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Queen guitarist and wildlife activist Brian May takes centre stage in a new documentary, sharing his decade-long journey to understand and address the bovine tuberculosis crisis. ‘Brian May: The Farmers and Me’ premieres on BBC Two, 9 pm, Friday, 23 August.
The documentary examines May’s opposition to the badger cull, a practice that has divided wildlife activists and farmers concerned for their cattle since its implementation in England in 2013. May and his team have actively protested, organised marches, and even started a petition against the cull, yet their efforts have not swayed authorities from continuing this controversial policy.
Sir Brian May reflects on his unique position as a rock star turned activist: “I don’t blame people for being suspicious of me in the beginning, because, you know, I’m a guitarist. You know I’m a rock star. What am I doing? Why would I have some contribution to make?” Despite these doubts, he remains steadfast in his mission: “I came in to save the badgers. I now realise that to save the badgers, you have to save everybody because it’s a mess. It’s a tragic human drama where people’s hearts are broken”.
The film presents a range of perspectives and personal stories, including farmers who have endured devastating losses due to bovine TB, and badgers, who have been the target of culling for years. In 2016, Sir Brian joined forces with vet Dick Sibley and farmer Robert Reed, whose farm was struggling with chronic bovine TB. Together, they embarked on a four-year experiment, claiming success in eradicating the disease without harming badgers.
Now, May and his team believe they may have pinpointed the true source of TB spread among cattle. However, gaining recognition and support from the wider farming community, scientists, and authorities is an ongoing challenge.
‘Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me’ is a 1×60′ Athena Films production for the BBC. It airs on Friday, 23 August, at 9 pm on BBC Two, BBC Two Wales, and BBC iPlayer.
