Brian May

Brian May
Name	Brian May
Caption	May in 2017
Birth name	Brian Harold May
Birth date	1947-07-19
Birth place	Hampton, London
Occupations	Musician; songwriter; astrophysicist; photographer; activist
Instruments	Guitar; vocals; piano; bass
Years active	1963–present
Associated acts	Queen; Smile; Brian May + Kerry Ellis

Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, astrophysicist and photographer best known as the lead guitarist of Queen. He co-founded Queen with Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, contributing distinctive guitar work, multi-layered harmonies and major songwriting hits. Beyond music he has pursued academic research in astrophysics, authored books, and engaged in animal welfare and public advocacy.

Early life and education

Brian Harold May was born in Hampton, London and grew up in West London suburbs close to Twickenham. He attended St Paul's School, London for part of his secondary education and later studied physics and mathematics at Imperial College London, where he met fellow students who would form early musical collaborations. During his youth he played in bands around London venues and developed a custom-made guitar, later nicknamed the "Red Special", built with his father and influenced by vintage Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster instruments. May combined interests in rock music and science, later returning to Imperial College London to complete a PhD in astrophysics after decades of professional music.

Music career

May rose to international prominence as lead guitarist of Queen, whose debut album and subsequent records achieved global success through innovative studio techniques and theatrical performances. He recorded signature solos and riffs on landmark albums such as "A Night at the Opera" and "Sheer Heart Attack", contributing to hits that dominated charts in the United Kingdom, the United States, and across Europe. Queen's performances at events like the Live Aid benefit showcased May's stagecraft alongside Freddie Mercury and became defining moments in rock history. After the retirement of John Deacon and the death of Freddie Mercury, May continued touring with Paul Rodgers and later with Adam Lambert, sustaining the Queen legacy through new lineups and international stadium tours.

Songwriting and production

May wrote and co-wrote many of Queen's notable songs, crafting arrangements that combined rock, opera, and pop elements. His compositions include charting singles that feature complex layering and harmonic stacking, recorded with techniques pioneered in the EMI Studios era and influenced by producers such as Roy Thomas Baker. He produced and arranged tracks for Queen albums, collaborating with engineers and producers in the studio environment of Trident Studios and Sarm Studios, and contributed to the band's self-produced aesthetic that blended analogue recording methods with emerging multi-track innovations.

Solo work and collaborations

Outside Queen, May released solo material and partnered with artists across genres. He worked with singers including Kerry Ellis, producing theatrical rock albums and concerts that bridged West End musical theatre and arena rock. His collaborations extend to artists and groups from the 1980s through the 21st century, participating in benefit singles, guest appearances, and tribute projects alongside musicians from David Bowie's circle, Roger Waters, and members of the Rolling Stones and The Who. Solo albums and live tours allowed May to explore blues, acoustic, and orchestral arrangements distinct from Queen's catalog.

Scientific pursuits and academic career

May resumed formal studies decades after initial enrollment, completing a doctorate in astrophysics at Imperial College London with a thesis on zodiacal dust. He has published and presented research in journals and conferences related to planetary science, interplanetary matter and infrared astronomy, engaging with institutions such as NASA-funded programs and observatories. May has lectured at universities, contributed forewords and chapters to academic volumes, and participated in outreach initiatives linking music, science, and public understanding, drawing connections between instrumentation in both studio engineering and astronomical observation.

Personal life and honours and legacy

May's personal life includes marriage to Chrissie Mullen (divorced) and later to Anita Dobson, an actor and public figure; he has one child, James. He is an outspoken advocate for animal welfare and has campaigned on issues involving wildlife protection and veterinary policy in the United Kingdom, aligning with charities and activist groups. Honors and recognitions include appointments and awards from cultural and academic institutions, collaborative tributes such as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Queen, and state recognition for services to music. May's legacy spans signature guitar techniques, the continued commercial and cultural impact of Queen's recordings, contributions to astrophysical research, and influence on generations of guitarists and performers across rock, theatre and popular music.

Category:English rock guitarists Category:English astrophysicists Category:Queen (band) members