Brian May, the iconic rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, inventor, astrophysicist and, co-founder and major driving force behind Queen turns 75 today. We’re talking at look back at Brian’s amazing life and career.
Born on July 19th, 1947 in London, Brian is the only child of the late Harold and Ruth May. Brian studied Mathematics and Physics at Imperial College London, and graduated with a degree in physics in 1974. Back in 2007, he was awarded a PhD in astrophysics for academic work he actually began in 1971 but set aside to become a musician.
May’s first band was named 1984 after the George Orwell novel. He then played with the band Smile and then Queen, where he continues to play.Brian is the second oldest member of Queen following Mercury who was actually a year older. Drummer Roger Taylor is 72 (he’ll be 73 on July 26th), and retired bassist John Deacon, who is 70.
Despite several health issues the last few years, including a heart attack, Brian is still rocking with Queen+Adam Lambert on their current Rhapsody Tour.
Brian once commented on Queen’s contributions to music, saying, "We started off being very theoretical about things and we ended up being sort of experiential about it, you know. In other words, you go onstage and if this works this is interesting. So in terms of the stage performance, in terms of the stage gear, the sound, the lights, the costumes, the effects or whatever, we were into going as far as things could be pushed at that time and it was an infectious thing. I would claim to have some firsts in that direction."
[Source: Classic Hits Today]