Weird and wonderful facts about Queen's Brian May
19 July 2020, 10:00 | Updated: 13 August 2024, 13:28
Find out interesting facts about the Bohemian Rhapsody guitarist including his age, spouse, songwriting credits, net worth and his famous handmade guitar.
Brian May is most known for being the guitarist of legendary British rock band Queen - playing alongside frontman Freddie Mercury, drummer Roger Taylor and former bassist John Deacon - but that's by no means where his list of achievements end.
Find out more about the Bohemian Rhapsody rocker, including his age, songs and solo work, net worth, qualifications and his famous spouse.
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What is Brian May's full name?
Brian May's full name is Brian Harold May.
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Where is Brian May from?
Brian May was born in Hampton, Middlesex to Ruth Irving (Fletcher) and Harold May. His mother was Scottish and father was English.
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How old is Brian May?
Brian May was born on 19 July 1947. At the time of writing this article he is 77 years old.
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Who is Brian May married to?
Queen guitarist Brian May with wife and former EastEnders star Anita Dobson at the New York premiere of Bohemian Rhapsody. Picture: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutterstock The guitarist is famously married to former EastEnders star Anita Dobson, with the pair tying the knot in 2000.
He was previously married to Christine Mullen, who he wed in 1976 and divorced in 1988.
May first met soap star Dobson in 1986, and it is said the 1989 hit I Want It All was inspired by her.
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How many children does Brian May have?
Brian May shares three children with his first wife Christine Mullen; James (15 June 1978), Louisa (22 May 1981) and Emily Ruth (18 February 1987).
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Which Queen songs did Brian May write?
Brian May frequently wrote songs for Queen, including many of their arrangements.
His most famous songwriting credits for the band include:
- We Will Rock You
- Who Wants to Live Forever
- Tie Your Mother Down
- I Want It All
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What solo albums and songs did Brian May release?
May has three official solo albums Back to the Light (1992) Another World (1998), which was in part a covers album, and La musique de Furia (2000), which saw him compose the soundtrack for the film Furia as the title suggests.
His notable singles include:
- Too Much Love Will Kill You
- Driven By You
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Is Brian May a real doctor?
Yes... but not the medical kind. May was awarded a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London for work started in 1971 and completed in 2007.
He previously studied Mathematics and Physics at Imperial College London, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics in 1968 with honours.
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What other bands was Brian May in?
May's first band was formed at Hampton Grammar School, and they were named 1984 after George Orwell's book of the same nam.
In 1968 May formed the band Smile. which included Tim Staffell and later Queen drummer Roger Taylor.
In 1992 he officially formed The Brian May Band, which had a changing line-up which included the likes of Cozy Powell, Mike Moran, Rich Wakeman, Jamie Moses, Catherine Porter and more.
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What guitar does Brian May play?
Queen's Brian May and his guitar The Red Special with Paul Rogers in concert at The National Indoor Arena (NIA), Birmingham, UK - 2008. Picture: Jamie Cooper/Shutterstock Brian May is most known for The Red Special - an electric guitar designed and built by himself and his father Harold when he was a teenager in the '60s.
Sometimes referred to as the Fireplace - a reference to the fact that the wood used to make the neck came from a fireplace mantel - or the Old Lady, the guitar went on to define May's signature style.
The guitar was designed specifically to feed back after May saw Jeff Beck playing live and making different sounds just by moving the guitar in front of the amplifier.
The name Red Special came from the reddish-brown colour the guitar had after it was stained and painted with numerous layers of Rustins Plastic Coating.
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What is Brian May's net worth?
According to celebritynetworth.com, May is worth $210 million (approx £166.61m).
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Is Brian May a Sir?
Sir Brian May is knighted on 14th March 2023. Picture: Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images Yes, Brian May was made a Knight Bachelor by King Charles III in a ceremony which took place at Buckingham Palace on 14th March 2023.
He also was awarded a CBE, becoming a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2005.
Almost there Brian!
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What is Brian May's connection to Badgers?
TEAM BADGER ! Delegates from all major British animal campaigns met today to coordinate opposition to badger cull. pic.twitter.com/lCdXo6JPDz
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) February 8, 2016May has become a key figure in animal welfare.
2013 saw him team up with actor Brian Blessed and Flash cartoonist Jonti "Weebl" Picking, as well as animal rights groups including the RSPCA to form Team Badger.
He is also set to front a BBC Two documentary on badger culling, which is set to be released on Friday 23rd August at 9pm on BBC Two.
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Why does Brian May love hedgehogs?
Happiness is a warm hedgehog ! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to all creatures ! Bri pic.twitter.com/f3vaC0Iqeg
— Dr. Brian May (@DrBrianMay) February 14, 2016May is a huge advocate for the hedgehog too, often sharing images of hedgehogs he's rescued or brought back to life.
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Does he like any other animals?
Yes, May seems to be fond of all wildlife.
A recent Instagram post saw Brian May write: "Lizard alert ! We have a new pal at the wildlife rescue. (Save-Me HQ - aka Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue) We’re temporarily looking after this lovely chap. We call him Eddie - Eddie Lizard !"
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What else is Brian May passionate about?
Brian May is very passionate about ecological issues, including recycling and wants to make it easier to recycle our plastic waste in the UK.
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Who plays Brian May in the Bohemian Rhapsody film?
May is played in Bohemian Rhapsody by Welsh actor Gwilym Lee.
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