Historical Figure
Brian May
b. 1947
English musician (born 1947)
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"On-Set Visit: Making Bohemian Rhapsody and Protecting Freddie's Legacy" — 2018
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Biography
Sir Brian Harold May is an English musician, animal welfare activist, and astrophysicist. He achieved global fame as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band Queen, which he co-founded with singer Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. His guitar work and songwriting contributions helped Queen become one of the most successful acts in music history.
Timeline
The story of Brian May, told in moments.
Co-founded Queen with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor after his previous band Smile dissolved. John Deacon joined the following year on bass.
Wrote "We Will Rock You." Co-created the guitar harmonies on "Bohemian Rhapsody" that required over 180 vocal and instrumental overdubs. A Night at the Opera changed rock music.
Queen's Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium. Twenty minutes that are still considered one of the greatest live sets in rock history. 1.9 billion viewers worldwide.
Completed his PhD in astrophysics at Imperial College London. His thesis examined zodiacal dust clouds. He'd started it in 1971 and put it aside for 36 years to play guitar.
In Their Own Words (4)
When I'm gone, people will no doubt remember me for Queen, but I would much rather be remembered for attempting to change the way we treat our fellow creatures.
Interview with The Sunday Times, quoted in "Brian May Converts Estate Into Wildlife Refuge", in Contactmusic.com (9 July 2012), 2012
There's no chance for us It's all decided for us This world has only one sweet moment Set aside for usWho wants to live forever? Who wants to live forever? Who dares to love forever Oh, when love must die?
"Who Wants to Live Forever", on A Kind of Magic (1986) · "Queen - Who Wants To Live Forever (Official Video)" · "Queen & Seal - Who Wants To Live Forever (Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert)" (20 April 1992), 1986
Buddy, you're a young man, hard man Shouting in the street, gonna take on the world someday You got blood on your face, you big disgrace Waving your banner all over the place We will, we will rock you, sing it! We will, we will rock you, yeah.
"We Will Rock You", on News of the World (1977), 1977
We will, we will rock you We will, we will rock you.
"We Will Rock You", on News of the World (1977), 1977
Artifacts (15)
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