The Works Tour and Controversy

The Works Tour marked a pivotal moment in Queen's career, being the first tour to include keyboardist Spike Edney as an additional live musician. The tour comprised nine sold-out performances in Bophuthatswana, South Africa, specifically at the arena in Sun City. This tour occurred during a period of intense global scrutiny regarding South Africa's apartheid policies. Upon their return to England, Queen faced significant backlash for their decision to perform in a country that was under a United Nations cultural boycott and in violation of international divestment efforts aimed at opposing apartheid. The band defended their choice by emphasizing their intention to bring music to their fans in South Africa and highlighted that the concerts were attended by integrated audiences, which was a notable aspect given the racial segregation prevalent at the time. In response to the criticism, Queen took steps to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility by donating to a school for the deaf and blind in South Africa. Despite these efforts, the band faced repercussions, including fines imposed by the British Musicians' Union and being placed on a blacklist by the United Nations, which included artists who performed in South Africa during the apartheid era. The controversy surrounding The Works Tour has continued to resonate, with band members reflecting on their choices in later years. Notably, drummer Roger Taylor expressed regret over the decision to perform at Sun City, indicating the lasting impact of the tour on the band's legacy and their relationship with social issues.