans with a topless workout video earlier this month - showed off the warm reception he and the band received from Japanese airline staff as they boarded a private jet.
Brian May and Adam Lambert are currently touring Japan with Queen
GETTY
In the accompanying caption, May explained: "Arriving (just in time bc) for our last internal flight of the tour. Everyone is so polite and welcoming and helpful here.
"Someone in my comments was trying to give me grief about using private planes.
"Generally I immediately block anyone who calls me a hypocrite - who needs to put up with insults in their own comments page ?! Life's too short! But of course we're well aware of all that stuff.
After taking a pop at "disgraceful Rishi Sunak" for his green promises, May added: "We actually care about the environment."
Addressing eco naysayers' concerns, May added: "So when our team are booking a private plane we always contribute to a scheme to offset the carbon emissions.
"And, overall, short of not touring at all, we apply a lot of effort these days to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible.
"As far as extravagance, some people might take exception to us making ourselves comfortable on tour, but we take a pride in working at the top level, which means taking every opportunity to work with the top professionals in every field - from drivers, caterers, accommodation, to wardrobe, sound, lights, etc., and taking care of them all.
"And truly at the age of 76 odd, doing 2 hour twenty minute shows and travelling most days, it would be pretty hard to do this at all without these creature comforts."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- BBC Silent Witness sparks another product placement row as Emilia Fox’s friend’s brand appears in show
- Richard Hammond becomes latest Grand Tour star to make stance clear on Clarkson and May ties ahead of exit
- Rod Stewart blasted for wading into election row as singer claims Starmer 'deserves a chance'
Brian May has been branded a 'hypocrite' by some for his and the band's travel arrangements
GETTY
The Queen star went on to defend his actions as he concluded: "After about 50 years on the road, I think we paid our dues!
"So please go ahead and call me a hypocrite and I'll take pleasure in blocking you! And to the rest of you lovely folks, I drink you a toast! Cheers all - Bri."
May was soon inundated with support from his followers, including many who said he "didn't need to justify" his travel arrangements to appease a few complainers.
The band will bring their Japan leg of the tour to a close on Wednesday when they perform at the Tokyo Dome.