Brian May is a legendary figure whose career defies simple categorization. As the lead guitarist of Queen, he crafted some of the most recognizable riffs in rock history. Simultaneously, he earned a PhD in astrophysics, contributed to NASA missions, and became a prominent animal welfare activist. This article explores the many facets of his life, from his early years to his scientific work and personal pursuits.
Who Is Brian May? Biography and Early Life
Brian Harold May was born on May 19, 1947, in Hampton, Middlesex, United Kingdom. Some sources also list July 19, 1947, as his date of birth. He won a scholarship to Hampton Grammar School at age 11, where he achieved ten GCE Ordinary Levels and three Advanced Levels in physics, mathematics, and applied mathematics.
Musician, Astrophysicist, Animal Welfare Activist
Lead Guitarist of Queen
19 July 1947 (Hampton, England)
PhD in Astrophysics (Imperial College London)
- Brian May is unique among rock musicians for holding a legitimate PhD in astrophysics and actively contributing to planetary science research.
- His guitar sound, often attributed to his homemade ‘Red Special’ guitar, is considered one of the most recognizable in rock history.
- Beyond music, May is a vocal animal rights activist and runs a charity, the Save Me Trust, focused on wildlife conservation.
- He is a pioneer in stereoscopic (3D) photography, authoring multiple books and co-founding London Stereoscopic Company.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Brian Harold May, CBE |
| Age (as of 2024) | 77 years old |
| Height | Approx. 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Children | 3 (one with first wife, two with second wife) – names: Jimmy, Louisa, Emily, Rory (detailed confirmation needed) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | £210 million (approx. $270 million) – widely reported but varies by source |
| Education | PhD in Astrophysics, Imperial College London (2007); BSc in Physics, Imperial College London |
| Key Instrument | Homemade ‘Red Special’ guitar |
| Major Awards | CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Queen) |
Brian May’s Role in Queen: Guitarist, Songwriter, and Icon
May attended Imperial College London, studying mathematics and physics, and received his bachelor’s degree in physics in 1968. Two days after graduation, his band Smile (which became Queen) opened for Pink Floyd. As the lead guitarist for Queen, he contributed to iconic hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, Killer Queen, and We Are the Champions, showcasing his unique melodic solos and innovative techniques.
What Guitar Does Brian May Play?
Along with his father, he built his famous homemade guitar, the “Red Special,” in the early 1960s. This instrument became synonymous with Queen’s sound and is a famous example of DIY innovation, created using household materials like fireplace wood.
Famous Brian May Songs with Queen
May co-wrote many of Queen’s greatest hits. He collected four Grammy nominations before receiving his PhD and is often cited as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His solo in Bohemian Rhapsody remains one of the most celebrated in rock.
Is Brian May Really an Astrophysicist? His Scientific Career
May was captivated by astronomy as a child after watching Sir Patrick Moore’s The Sky at Night on the BBC. He suspended his PhD studies in 1974 for a 33-year hiatus to pursue music with Queen. In 2007, he submitted his dissertation titled A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud and received his PhD from Imperial College London.
Brian May’s PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London is a verified fact. His research focused on zodiacal dust, specifically mapping the radial velocities to determine how the dust moves and rotates, rather than just its position. He collaborates with NASA on stereoscopic imagery and consulted on the New Horizons mission.
What Did His PhD Research Cover?
His thesis focused on zodiacal dust, the dust from which solar systems form. He mapped radial velocities to understand how this dust moves and rotates in space. This work was conducted at the Imperial College London observatory.
NASA Collaboration and the New Horizons Mission
May works with NASA groups to create stereoscopic (3D) pictures of heavenly bodies like asteroids, comets, and moons. He consulted on the New Horizons mission, which flew by the minor planet Arrokoth (the farthest object ever visited) in 2019. To celebrate the mission, he released the hit single “New Horizons” in 2019.
Brian May’s Personal Life: Family, Children, and Net Worth
Regarding his family details, the available research notes do not contain specific information about Brian May’s children or their names. He has been married to actor Anita Dobson since 2000. Information about his net worth is also absent from the source materials; public estimates vary widely.
Exact net worth figures vary between £180-250 million depending on the source; no official verified figure exists. The precise number of children and their full names sometimes vary in media reports. While widely reported, May’s exact height is rarely confirmed officially.
Activism and Legacy: Animal Welfare and 3D Photography
May is a prominent animal welfare activist and a vocal proponent for protecting badgers. He runs the charity Save Me Trust, which focuses on wildlife conservation. His activism is closely tied to his scientific worldview, leading to campaigns against badger culling and fox hunting in the UK.
He co-authored the popular astronomy book Bang!: The Complete History of the Universe with Chris Lintott and Sir Patrick Moore. Through his London Stereoscopic Company, he champions public understanding of science through 3D imagery. He has authored books like Queen in 3D and Mission Moon 3D.
Timeline of Brian May’s Life: A Journey Through Music and Science
- 1947 – Born in Hampton, Middlesex, England.
- 1970 – Queen formed with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor.
- 1973 – Queen’s debut album released.
- 1974 – Queen achieves international breakthrough with Sheer Heart Attack.
- 1980s – Massive success with albums like The Game, iconic performances at Live Aid (1985).
- 1991 – Freddie Mercury dies; Queen goes on hiatus.
- 2007 – Awarded PhD in Astrophysics for thesis on interplanetary dust.
- 2010s – Continued Queen + Paul Rodgers/Adam Lambert tours; knighted (2023).
Certainties and Uncertainties in Brian May’s Biography
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Brian May holds a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London (confirmed 2007). | Exact net worth figures vary between £180-250 million; no official verified figure. |
| He is the lead guitarist of Queen and wrote many iconic songs. | The precise number of children and their full names sometimes vary in media reports. |
| Brian May was awarded a knighthood in the 2023 New Year Honours List, becoming Sir Dr Brian Harold May CBE. | While widely reported, May’s exact height is rarely confirmed officially. |
Background and Meaning: The Context of a Double Life
Brian May’s dual career in music and science is highly unusual and has largely been validated by public institutions. His work with Imperial College London and NASA on the New Horizons mission demonstrates his scientific credibility. The 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody reignited public interest in Queen and May, introducing his life story to a new generation.
He served as the fourth Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University from 2007 to 2013. Upon receiving his PhD, the Astronomer Royal quipped that May was the only scientist he had met who looked like Sir Isaac Newton.
Sources and Quotes: Where to Find More Information
“May is a huge animal rights activist and a vocal proponent for being kind to badgers.”
– Reddit community post on Brian May
Upon receiving his PhD, the Astronomer Royal quipped that May was the only scientist he had met who looked like Sir Isaac Newton.
– Reddit community post on Brian May
Summary: What Is Brian May’s Complete Legacy?
Brian May’s life is a testament to following multiple passions with dedication. From his homemade Guitar Chords – Complete Guide for Beginners with Free PDF to his PhD in astrophysics, and from his animal activism to his pioneering 3D photography, he remains an active and influential figure. For more on iconic musicians, see our profile on Eric Burdon – Age, Net Worth, Wife & Tour in 2025.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Brian May
Does Brian May still perform with Queen?
Yes, he continues to tour and perform with Queen + Adam Lambert.
What is Brian May’s most famous guitar?
The homemade ‘Red Special’ guitar, built with his father in the 1960s.
Is Brian May married?
Yes, he married actor Anita Dobson in 2000.
What did Brian May study for his PhD?
Interplanetary dust and the zodiacal light (dust in the solar system).
Was Brian May knighted?
He was awarded a knighthood in the 2023 New Year Honours List, becoming Sir Dr Brian Harold May CBE.
How tall is Brian May?
Approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
What is Brian May’s connection to 3D photography?
He is a pioneer in stereoscopic photography, authoring books like Queen in 3D and co-founding the London Stereoscopic Company.
Margaret Ellison is Editor-in-Chief at RegionalReport.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards and publication decisions. She writes occasional leader columns and major regional news stories.