Queen issue reply to Italian criticism

Following their decision to go ahead as planned with the Italian concerts despite the Pope's death, Queen + Paul Rodgers came under attack by Italian officials as well as members of the public in Italy for not respecting the national mourning for Pope John Paul II.

In response, Queen issued a press release that was published on the official website of the band on the evening of April 6, 2005 but was dated April 3, 2005.

Their response was as follows:

With the country entering a period of national mourning, rock group Queen, has faced the hard decision of whether or not to proceed with tour dates it is due to play in Italy this coming week.

The band is scheduled to perform in Rome tomorrow, Monday, with further dates throughout the week in Milan (5th), Firenze (7th) and Pesaro (8th ).

"It has been a very difficult decision", says a spokesman for the promoter, "but having consulted locally it has been decided to go ahead. The band shares the view generally expressed that the Pope had such deep affinity with youth that it would not be disrespectful to continue."

The tour will now move ahead as planned.

Related links:
- Queen as planned despite Pope's death
- Civil Protection Chief attacks Queen