Brian May

Brian May – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Sir Brian May (b. 19 July 1947) is a multifaceted English musician, astrophysicist, and animal-welfare advocate. This article dives into his life, career, legacy, and timeless quotes.

Introduction

Brian May is best known to the world as the lead guitarist and one of the songwriters of the legendary rock band Queen, but his identity is far richer: scientist, activist, photographer, and storyteller. Born in 1947 in England, May’s journey defies easy categorization. His music has touched millions; his scientific pursuits have contributed to public understanding of the cosmos; and his advocacy for animals positions him as a voice for the voiceless. In this article, we explore the life and legacy of Brian May — the man behind the Red Special, the astrophysicist beneath the riff, and the philosopher through his lyrics and quotes.

Early Life and Family

Brian Harold May was born on 19 July 1947 in Hampton Hill, in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, Middlesex, England. Harold May, a draughtsman who worked for the Ministry of Aviation, and Ruth Irving (née Fletcher), who was Scottish in origin.

From an early age, Brian was drawn to both music and science. His father, being technically minded, supported his curiosity and helped him build devices. For example, Brian learned ukulele and from childhood showed interest in replicating and innovating musical instruments.

His schooling was strong in academics. He attended Hampton Grammar School and earlier local schools, excelling in physics, mathematics, and applied mathematics during his A-Level studies.

Youth and Education

As a teenager, Brian’s twin passions—music and science—began to entwine. While at school, he formed his first band, 1984, along with friends (inspired by George Orwell’s novel).

He later won a scholarship and enrolled at Imperial College London, where he studied mathematics and physics. He graduated in 1968 with honors.

Originally, Brian had also begun doctoral research in astrophysics at Imperial, working on topics like interplanetary dust and zodiacal light—a study of faint sunlight scattered by dust in the plane of the solar system.

Thus, Brian May’s academic journey was nontraditional but ultimately triumphant—he bridged both rock stardom and rigorous scientific inquiry.

Career and Achievements

Forming Queen & Musical Success

In 1970, following the dissolution of his earlier group Smile, Brian May co-founded Queen along with Freddie Mercury (vocals) and Roger Taylor (drums). John Deacon joined later to complete the lineup.

Queen’s rise was meteoric. Albums like A Night at the Opera and singles like Bohemian Rhapsody secured their place in music history.

Brian wrote or co-wrote many of Queen’s classic songs:

• We Will Rock You

• I Want It All

• Fat Bottomed Girls

• Save Me

• Who Wants to Live Forever

• The Show Must Go On, among others

He also took lead vocals on several tracks—‘’39, Good Company, Long Away, etc.—giving voice to his personal style within the broader Queen sound.

Queen’s live performances were legendary, especially their set at Live Aid (1985), which many consider among the greatest in rock history. Queen + Adam Lambert.

Later Musical Work & Collaborations

Beyond the core Queen output, Brian has taken on solo projects, guest appearances, and collaborative performances. For example, he played guitar on Lady Gaga’s “You and I” and joined her on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards.

He has also maintained an active presence in music through Queen + Adam Lambert tours.

Scientific & Intellectual Contributions

Brian May’s scientific life is no footnote. In the 1970s, he co-authored scientific papers based on his observations at the Teide Observatory (Tenerife), examining zodiacal dust.

When he reactivated his PhD in 2006, he completed and submitted his thesis on radial velocities in the zodiacal dust cloud—decades after starting it.

He also co-founded Asteroid Day in 2014, an international effort to raise awareness about asteroids, their threat, and planetary defense.

Beyond that, Brian has contributed stereo-photography research (3D imaging), and is a serious collector and scholar on Victorian stereoscopic photographs. He co-authored A Village Lost and Found, a book about T. R. Williams, a pioneer of 19th-century stereophotography.

Honors and Recognition

Brian May’s achievements have been recognized by both the music and scientific communities:

• Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2001)

• Awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005 for services to music and charity

• Earned a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) in 2022

• Knighted as Sir Brian May in 2023 (Knight Bachelor) for his contributions in music and activism

Thus he carries both the title Sir and well-earned credentials across art and science.

Historical Milestones & Context

Brian May’s career spanned a volatile era in rock: the 1970s progressive and glam rock movement, the rise of stadium rock in the 1980s, the evolving music industry in the 1990s, and into the streaming age.

• In the 1970s, Queen pushed the boundaries of rock—mixing operatic ambition, theatrical presentation, and virtuosic composition.

• The 1980s saw Queen embrace diversity: from Radio Ga Ga to Under Pressure, they merged pop, rock, synths, and grandiose arrangements.

• The tragic death of Freddie Mercury in 1991 marked a turning point; Brian continued keeping the music alive through retrospectives, tributes, and reinventions.

• In the 2000s and beyond, Brian navigated the changing music industry: digital streaming, legacy acts, tribute collaborations, and the role of archival restoration.

• Simultaneously, science outreach and activism gained renewed relevance in the 21st century. His voice in environmental and animal-welfare issues links to larger global conversations about biodiversity, ethics, and humanity’s role.

By straddling entertainment, science, and activism, Brian May belongs to a lineage of polymaths who resist narrow definition.

Legacy and Influence

Brian May’s legacy is multifaceted:

• Musical Influence: His guitar tone, harmonies, and songwriting style have influenced countless rock and progressive artists. He’s often cited as an influence by modern guitarists.

• Cultural Impact of Queen: Queen remains one of the best-selling and most iconic rock bands worldwide. Their songs are cultural staples across generations.

• Science Engagement: By combining his rock star platform with scientific inquiry, Brian has inspired public interest in astronomy, space, and planetary science.

• Advocacy: Through his Save Me initiative and other activism, Brian has pushed for humane policies and greater awareness of animal rights and environmental issues.

• Inspiration for Polymaths: His life is a template for those who refuse to be pigeonholed—showing that it’s possible to have excellence in art and science simultaneously.

In short, his influence transcends just music; he embodies a broader idea of creative curiosity and moral responsibility.

Personality and Talents

Brian May is often described as introspective, technically curious, persistent, and deeply passionate. Though not the flashiest showman, his contributions come from conviction and depth.

He once said:

“I have none of that high-speed technical skill of a Steve Vai or a Joe Satriani. What I have is a connection between the mind and the fingers.”

This humility encapsulates his approach: he values expression, heart, and consistency more than showy virtuosity. His deep love for the cosmos, for animals, and for photography reveals a contemplative side.

He has also openly discussed personal struggles — including depression, difficulty in relationships, and the emotional challenges after Freddie Mercury’s death.

His dedication to both art and science suggests a rare discipline: balancing touring, composition, research, outreach, and activism over decades.

Famous Quotes of Brian May

Here are some of Brian May’s most resonant quotes (with commentary):