Brian May: 10 Fascinating Facts About Queen’s Guitarist
Brian May is far more than just the legendary guitarist of Queen, he’s a scientist, activist, songwriter, and one of rock’s most fascinating figures.
Brian‘s life is filled with so many incredible stories that it was difficult to choose just 10 highlights from his incredible life full of achievements in many walks of life. I’ve already spoiled too much in the introduction, so here are ten interesting facts about rock’s Einstein!
1. Has a PhD in astrophysics
Brian May isn’t just rock royalty, but also an actual doctor of astrophysics. He began his academic journey at Imperial College London, where he studied mathematics and physics, and earned a BSc and the prestigious ARCS award.
Although Queen’s success interrupted his PhD studies, he returned decades later and completed his PhD in 2007. However, he wasn’t the only brainiac in the band – Freddie Mercury graduated in graphic design, Roger Taylor majored in biology, and John Deacon has a BCs in electrical engineering.
2. Wrote some of Queen’s biggest hits
While he is best-known for his guitar work, May is also a prolific songwriter and has written some of Queen‘s most iconic songs like ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘I Want It All’.
But thunderous anthems is not the only thing he can write, the emotional ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ is also his work, and has penned other hits such as ‘The Show Must Go On’, ‘Save Me’, and the cheeky classic ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’. Who knew a guy with a PhD could write such a raunchy rock banger?
3. Lifelong collector of stereoscopic photographs
Brian May has a deep love for stereoscopic (3D) photography, a passion he’s had since the 1960s. He is an avid collector, and is especially fond of Victorian-era stereoscopic images and has built an extensive collection over the years.
In 2009, he co-published A Village Lost and Found with historical novelist Elena Vidal, a book showcasing 19th century 3D photographs taken by photographer Thomas Richard Williams.
And in 2017, he delighted Queen fans with ‘Queen in 3-D‘, a book featuring over 300 of his own stereoscopic shots of the band.
4. An asteroid is named after May
In 2016, the asteroid 52665 (discovered in 1998) was officially renamed 52665 Brianmay in his honor. However, this wasn’t done just because he is a famous person who happens to be an academic, but for his contributions to astronomy.
A year earlier, Brian May co-founded Asteroid Day, which is a global campaign promoting awareness of asteroid impacts.
5. He built his own guitar the “Red Special“
When he was 16, Brian May didn’t just dream of playing guitar – his scientific mind had other ideas, so he built his own.
With help from his dad, Harold May, the two crafted the instrument from household items, a piece of wood from an 18th-century fireplace and motorbike valve springs. He named the guitar Red Special which over the years also became known as the Old Lady or Fireplace.
The guitar was designed to produce feedback, inspired by Jeff Beck’s experimental playing.
6. Activist for animal welfare
Brian is a fierce advocate for animal rights, and has used his platform to speak out for those without a voice – animals. He particularly opposes fox hunting and badger culling in the UK.
In 2010, he founded the animal welfare organization ‘Save Me’, named after one of his Queen hits, to protect wildlife. Three years later he even released the quirky protest song ‘Save the Badger Badger Badger’ which is a mashup of a viral 2003 cartoon meme song ‘Badger Badger Badger‘.
7. Plays guitar with coins instead of picks
One of May’s signature peculiarities is his choice of guitar pick, or rather, lack of one. Instead of using a standard plectrum, he opts for a sixpence coin because its smooth edge keeps it from getting caught in the strings.
According to Brian May, the roundness of the coin helps keep the rhythm fluid and gives him better control over his playing. He says he owns thousands of sixpences and always carries some with him. Apparently the 1947 version is his favorite because of the quality of the metal before the material was cheapened.
8. Brian has released three solo studio albums
Although he had the opportunity to write many songs for Queen, it still wasn’t enough to contain his creativity, as he had more music inside him than could fit on a group record.
That’s why he ventured into solo territory, releasing two studio LPs: ‘Back to the Light’ (1992) and ‘Another World’ (1998), and also the soundtrack for the 2000 film ‘Furia’. He has also released several EPs and collaborative albums.
9. Didn’t want gangster rappers to sample Queen
In the 1990s, many gangster rappers sought to sample Queen’s grooves, especially John Deacon’s infectious bass lines, but May resisted the idea.
And it wasn’t because pop rappers like Vanilla Ice made millions by basically stealing Queen and David Bowie‘s hit “Under Pressure“, but because Brian May objected to allowing samples from their catalog to be used in gangsta rap songs that promoted violence, misogyny, or abuse.
He wanted to protect the band’s artistic legacy and ethical stance.
10. Brian was knighted in 2023
In 2023, May became Sir Brian May after being knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to music and charity work.
He’d previously been awarded a CBE in 2005, but the knighthood took it to the next level. Fellow bandmate Roger Taylor, by comparison, holds the title of OBE.
Read: 10 Fun Facts About Roger Taylor
Final Thoughts
Brian May is a true Renaissance man, as he is a rockstar, scientist, activist, and knight. Truly one of a kind.
From crafting an iconic guitar out of fireplace wood to achieving rock God status with Queen and earning a PhD in astrophysics, May’s life is packed with surprising achievements. And whether shredding guitar solos with a sixpence in front of tens of thousands or advocating for animal rights, he continues to inspire generations across all segments of society.