Brian May

Occupation:
Musician
Date of Birth:
19 July 1947
Sex:
Male
Height:
1.88

Introduction:

Brian May (born July 19, 1947) is an English musician, songwriter, astrophysicist, and philanthropist. Best known as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, May’s virtuosic playing and songwriting contributed significantly to the band’s global success. Outside of music, May is also renowned for his academic achievements in astrophysics and his advocacy for animal welfare.

Early Life and Background:

Brian Harold May was born in Hampton, London, to Harold and Ruth May. An exceptional student, May attended Hampton Grammar School, where he earned ten GCE Ordinary Levels and three A-Levels in Physics, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics. His academic prowess led him to Imperial College London, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics. While in secondary school, May formed his first band, 1984, showcasing his early passion for music.

Career:

The Formation of Queen In 1968, May co-founded the band Smile with vocalist Tim Staffell and drummer Roger Taylor. After Staffell’s departure, Freddie Mercury joined as the lead vocalist, and the band was rebranded as Queen. John Deacon later completed the lineup. Queen’s groundbreaking combination of rock, opera, and theatrical elements led to global acclaim. Between 1973 and 1991, the band released numerous hit albums, including A Night at the Opera (1975), which featured their iconic single "Bohemian Rhapsody."

Solo Projects

During Queen’s hiatus in the 1980s, May embarked on a solo career. His Star Fleet Project (1983) featured collaborations with Eddie Van Halen. After Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991, May devoted himself to completing his solo album Back to the Light (1992), which included hits like "Too Much Love Will Kill You." He followed up with Another World in 1998.

Queen Collaborations Post-Mercury

In 2004, the surviving members of Queen reunited to tour with Paul Rodgers as lead vocalist, a collaboration that lasted until 2009. In 2011, Queen began a new chapter with Adam Lambert, performing as Queen + Adam Lambert. This collaboration has seen successful global tours and the release of Live Around the World (2020), which topped the UK Albums Chart.

Personal Life:

Brian May married Chrissie Mullen in 1974, and the couple had three children: James, Louisa, and Emily Ruth. Their marriage ended in 1988 following May’s affair with actress Anita Dobson. May and Dobson married in 2000 and remain together. A devoted animal rights activist, May founded the Save Me Trust to advocate for wildlife conservation and oppose fox hunting and badger culling in the UK.

Academic Achievements:

May’s lifelong passion for astrophysics culminated in the completion of his PhD at Imperial College London in 2007. His thesis, focused on zodiacal dust clouds, marked his return to academic research after decades in music. May co-authored several books, including Bang! The Complete History of the Universe and The Cosmic Tourist, combining his scientific expertise with his love of storytelling.

Legacy and Influence:

Brian May’s innovative guitar playing and songwriting have left an indelible mark on rock music. Hits like "We Will Rock You," "The Show Must Go On," and "Tie Your Mother Down" showcase his versatility and creativity. May’s custom-built guitar, the Red Special, has become as legendary as the artist himself. Beyond music, his academic contributions and animal welfare advocacy highlight his multifaceted legacy.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, May has remained active with Queen + Adam Lambert, participating in major tours and events, including the Platinum Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. He also released the remastered version of his solo album Another World in 2022, accompanied by a box set celebrating his solo work. May continues to advocate for environmental and animal rights causes and frequently engages with fans through social media.