Rock guitarist · United Kingdom
Brian May
Sir Brian May (born 19 July 1947) is an English musician, guitarist, songwriter, producer, and astrophysicist best known as the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Queen. He wrote several of Queen’s major songs, including “We Will Rock You,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “I Want It All.” May earned his PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007 after returning to his studies following a long career in music. He was appointed CBE in 2005 and knighted in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to music and charity.
Wikimedia CommonsBiography
Sir Brian Harold May was born on 19 July 1947 in Hampton, Middlesex, England. He developed an interest in music at an early age and studied mathematics and physics at Imperial College London. During his university years, he became increasingly involved in music and played in the band Smile, alongside drummer Roger Taylor. Smile eventually provided the foundation for Queen after Freddie Mercury joined the group.
May became Queen's lead guitarist and one of its principal songwriters. His distinctive guitar sound was closely associated with the Red Special, an electric guitar that he built with his father in the 1960s. He famously used a sixpence coin as a guitar pick.
With Queen, May contributed to some of the band's most recognizable songs, including “We Will Rock You,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” “Save Me,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “I Want It All.” Queen became one of the most successful rock groups of the 1970s and 1980s, with landmark albums and performances including A Night at the Opera, News of the World, and the band's celebrated 1985 Live Aid appearance.
May also pursued solo projects and collaborations. Following Freddie Mercury's death in 1991, May continued performing and recording, later working with singer Paul Rodgers and subsequently with Adam Lambert as Queen + Adam Lambert.
Alongside music, May maintained a longstanding interest in astronomy. He had begun doctoral research on interplanetary dust at Imperial College but paused his studies as Queen's career developed. After roughly three decades, he returned to the subject and completed his PhD in astrophysics in 2007. His research concerned the radial velocities of zodiacal dust.
May has also worked in stereoscopic photography and publishing and has been involved in animal-welfare advocacy. He re-established the London Stereoscopic Company and founded the Save Me Trust, which focuses on animal welfare and British wildlife.
His honors include appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005. In the 2023 New Year Honours, he was awarded a knighthood for services to music and charity, becoming Sir Brian May.
Did you know?
Did you know that Brian May built his famous Red Special guitar with his father during the 1960s, using hand tools and materials available to them? The guitar became an important part of his signature sound with Queen and remains closely associated with his performances.
