Brian May, born on July 19, 1947, in London, England, is an iconic musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist, best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen. Renowned for his unmistakable guitar tone, May crafted his signature sound using his self-built “Red Special” guitar and innovative use of layered harmonies and delay effects. This unique style became a cornerstone of Queen’s sound, shaping some of the most celebrated tracks in rock history. His intricate guitar work is immortalized in timeless anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Killer Queen,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love.”
May co-founded Queen in 1970 alongside Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, forming one of the most successful rock bands of all time. As a songwriter, he contributed some of Queen’s most enduring hits, including the globally recognized “We Will Rock You,” famed for its stomp-stomp-clap rhythm that resonates at concerts and sporting events across the world. Other classics he penned include “I Want It All,” “Save Me,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “The Show Must Go On,” showcasing his ability to blend powerful riffs with emotional depth.
Outside of music, Brian May is a distinguished astrophysicist. He completed his Ph.D. at Imperial College London in 2007, specializing in the study of interplanetary dust. He has co-authored several astronomy books and remains active in scientific outreach, sharing his passion for the cosmos with global audiences.
Even after Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, May continued to honor Queen’s legacy, performing worldwide with Adam Lambert as “Queen + Adam Lambert.” His dual legacy as a pioneering rock guitarist and accomplished scientist makes Brian May a rare and remarkable figure—an enduring inspiration in both the arts and sciences.