Brian May stunned the 4,000-strong crowd that gathered in St George’s Square in Valletta this evening when he made a passionate plea for a vote against spring hunting.

Signatures that could lead to an abrogative referendum have been collected and submitted to the Electoral Commission, which must now verify the 40,000-plus signatures.

Queen legend guitarist Brian May, who started by addressing the crowd in Maltese “Kif intom, hbieb?” (How are you, my friends?) gave the anti-spring hunting coalition a big push when, in between songs from Beatles, Kansas and, of course, Queen, told the young and old that spring hunting should not be taking place. 

If a referendum had to take place, please vote to end this cruelty, he said.

His performance - May was accompanied by siner Kerry Ellis - was preceded by Winter Moods.

The concert is part of activities being held this year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of independence, 40th anniversary of Republic Day, 35th anniversary of Freedom Day and 10th anniversary of Malta's membership in the European Union.

Photo Jonathan Borg