Brian May Unveils Father’s Hidden Artwork from Queen’s First European Tour
Sir Brian May recently gave fans a rare and heartfelt glimpse into Queen’s early days by sharing a long-lost treasure: a hand-drawn tour map created by his father during the band’s first European tour in 1974. Posting the vintage illustration on Instagram, May showcased the detailed artwork that charts the band’s route across key countries—including Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, and multiple stops in the United Kingdom—highlighted with a distinctive red ink trail marking their journey.
“My Dad’s supportive handiwork for our first Queen tour of Europe … 1974!!! As honoured in Stockholm last night. Love to all — Bri,” May captioned the post, which quickly resonated with fans and garnered over 50,000 likes. The timing of the post coincided with the 2025 Polar Music Prize ceremony in Stockholm, where May and fellow Queen drummer Roger Taylor were celebrated for their monumental contributions to music.
The 1974 tour marked a pivotal moment for Queen, though it was not without its challenges. Earlier that year, the band had performed at Australia’s Sunbury Festival in Victoria, where a late arrival to the stage resulted in a hostile reception from the crowd—a stark contrast to the soaring success that would soon follow.
Decades later, May continues to bridge the band’s storied past with present milestones. In April 2025, he made a memorable return to the spotlight at Coachella, joining pop sensation Benson Boone to deliver an electrifying rendition of Queen’s legendary Bohemian Rhapsody. Sharing his excitement on Instagram, May wrote, “I’m still reeling from last night at Coachella. Thanks to all of you folks who made it feel so special — you know who you are !!!!”
Through sharing his father’s artwork and embracing new stages, Brian May not only honors his personal history but also celebrates Queen’s enduring legacy. From a small red-inked map drawn in 1974 to a massive Coachella stage in 2025, these moments reflect the band’s journey and the unwavering support of the families behind the legends.
