Brian May – Queen Guitarist, Astrophysicist, and Animal Activist

Q: What songs did Brian May write for Queen?

He wrote or co-wrote 'We Will Rock You,' 'Who Wants to Live Forever,' 'Hammer to Fall,' 'The Show Must Go On,' and 'Too Much Love Will Kill You,' among others.

Sir Brian Harold May, born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, Middlesex, is an English musician, astrophysicist, and animal welfare activist. He is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Queen, a group that sold over 100 million records worldwide. Beyond his music career, May earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London and has been a passionate advocate for animal rights, leading campaigns against fox hunting and badger culling.

May’s story is one of remarkable duality. He built his own guitar, the Red Special, from salvaged materials as a teenager. That same instrument defined the sound of Queen for decades. Decades later, he returned to academia to complete a doctoral thesis on interplanetary dust—a pursuit he had begun before Queen achieved fame. His life bridges rock stardom and scientific inquiry, making him one of the most distinctive figures in modern culture.

He was appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2023 and continues to tour with Queen + Adam Lambert while leading wildlife conservation efforts through the Save Me Trust.

Who is Brian May?

Brian May is best known as the lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and primary songwriter for Queen. He is also a trained astrophysicist, holding a PhD from Imperial College London, and a lifelong animal rights activist. Born in 1947, he began playing guitar in his teens and built his own instrument, the Red Special, with his father. His career with Queen produced iconic songs such as “We Will Rock You” and “The Show Must Go On.”

Brian May at a Glance

Full Name
Sir Brian Harold May

Born
19 July 1947 (age 77), Hampton, London, England

Occupation
Musician, songwriter, astrophysicist, animal welfare activist

Known For
Lead guitarist of Queen, PhD in astrophysics

Key Insights

Brian May is one of the few individuals to achieve global fame both as a rock star and a scientist.
He built his iconic ‘Red Special’ guitar with his father when he was a teenager.
His PhD on the motion of interplanetary dust was completed in 2007, decades after he started it.
He is a vocal advocate for animal rights, particularly against fox hunting and badger culling.
May’s songwriting for Queen includes classics like ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘The Show Must Go On’, and ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’.

Brian May: Key Facts

Field	Value
Full Name	Sir Brian Harold May
Date of Birth	19 July 1947
Place of Birth	Hampton, London, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Musician, singer-songwriter, astrophysicist, author, activist
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, piano, ukulele
Years Active	1964–present
Net Worth (estimated)	$210 million (2025)
Notable Achievements	Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001, with Queen), PhD in Astrophysics (2007), Knighted (2023)
Spouse	Anita Dobson (m. 2000)
Children	3: Jimmy, Louisa, Emily

What is Brian May’s musical legacy with Queen?

Brian May co-founded Queen in 1970 with drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon, after the earlier band Smile. Freddie Mercury joined shortly after as lead vocalist. May served as lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and a primary songwriter. He wrote or co-wrote international hits including “We Will Rock You,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” “Hammer to Fall,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “Too Much Love Will Kill You.” Queen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

May’s signature sound comes from the Red Special, a guitar he built at age 16 with his father using wood from an 18th-century fireplace, parts of a motorcycle, and coat buttons. The guitar was purposely designed to feedback and features custom electronics. May exclusively uses a sixpence coin as a pick, a technique that contributes to his unique tone. He has played the Red Special on every Queen album and live show.

The Red Special’s Origin

The guitar was built from makeshift materials: wood from an 18th-century fireplace, motorcycle parts, and coat buttons. It was designed to feedback on purpose, a feature that became central to May’s playing style.

Key Songs and Contributions

May’s songwriting for Queen produced some of the band’s most enduring anthems. “We Will Rock You” (1977) became a global stadium staple. “The Show Must Go On” (1991) was released shortly before Mercury’s death and is widely regarded as a powerful farewell. May also contributed to the musical We Will Rock You and served as executive producer on the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

May’s later projects include collaborations with other artists and continued touring with Queen + Adam Lambert. He has also been involved in stereoscopic photography, publishing books of 3D images.

How did Brian May become an astrophysicist?

May studied maths and physics at Imperial College London, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1968. He began a PhD in astrophysics in the early 1970s but paused his research as Queen’s career took off. He returned to academia decades later and completed his doctoral thesis on the motion of interplanetary dust, earning a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007. An asteroid, 26666 May, has been named in his honor.

He served as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University from 2008 to 2013 and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS). His academic work earned him widespread respect in the scientific community.

A Rare Dual Career

Brian May is one of the very few individuals to achieve global fame as both a rock musician and a published scientist. His PhD completion after a 30-year hiatus is often cited as an example of dedication to lifelong learning.

Did he have a PhD before Queen?

No. May began his PhD before Queen’s formation but did not complete it until 2007, after the band’s peak years. He did not have a doctorate during his time with Queen.

What is Brian May’s net worth?

Brian May’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £150 million (roughly $200 million USD) as of recent reports. This wealth stems from Queen’s massive music sales, touring revenue, and extensive songwriting royalties. The exact figure is not publicly disclosed, and estimates vary. Sources such as Smooth Radio have reported the £150 million figure.

Queen’s catalog continues to generate significant income through streaming, licensing, and the ongoing success of the musical We Will Rock You and the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

Who are Brian May’s children and family?

Brian May has three children: Jimmy, Louisa, and Emily. He married actress Anita Dobson in 2000. Details of his personal relationships before marriage are less public. May has spoken about his family in interviews, but has kept much of his private life out of the media spotlight.

His children have occasionally appeared in public with him, but they maintain a low profile. May’s family life has been a source of stability throughout his career.

What is Brian May’s involvement in animal welfare?

May is a lifelong animal rights advocate. He established the Save Me Trust, named after the Queen song, to champion British wildlife. He is a leading inspiration in the fight against fox hunting and badger culling. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005 for services to the music industry and charity work, and is a vice president of the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Animal Welfare Advocacy

May’s campaigns against badger culling and fox hunting have drawn both support and criticism. He has used his public platform to lobby the UK government, and his Save Me Trust funds research and advocacy for wildlife protection.

What are the key milestones in Brian May’s life?

1947 – Born in Hampton, London.
1964 – Formed the band Smile with Roger Taylor and Tim Staffell.
1970 – Smile becomes Queen; Freddie Mercury joins as lead vocalist.
1973 – Queen’s debut album released.
1977 – Released ‘We Will Rock You’ – anthem written by May.
1991 – Freddie Mercury dies; Queen goes on hiatus.
2007 – Completes PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London.
2011 – Named Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University (until 2013).
2019 – Co-founded the ‘Save Me’ trust for animal welfare.
2023 – Knighted by King Charles III for services to music and charity.
2024 – Undergoes hip surgery; continues touring with Queen + Adam Lambert.

What is known and what remains uncertain about Brian May?

Known	Uncertain
Brian May completed a PhD in astrophysics in 2007.	Exact net worth is estimated; no official disclosure.
He is a founding member of Queen.	Details of his personal relationships before marriage are less public.
He was knighted in 2023.	His health status is only shared through brief updates.
He has three children: Jimmy, Louisa, and Emily.
He built his own guitar, the Red Special.

What is the significance of Brian May’s dual career?

Brian May’s dual career as a rock star and scientist is rare and often cited as an example of how passion can span multiple disciplines. For more stories of musicians who have taken unconventional paths, read about George Harrison – Death, Music, and Spiritual Legacy. His guitar playing style, using a homemade guitar and a coin as a pick, influenced generations of musicians. His activism reflects a strong ethical stance, using his platform to advocate for animal rights. The completion of his PhD after a 30-year hiatus shows dedication to lifelong learning.

May’s work in stereoscopic photography (3D imaging) is another lesser-known facet of his scientific interests. He has published several books of stereo photographs and continues to explore this field.

What do notable sources say about Brian May?

“I’m not a rock star, I’m a scientist who happens to play guitar.”

Interview with The Guardian (2015)

“The Red Special is part of me. It’s the sound of my soul.”

Brian May official website

“We will rock you is about empowering ordinary people.”

Queen documentary

Key sources include Wikipedia, Brian May’s official website, Queen Online, Imperial College London, and Save Me Trust.

What is the legacy of Brian May?

Brian May is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential, innovative, and technically gifted guitarists in rock history. His contributions to music, science, and animal welfare create a legacy that extends far beyond the stage. He continues to perform, research, and campaign, demonstrating that a life of curiosity and passion can leave a lasting mark. For more stories of musicians who have taken unconventional paths, read about Alex James Blur – From Britpop Bassist to Cheese Farmer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brian May

Is Brian May vegan?

He is a vegetarian and campaigns for animal rights, but has not publicly stated he is vegan.

What is Brian May’s height?

He is approximately 5’10” (178 cm).

Did Brian May play on any other artists’ albums?

Yes, he has collaborated with many artists including Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, and Foo Fighters.

How many Grammy Awards has Brian May won?

He has won 4 Grammy Awards (with Queen, as a group).

What is the name of Brian May’s guitar?

The ‘Red Special’, also known as the ‘Fireplace’ guitar.

How old is Brian May?

He was born on 19 July 1947, making him 77 years old as of 2024.

Did Brian May have a PhD before Queen?

No, he completed his PhD in 2007, long after Queen’s peak.

What is Brian May’s net worth in 2025?

Estimated at around $210 million (or £150 million), though not officially confirmed.

What songs did Brian May write for Queen?

He wrote or co-wrote “We Will Rock You,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” “Hammer to Fall,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “Too Much Love Will Kill You,” among others.

Where did Brian May study astrophysics?

He studied at Imperial College London, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1968 and his PhD in 2007.