Who Is Brian May? Age, Biography and Wiki
Brian May, born on July 19, 1947, is a celebrated English musician, renowned as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen. With a career spanning over five decades, May has cemented his legacy in the music industry through his exceptional guitar skills, songwriting prowess, and contributions to numerous chart-topping hits. As of 2025, May is 78 years old, and continues to inspire audiences with his music and philanthropic work.
| Occupation | Astrophysicist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1947 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Hampton Hill, Middlesex, England |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Brian May's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Brian May possesses a commanding stage presence. In 2025, he weighs approximately 185 lbs (84 kg). His body measurements reflect a fit and active lifestyle, showcasing the musician's dedication to health and well-being, even in his late seventies.
"I like a big neck – thick, flat and wide. I lacquered the fingerboard with Rustin's Plastic Coating. The tremolo is interesting in that the arm's made from an old bicycle saddle bag carrier, the knob from the ends of a knitting needle, and the springs are valve springs from an old motorbike."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Brian May's personal life has often attracted media attention. He was previously married to Anita Dobson, an actress and singer, but the couple has faced challenges in their relationship. As of 2025, Brian is rumored to be in a loving relationship with another partner, although specific details about his boyfriend remain private. May is known for valuing his family's privacy and tends to keep his romantic life out of the spotlight.
He is the only child of Ruth Irving (née Fletcher) and Harold May, who worked as a draughtsman at the Ministry of Aviation. His mother, who was Scottish, married his father, who was English, at Moulin in Perthshire, Scotland in 1946.
May attended the local Hanworth Road state primary school, and at the age of 11 won a scholarship to Hampton Grammar School, then a voluntary aided school. During this time, he formed his first band, named 1984 after George Orwell's novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, with vocalist and bassist Tim Staffell.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Brian May's estimated net worth is approximately $210 million. His wealth has primarily been accumulated through successful album sales, live performances, and royalties from the extensive Queen catalog. Additionally, May's work in other ventures, such as his contributions to music production and his recent efforts in philanthropic endeavors, have also contributed to his impressive salary.
The 1998 tour saw the brief introduction of a 'support act' known as T. E. Conway. Conway (Brian May in a wig and colourful suit playing the part of a teddy boy crooner) would play several 1950s rock and roll standards before May's 'arrival'. A bonus T. E.
Conway EP titled Retro Rock Special was attached to some pressings of the Another World album. The Conway character was retired at the end of the tour. In May 1999, May recorded lead guitars for the Guns N' Roses song "Catcher in the Rye" on Chinese Democracy, but his performance was removed from the album by the time it was released in 2008.
Career, Business and Investments
Brian May's career took off in the early 1970s with the formation of Queen, alongside Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. The band's innovative sound and theatrical performances garnered them global acclaim and a massive fan base. In 2025, Brian continues to perform with Queen + Adam Lambert, embarking on sold-out tours around the world.
Beyond music, May has shown a keen interest in astrophysics, earning a PhD in the field. He actively participates in educational endeavors, strengthening his influence beyond the music industry. Furthermore, Brian has invested in various business ventures related to music, including his own guitar brand and several production collaborations.
May was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005 for services to the music industry and for charity work. May earned a PhD degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007, and was Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University from 2008 to 2013.
He was a "science team collaborator" with NASA's New Horizons Pluto mission. He is also a co-founder of the awareness campaign Asteroid Day. Asteroid 52665 Brianmay was named after him.
In 2023, May contributed to NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, the agency's first successful collection and earth delivery of samples directly from an asteroid (the asteroid Bennu). May is also an animal welfare activist, campaigning against fox hunting and the culling of badgers in the UK.
May was knighted by King Charles III in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to music and charity.
Social Network
Brian May has maintained a robust presence on social media platforms. As of 2025, he boasts millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his music, personal anecdotes, and advocacy work. May's online presence plays a significant role in connecting with fans and promoting important social causes.
May has been referred to as a virtuoso guitarist by many publications and musicians. He has featured in various music polls of the greatest rock guitarists, and in 2011 was ranked number 26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
In January 2007, the readers of Guitar World voted May's guitar solos on "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Brighton Rock" into the "top 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of all time" (No.20 and No.41 respectively). Former Van Halen vocalist Sammy Hagar stated, "I thought Queen were really innovative and made some great sounding records... I like the rockin' stuff.
I think Brian May has one of the great guitar tones on the planet, and I really, really love his guitar work." Justin Hawkins, lead guitarist of the Darkness, cites May as his earliest influence, saying "I really loved his tone and vibrato and everything. I thought his playing sounded like a singing voice. I wanted to be able to do that.
Whenever I went to guitar lessons, I was always asking to learn Queen stuff."
Education
Brian May's educational background is distinguished. He graduated from Imperial College London with a degree in physics and mathematics in 1968, later returning to complete a PhD in astrophysics in 2007. May often emphasizes the importance of education and continues to inspire young musicians and students alike, advocating for the academic pursuit alongside a passion for the arts.
May previously performed with Taylor in the progressive rock band Smile, which he had joined while he was at university. After Mercury joined to form Queen in 1970, bass guitarist John Deacon completed the line-up in 1971.
They became one of the biggest rock bands in the world with the success of the album A Night at the Opera and its single "Bohemian Rhapsody". From the mid-1970s until 1986, Queen played at some of the biggest venues in the world, including an acclaimed performance at Live Aid in 1985.
As a member of Queen, May became regarded as a virtuoso musician and was identified with a distinctive sound created through his layered guitar work, often using a home-built electric guitar called the Red Special.
May wrote numerous hits for Queen, including "We Will Rock You", "I Want It All", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "Flash", "Hammer to Fall", "Save Me", "Who Wants to Live Forever" and "The Show Must Go On".
