50 Facts About Brian May

Early Life and Education

Brian May's journey to becoming a rock legend and astrophysicist began with a strong foundation in both music and academics.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton Hill, near Twickenham, Middlesex, Brian Harold May entered the world in a nursing home.

2. Family Background: His mother, Ruth Irving (née Fletcher), was Scottish, while his father, Harold May, was English. Harold worked as a draughtsman at the Ministry of Aviation during World War II.

3. Education: Brian attended Hanworth Road state primary school and later won a scholarship to Hampton Grammar School at age 11.

4. Academic Achievements: At Hampton Grammar, he excelled, earning ten GCE Ordinary Levels and three GCE Advanced Levels in Physics, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics.

5. University Studies: He pursued Mathematics and Physics at Imperial College London, graduating with a BSc degree in Physics in 1968 with honors.

Musical Beginnings

Brian May's passion for music started early and led to the formation of his first band and eventually Queen.

6. Early Musical Influences: At age 6, he learned a few chords on the ukulele from his father. A year later, he began playing a Spanish guitar.

7. First Band: During his time at Hampton Grammar School, he formed his first band, 1984, with vocalist and bassist Tim Staffell.

8. Formation of Queen: In 1970, May co-founded Queen with singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor.

The Red Special Guitar

Brian May's iconic guitar, the Red Special, is a testament to his ingenuity and craftsmanship.

9. Guitar Design: May designed and built the Red Special himself, aiming to create a guitar that could feed back like Jeff Beck's.

10. Red Special’s Unique Features: The guitar has a reddish-brown color from numerous layers of Rustins Plastic Coating.

Contributions to Queen

Brian May's songwriting and guitar skills played a crucial role in Queen's success.

11. Musical Contributions: He wrote many of Queen's songs, including "We Will Rock You," "Who Wants to Live Forever," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "I Want It All".

12. Iconic Songs: His distinctive guitar work and songwriting are evident in Queen's hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Somebody to Love".

Solo Career and Collaborations

Beyond Queen, Brian May has had a successful solo career and collaborated with various artists.

13. Solo Albums: He released three solo albums: "Back to the Light" (1992), "Another World" (1998), and "La musique de Furia" (2000).

14. Notable Singles: His notable singles include "Too Much Love Will Kill You" and "Driven By You".

15. Collaboration with Kerry Ellis: May has worked with singer Kerry Ellis on several projects, creating powerful performances.

Passion for Astronomy

Brian May's love for astronomy has been a significant part of his life, leading to academic achievements and contributions to the field.

16. Astronomy Passion: His interest in astronomy began at age 6 after reading "The Earth" by Sir Patrick Moore.

17. Asteroid Named After Him: Asteroid 52665 Brianmay was named in his honor for his contributions to astrophysics.

18. PhD in Astrophysics: He earned a PhD in 2007 from Imperial College London with a thesis titled "A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud".

19. Scientific Contributions: May co-authored several books on astronomy, including "Bang The Complete History of the Universe".

Animal Welfare Activism

Brian May is a passionate advocate for animal rights, using his platform to campaign against cruelty.

20. Animal Welfare Activism: He campaigns against fox hunting and badger culling in the UK.

21. Scientific Approach to Animal Welfare: May believes all creatures deserve respect and decent treatment, advocating for an astronomical approach to animal welfare.

22. Fox Hunting and Badger Culls: He has been a strong critic of these practices, promoting inclusivity and respect for all creatures.

Honors and Recognitions

Brian May's contributions to music, science, and activism have earned him numerous accolades.

23. Honorary Doctorate: In 2008, he received an honorary doctorate in music from Exeter University.

24. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Queen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

25. Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): May was awarded the CBE in 2005 for his services to the music industry.

26. Knighted by King Charles III: In 2023, he was knighted for services to music and charity.

Personal Life

Brian May's personal life includes his family, relationships, and interests outside of music and science.

27. First Marriage: He was married to Christine Mullen from 1976 to 1988, and they had three children: James, Louisa, and Emily Ruth.

28. Marriage to Anita Dobson: He married actress Anita Dobson in 2000, who inspired the 1989 hit "I Want It All".

29. Net Worth: May's net worth is approximately $210 million (around £166.61 million).

30. Residences: He has homes in London and Windlesham, Surrey.

Contributions to NASA and Asteroid Day

Brian May's involvement in space exploration and awareness campaigns highlights his dedication to science.

31. Asteroid Day Co-Founder: He co-founded Asteroid Day to raise awareness about asteroids and their potential impact on Earth.

32. NASA Contributions: In 2023, May contributed to NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which successfully collected and delivered samples from the asteroid Bennu.

Historic Performances and Legacy

Brian May's performances at significant events and his lasting impact on music and culture.

33. Performance at the 2012 London Olympics: He performed at the Closing Ceremony alongside his Queen bandmates.

34. Performance at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Concert: May took the stage to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

35. Biopic Film "Bohemian Rhapsody": He played a crucial role in the production of the film, ensuring an accurate portrayal of the band's journey.

36. LGBTQ+ Rights Advocacy: May supports LGBTQ+ rights, promoting inclusivity and equality.

Photography and Stereo Photography

Brian May's interest in photography, particularly stereo photography, showcases his artistic side.

37. Photography: He often captures moments from tours and travels, showcasing his keen eye for composition.

38. Stereo Photography: May's interest in stereo photography led to the publication of several books, including "A Village Lost and Found".

Philanthropy and Educational Contributions

Brian May's philanthropic efforts and contributions to education reflect his commitment to making a positive impact.

39. Philanthropic Work: He supports various charitable causes related to animal welfare and scientific research.

40. Educational Contributions: May has been involved in promoting science and music education, setting a precedent for musicians pursuing higher education in science.

Cultural Icon and Enduring Impact

Brian May's influence extends beyond music, making him a cultural icon and inspiration to many.

41. Cultural Icon: Known for his distinctive hairstyle and iconic guitar playing, May has become an inspiration to aspiring musicians.

42. Influence on Music Industry: His unique sound and virtuosic playing style have inspired generations of musicians.

43. Historic Landmark Preservation: May supports efforts to preserve historic landmarks and architectural treasures.

44. Public Activism: He is an active public figure involved in various campaigns, including those against fox hunting and badger culling.

45. Musical Legacy: His solo albums and collaborations showcase his versatility as a musician and songwriter.

46. Educational Initiatives: May's involvement in educational initiatives promotes science and music education.

47. Scientific Research: His research in astrophysics has contributed to our understanding of radial velocities in the zodiacal dust cloud.

48. Animal Rights Advocacy: May's advocacy for animal welfare promotes inclusivity and respect for all creatures.

49. Historic Performances: His performances at significant events have cemented his status as a rock legend.

50. Enduring Impact: Brian May continues to inspire and entertain audiences, ensuring his place as one of the most influential figures in music.

Brian May's Enduring Legacy

Brian May's life is a testament to versatility and passion. From co-founding Queen to earning a PhD in astrophysics, his achievements span music, science, and activism. Designing the iconic Red Special guitar and writing hits like "We Will Rock You" showcase his musical genius. His contributions to astronomy, like co-authoring books and having an asteroid named after him, highlight his scientific impact. May's advocacy for animal rights and LGBTQ+ equality further cements his role as a compassionate leader. Whether performing at historic events or collaborating with diverse artists, his influence remains profound. Brian May continues to inspire, proving that dedication and creativity can break boundaries. His legacy, marked by groundbreaking work in multiple fields, ensures he'll be remembered as a true icon.