Brian May (b. 1947)

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Biography

Sir Brian Harold May is an English musician, animal welfare activist, and astrophysicist. He achieved global fame as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band Queen, which he co-founded with singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. His guitar work and songwriting contributions helped Queen become one of the most successful acts in music history.

In Their Own Words (4)

Buddy, you're a young man, hard man Shouting in the street, gonna take on the world someday You got blood on your face, you big disgrace Waving your banner all over the place We will, we will rock you, sing it! We will, we will rock you, yeah.

"We Will Rock You", on News of the World (1977) , 1977

When I'm gone, people will no doubt remember me for Queen, but I would much rather be remembered for attempting to change the way we treat our fellow creatures.

Interview with The Sunday Times, quoted in "Brian May Converts Estate Into Wildlife Refuge", in Contactmusic.com (9 July 2012) , 2012

We will, we will rock you We will, we will rock you.

"We Will Rock You", on News of the World (1977) , 1977

There's no chance for us It's all decided for us This world has only one sweet moment Set aside for usWho wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? Who dares to love forever Oh, when love must die?

"Who Wants to Live Forever", on A Kind of Magic (1986) · "Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever (Official Video)" · "Queen & Seal - Who Wants To Live Forever (Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert)" (20 April 1992) , 1986

Timeline

The story of Brian May, told in moments.

1970 Event

Co-founded Queen with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor after his previous band Smile dissolved. John Deacon joined the following year on bass.

Was co-founding Queen with Freddie Mercury the moment everything changed? Did you know from the first rehearsal?

1975 Event

Wrote "We Will Rock You." Co-created the guitar harmonies on "Bohemian Rhapsody" that required over 180 vocal and instrumental overdubs. A Night at the Opera changed rock music.

How do you create 180 overdubs on 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and make it feel organic? Was 'We Will Rock You' the simplest or the smartest song you wrote?

1985 Event

Queen's Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium. Twenty minutes that are still considered one of the greatest live sets in rock history. 1.9 billion viewers worldwide.

Were those twenty minutes at Live Aid the greatest live performance you'll ever give? Did 1.9 billion viewers feel real in the moment?

2007 Event

Completed his PhD in astrophysics at Imperial College London. His thesis examined zodiacal dust clouds. He'd started it in 1971 and put it aside for 36 years to play guitar.

Was finishing your astrophysics PhD 36 years late stubbornness or passion? Is zodiacal dust as interesting as rock and roll?