Entertainment • Musician

Brian May

Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Queen, which he co-founded with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Queen, which he co-founded with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. He is also known for his scientific work, animal welfare activism, and a long-delayed PhD completed in astrophysics in 2007.

Early life and education

Brian May was born in Hampton, Middlesex, England, in 1947. He studied physics and mathematics at Imperial College London before returning later to complete a PhD in astrophysics.

Music career with Queen

May co-founded Queen and became known for his distinctive guitar style and songwriting contributions. He played lead guitar on his homemade "Red Special" guitar and helped shape many of the band’s most recognisable songs.

Scientific career

May is also an astrophysicist, having completed doctoral work on interplanetary dust and zodiacal light. His scientific identity remained notable alongside his music career.

Public work and recognition

Beyond music and science, May has been involved in animal welfare advocacy and university leadership, including serving as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University from 2008 to 2013.

Key facts

Co-founded Queen with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor.
Became widely known as Queen’s lead guitarist and backing vocalist.
Earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007.
His doctoral research was titled "Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud."
He is also associated with animal welfare activism.

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Canadian context

Brian May has relevance for Canadian readers through Queen’s long-standing popularity in Canada, where the band’s music remains widely known and performed.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Brian May?

Brian May is an English musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Queen.

How old is Brian May?

Born on 19 July 1947, Brian May is 79 years old as of 2026.

What instrument does Brian May play?

He is best known as a guitarist, especially for his work as Queen’s lead guitarist.

Is Brian May a scientist?

Yes. He is an astrophysicist and completed a PhD in the subject at Imperial College London.

What is Brian May's PhD in?

His PhD is in astrophysics, with research on radial velocities in the zodiacal dust cloud.

Did Brian May write Bohemian Rhapsody?

No. "Bohemian Rhapsody" was written by Freddie Mercury; Brian May is credited with other Queen songs and with contributing guitar parts to the track.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_May
Supports: Birth date, Queen co-founding, musician role, astrophysicist background, PhD in astrophysics, animal welfare activism
Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/musicians/brian-may
Supports: Lead guitarist role, Red Special guitar, music career, advanced degrees
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006190/
Supports: Doctorate in astrophysics, thesis title, birth date, age context
Guitar.com — https://www.guitar.com/artists/brian-may/
Supports: Lead guitarist status, songwriting contributions, Queen legacy
Smooth Radio — https://www.smoothradio.com/artists/queen/brian-may-facts-wife-children-age-songs-net-worth/
Supports: Birth date, age, education, PhD study details
Project Coyote — https://projectcoyote.org/about/our-team/brian-may-cbe-phd-fras/
Supports: Animal rights advocacy and public profile