Sir Brian Harold May is a celebrated English musician, songwriter, and record producer, widely recognized as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the iconic rock band Queen. His exceptional guitar skills and songwriting talent significantly contributed to Queen's global success, establishing them as one of the most influential acts in music history. Beyond his musical achievements, May is also an astrophysicist and a dedicated animal rights activist.
1946: Marriage of Brian May's Parents
Brian May's parents, Ruth Irving and Harold May, were married in 1946 in Moulin, Perthshire, Scotland.
July 1947: Birth of Brian May
Brian Harold May was born in July 1947 at Gloucester House Nursing Home in Hampton Hill, Middlesex, England.
July 1947: Birth of Brian May
Brian Harold May was born in July 1947 at Gloucester House Nursing Home in Hampton Hill, Middlesex, England.
1958: Early Influence of Cliff Richard and the Shadows
Brian May has acknowledged Cliff Richard and the Shadows as early influences on his music, particularly their use of electric guitar.
1968: Brian May Graduates with a BSc in Physics
Brian May graduated from Imperial College London with a BSc degree in physics in 1968.
1968: Formation of the band "Smile"
Brian May, along with Tim Staffell and later Roger Taylor, formed the band "Smile" in 1968.
1970: PhD Studies Begin
Brian May embarked on his PhD journey in 1970 at Imperial College London, focusing his research on the reflection of light from interplanetary dust. This marked the beginning of his academic pursuits in astrophysics.
1970: May's Preference for Using Coins as Guitar Picks
Brian May is known for his unconventional use of coins, particularly a sixpence from 1970, as guitar picks, believing they provide him with greater control over his playing.
1970: Formation of Queen
Brian May, along with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, formed the band Queen in 1970.
1970: Disbanding of "Smile"
The band "Smile" disbanded in 1970 after the departure of Tim Staffell.
1971: John Deacon Joins Queen
John Deacon joined Queen as the bassist in 1971, completing the band's lineup.
1971: Influence of Rory Gallagher and Steve Hackett
Brian May has cited both Rory Gallagher and Steve Hackett, particularly Hackett's work on "The Musical Box" from 1971, as influences on his guitar playing. He admired Gallagher's ability to push the boundaries of the instrument and drew inspiration from Hackett's energetic approach.
1971: Early Recognition of May's Unique Guitar Style
By 1971, Brian May's distinct guitar tone and style were already evident, setting him apart as a guitarist.
1971: Brian May Begins Work on PhD
Brian May commenced his PhD studies in astrophysics at Imperial College London in 1971.
1972: May Plays Freddie Mercury's Steinway
While Freddie Mercury was Queen's primary pianist, Brian May, a classically trained pianist himself, occasionally played the piano, often using Mercury's 1972 Steinway.
1973: Began Collecting Les Diableries
Brian May's interest in Les Diableries, stereoscopic photographs of Hell, began in 1973 when he purchased his first card. This marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for collecting and researching these unique artifacts.
1974: PhD Studies Paused for Music Career
With Queen gaining international recognition in 1974, Brian May made the difficult decision to put his doctoral studies on hold, prioritizing his blossoming music career.
1975: Replicas of the Red Special Guitar
Starting in 1975, Brian May began having replicas made of his iconic Red Special guitar. Some were used for live performances and recordings, while others served as spares.
1975: Release of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"
The film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," which was later adapted into the musical "Spamalot" featuring Brian May in a voiceover role, was originally released in 1975.
1976: Marriage to Christine Mullen
Brian May's first marriage was to Christine Mullen in 1976.
1977: Greco BM90 Replica Featured
A Greco BM90 replica of May's Red Special guitar was featured in the promotional video for Queen's song "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy" in 1977.
1979: Expanding Musical Horizons
From 1979 onwards, Brian May incorporated synthesizers, organ, and drum machines into his musical repertoire, both within Queen and for external projects. This period marked a significant expansion of his musical creativity and technical abilities.
1980: Stratocaster Copy Used
In the music video for "Play the Game" released in 1980, Brian May can be seen playing a Stratocaster copy, showcasing his versatility with different guitar models.
1982: Red Special Replica Smashed On Stage
In 1982, during a concert in the US, Brian May famously smashed a John Birch replica of his Red Special guitar.
1983: Star Fleet Project with Eddie Van Halen
In 1983, Brian May collaborated with Eddie Van Halen on a two-day recording session in Los Angeles. The session resulted in a mini-album titled "Star Fleet Project", which was not initially intended for release.
1984: Guild's First Official Replica
In 1984, Guild released the first officially licensed replica of Brian May's Red Special guitar. Dissatisfied with certain aspects, May's involvement led to the discontinuation of the model after a limited run of 300 guitars.
1984: Guild Produces First Official Replica
The first official Red Special replica for mass production was released by Guild in 1984, including prototypes made specifically for May. However, May was not completely satisfied with the final product.
1984: Formation of the band "1984"
While attending Hampton Grammar School, Brian May formed his first band, named "1984" after George Orwell's novel, with vocalist and bassist Tim Staffell.
1985: Creation of "One Vision"
Following Live Aid in 1985, Queen collaborated to write "One Vision," with Brian May significantly contributing to the music.
1985: Live Aid Performance
Queen, including Brian May, performed at the renowned Live Aid concert in 1985.
August 1986: Collaborations and Marriage
In August 1986, Brian May collaborated with actress Anita Dobson on her debut album. The album featured a notable song titled "Anyone Can Fall in Love", which set lyrics to the "EastEnders" theme tune. The song achieved significant success, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart. May and Dobson later married in 2000.
1986: Washburn RR2V in Music Video
Brian May played a Washburn RR2V electric guitar in the music video for "Princes of the Universe" in 1986.
1986: Queen's Final Performances with Freddie Mercury
Queen, with Freddie Mercury, played their last shows together until 1986.
1986: Meeting Anita Dobson
Brian May met actress Anita Dobson in 1986, who later inspired his song "I Want It All".
1988: Separation from Christine Mullen
Brian May and Christine Mullen separated in 1988.
1988: Guest Appearances and Collaborations
In 1988, Brian May contributed guitar solos to Black Sabbath's album "Headless Cross" and Living in a Box's album "Gatecrashing". He also worked with Phil Collins at The Prince's Trust Rock Gala.
1989: Citing Guitar Heroes on BBC Radio 1
During an interview on BBC Radio 1 in 1989, Brian May identified Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton as his guitar heroes, acknowledging their significant influence on his own playing.
1989: Release of "I Want It All"
Inspired by Anita Dobson, Brian May wrote and Queen released the hit song "I Want It All" in 1989.
1989: Release of "The Miracle" Album
Queen released the album "The Miracle" in 1989, with all tracks credited to the entire band. Brian May composed "I Want It All" and "Scandal" for this album.
1989: Album Releases
The Black Sabbath and Living in a Box albums that Brian May contributed guitar solos to in 1988, "Headless Cross" and "Gatecrashing" respectively, were released in 1989.
October 1991: Guitar Legends Festival Performance
In October 1991, Brian May participated in the Guitar Legends guitar festival in Seville, Spain. For this performance, he assembled a band that would later become the foundation for The Brian May Band.
November 1991: Freddie Mercury's Death
Queen's lead singer, Freddie Mercury, passed away in November 1991. This event deeply affected Brian May, leading him to focus on his solo work as a form of coping.
1991: Death of Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, passed away in 1991.
1991: Acknowledging the Who as Inspiration
In a 1991 interview, Brian May referred to the Who as a major inspiration for his music, highlighting their impact on his approach to rock music.
December 1992: "Smile" Reunion
The members of "Smile", including Brian May, reunited for a performance on December 1992.
1992: Work Begins on "Made in Heaven"
Brian May and John Deacon started work on "Made in Heaven", utilizing Freddie Mercury's solo album demos and final recordings, but the project was put on hold due to other commitments.
1992: Formation of The Brian May Band
Brian May officially formed The Brian May Band in late 1992. The band's lineup underwent some changes early on as May sought to solidify the group's chemistry.
1992: Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
A tribute concert honoring Freddie Mercury was held in 1992.
February 1993: World Tour with The Brian May Band
The Brian May Band embarked on a world tour on February 1993. They toured North America, Europe, and Japan, with Guns N' Roses as a supporting act for some dates.
June 1993: Live at the Brixton Academy
On June 1993, The Brian May Band performed a show in London at the Brixton Academy. This concert became significant as it was the only performance released as a collective work by The Brian May Band, titled "Live at the Brixton Academy". During this show, May incorporated a tribute to Freddie Mercury by singing a few lines of "Love of My Life" and inviting the audience to sing along, a practice Mercury often employed during Queen's performances.
December 1993: End of Tour and Work on "Made in Heaven"
The Brian May Band concluded their tour on December 1993. Following this, May returned to the studio to collaborate with the remaining members of Queen, Roger Taylor and John Deacon, to work on tracks for "Made in Heaven", the final Queen studio album.
1993: Second Guild Replica
Guild attempted another replica of the Red Special in 1993, this time producing 1000 guitars. May acquired some for his personal collection, utilizing them as backups during performances.
1993: Second Guild Replica Released
Guild produced a second replica of the Red Special in 1993, limited to 1000 copies, some of which May owned and used as backups.
1995: Work Begins on a New Solo Album
Brian May started working on a new solo album in 1995, initially planned as a covers album tentatively titled "Heroes". He later changed direction to focus on original material and collaborations.
1995: Release of "Made in Heaven"
Queen released the album "Made in Heaven" in 1995.
1996: Ivor Novello Award
Brian May won an Ivor Novello Award in 1996 for "Best Song Musically & Lyrically" for "Too Much Love Will Kill You". The song was initially released on May's solo album, but a version featuring Freddie Mercury's vocals was later included in Queen's album "Made in Heaven".
1996: "Il Colosso" Mini-Opera
In 1996, Brian May showcased his musical talents beyond rock music by co-composing the mini-opera "Il Colosso" with Lee Holdridge for the film "The Adventures of Pinocchio", demonstrating his versatility and creative range.
1997: Release of "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)"
Queen released the single "No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)", a tribute to Freddie Mercury written by Brian May, in 1997.
1997: Fryer Replicas Used
From 1997 to 1998, May used replicas of the Red Special made by Fryer, both for live performances and studio recordings.
April 1998: Cozy Powell's Death
Cozy Powell, The Brian May Band's drummer, tragically died in a car accident in April 1998. Steve Ferrone stepped in to complete drum tracks for the album and joined the band for the early promotional tour before Eric Singer took over for the world tour.
1998: Old Lady Restored by Fryer
In 1998, May's original Red Special, nicknamed "Old Lady", was restored by luthier Greg Fryer.
1998: Asteroid 52665 Discovered
The asteroid that would later be named after him, 52665 Brianmay, was discovered in 1998.
1998: T.E. Conway Character Introduction and Retirement
Brian May introduced a support act character named T.E. Conway during The Brian May Band's 1998 tour. May, disguised in a wig and colorful suit, played 1950s rock and roll as Conway before "arriving" on stage as himself. This character, however, was retired at the end of the tour.
May 1999: Collaboration with Guns N' Roses
In May 1999, Brian May recorded lead guitars for the Guns N' Roses song "Catcher in the Rye", intended for the album "Chinese Democracy". However, his contribution was removed from the final version of the album when it was released in 2008.
October 2000: Guest Appearance at Motörhead's 25th Anniversary Show
Brian May made a guest appearance at Motörhead's 25th Anniversary show at Brixton Academy in October 2000. He joined the band for the encore song "Overkill", alongside former Motörhead guitarist Eddie Clarke.
November 2000: Marriage to Anita Dobson
Brian May married actress Anita Dobson in November 2000.
2000: Marriage to Anita Dobson
Brian May married actress Anita Dobson in 2000. They had collaborated musically in 1986.
2000: Switch to Fryer's Booster
In 2000, Brian May switched to using a booster made by Fryer for his guitar setup. Notably, the Fryer booster provided a less intense boost compared to his previous TB-83, showcasing his evolving approach to his signature sound.
2001: Queen's Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Brian May, as a member of Queen, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
June 2002: Performance for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee
In June 2002, Brian May performed a memorable guitar solo of "God Save the Queen" from the roof of Buckingham Palace as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee celebrations. This performance was featured in the 30th Anniversary DVD edition of Queen's concert film "A Night at the Opera". He also collaborated with Phil Collins at Party at the Palace this year.
2003: Release of "Badger Badger Badger"
Jonti "Weebl" Picking's viral Flash cartoon "Badger Badger Badger" was released in 2003, later becoming part of the Team Badger campaign song.
2003: Guyton Replicas as Backups
From 2003 onwards, May began using Guyton replicas of the Red Special as backup guitars.
2003: Search for Scenes in Our Village Locations
In 2003, Brian May, an enthusiast of stereoscope photographs, announced a search to identify the real-life locations captured in the "Scenes in Our Village" images.
May 2004: Collaboration with Zucchero and Performance at the Royal Albert Hall
In May 2004, Brian May played guitar on the song "Il mare..." for Italian singer Zucchero Fornaciari's album "Zu & Co.". May also participated in a concert with Fornaciari and other guest artists at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
2004: Creation of "The Spade" Guitar
Around 2004-2005, Brian May entrusted guitar luthier Andrew Guyton with plans for a second guitar he had designed. This guitar, known as "The Spade," was built based on May's original designs.
2004: Announcement of Reunion and Tour with Paul Rodgers
At the end of 2004, Brian May and Roger Taylor revealed their plans to reunite and tour in 2005 with Paul Rodgers, former lead singer of Free and Bad Company.
2004: Praising Jimmy Page's Riff Writing
Brian May expressed his admiration for Jimmy Page's skill in riff writing in 2004, recognizing Page as one of the most innovative minds in rock music.
2004: Contribution to "Spider-Man 2" Soundtrack
Brian May played guitar on the song "Someone to Die For" which was featured on the "Spider-Man 2" soundtrack in 2004.
2004: Discovery of Hinton Waldrist
Brian May successfully identified the village of Hinton Waldrist in Oxfordshire as the location of the "Scenes in Our Village" photographs in 2004.
2004: Support for the Hunting Act
Brian May's organization, Save Me, campaigns to uphold the Hunting Act of 2004 and other animal protection laws.
2004: Brian May and Roger Taylor Announce Tour with Paul Rodgers
In 2004, Brian May and Roger Taylor revealed plans to tour with vocalist Paul Rodgers under the name "Queen + Paul Rodgers."
2005: Queen + Paul Rodgers World Tour Begins
Queen, featuring Paul Rodgers, embarked on a world tour between 2005 and 2006. The tour's first leg took place in Europe.
2005: Queen + Paul Rodgers World Tour Continues
Between 2005 and 2006, Queen and Paul Rodgers toured the world. The second leg of the tour included performances in Japan and the US in 2006.
2005: Brian May Voted Seventh-Greatest Guitarist of All Time
A Planet Rock poll in 2005 ranked Brian May as the seventh-greatest guitarist of all time.
2005: "Queen + Paul Rodgers" Tours
"Queen + Paul Rodgers" commenced their tour, performing in various locations globally, throughout 2005.
May 2006: VH1 Rock Honors Award and Performance
On May 25, 2006, Queen received the VH1 Rock Honors at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. May and Taylor performed alongside the Foo Fighters.
August 2006: Confirmation of Queen + Paul Rodgers Studio Album
Brian May confirmed on his website and through his fan club that Queen + Paul Rodgers would begin recording their debut studio album in October 2006.
October 2006: PhD Studies Resumed
In October 2006, after a hiatus of over three decades, Brian May re-enrolled at Imperial College London, determined to complete his PhD thesis. This decision reflected his enduring passion for astrophysics.
November 2006: Collaboration with Cliff Richard on "Move It"
In November 2006, Brian May collaborated with Cliff Richard, re-recording Richard's 1958 hit "Move It" for Richard's duets album, "Two's Company."
2006: "Queen + Paul Rodgers" Continues Touring
"Queen + Paul Rodgers" extended their tour, performing in various locations globally, throughout 2006.
January 2007: Guitar World Readers Rank May's Solos Among the Greatest
In January 2007, readers of Guitar World magazine voted Brian May's solos on "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Brighton Rock" among the "top 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of all time," solidifying his influence on guitar playing.
August 2007: PhD Thesis Submitted
Brian May submitted his PhD thesis in August 2007, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey. The thesis, titled "A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud", was the culmination of years of research and dedication.
September 2007: PhD Thesis Approved
In September 2007, Brian May's revised PhD thesis was successfully defended in a viva voce examination, leading to its official approval. This achievement highlighted his commitment to both music and astrophysics.
October 2007: Visiting Researcher Appointment
In October 2007, Brian May's expertise and passion for astrophysics were formally recognized with his appointment as a visiting researcher at Imperial College London, allowing him to continue contributing to the field.
November 2007: Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University
Brian May's contributions to academia and science were further acknowledged in November 2007 when he accepted the position of Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University. He officially assumed the role in 2008.
2007: Brian May Earns PhD in Astrophysics
Brian May was awarded his PhD degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007.
2007: Guest Appearance at Genesis Reunion Concert
Brian May attended the Genesis reunion concert at Twickenham Stadium in 2007 as a celebrity guest.
2007: Brian May Earns PhD in Astrophysics
Brian May was awarded his PhD degree in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007.
May 2008: PhD Graduation
In May 2008, Brian May's academic journey reached its pinnacle as he graduated with a PhD from Imperial College London. The ceremony, held at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, celebrated his perseverance and dedication.
June 2008: Asteroid Named After May
As a testament to his contributions to astronomy, asteroid 52665 was named "Brianmay" on June 18, 2008, at the suggestion of Sir Patrick Moore. The asteroid's provisional designation, 1998 BM30, coincidentally included May's initials.
September 2008: Release of "The Cosmos Rocks" in Europe
"The Cosmos Rocks", the first studio album from Queen + Paul Rodgers, was released in Europe on September 12, 2008.
October 2008: Release of "The Cosmos Rocks" in the US
"The Cosmos Rocks", the collaborative album by Queen + Paul Rodgers, was released in the United States on October 28, 2008.
2008: Release of "The Cosmos Rocks"
"Queen + Paul Rodgers" released the album "The Cosmos Rocks" in 2008.
2008: Brian May Becomes Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University
Brian May assumed the role of Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2008.
2008: "Chinese Democracy" Release
Guns N' Roses released their long-awaited album "Chinese Democracy" in 2008. Brian May's guitar contributions to the song "Catcher in the Rye", recorded in May 1999, were not included in the final version.
2008: Release of Kerry Ellis's "Wicked in Rock"
Kerry Ellis, whom Brian May later collaborated with, released her extended play "Wicked in Rock" in 2008.
May 2009: American Idol Performance
On May 20, 2009, Brian May and Roger Taylor performed "We Are the Champions" on the American Idol season finale. They were joined by winner Kris Allen and runner-up Adam Lambert.
May 2009: Paul Rodgers Leaves Queen
Paul Rodgers departed from Queen in May 2009.
May 2009: Queen and Paul Rodgers Part Ways
On May 12, 2009, Queen and Paul Rodgers officially announced their separation, although Rodgers expressed openness to future collaborations.
November 2009: Appearance and Performance on The X Factor
Brian May, along with Roger Taylor, appeared on The X Factor in November 2009. They mentored contestants and later performed "Bohemian Rhapsody".
2009: Published "A Village Lost and Found"
In 2009, Brian May, a lifelong enthusiast of Victorian stereophotography, co-authored "A Village Lost and Found" with Elena Vidal. This book focuses on the work of T. R. Williams, a pioneer in English stereophotography.
2009: Publication of "A Village Lost and Found"
Brian May, along with Elena Vidal, released "A Village Lost and Found: Scenes in Our Village" in 2009. This historical book features an annotated collection of T. R. Williams' stereoscopic photographs, including a focusing stereoscope.
2009: Performing with American Idol Finalists and Contemplating Queen's Future
In 2009, Brian May and Roger Taylor performed with American Idol finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert. This sparked discussions about the future of Queen following their split with Paul Rodgers.
April 2010: Founding of "Save Me" 2010 Project
In April 2010, Brian May established the "Save Me" 2010 project, aiming to oppose any attempts to repeal the British fox-hunting ban and to promote animal rights in Britain.
September 2010: HARDtalk Interview
In a September 2010 interview on BBC's HARDtalk, Brian May shared his desire to be remembered for his animal rights work over his music or scientific endeavors.
2010: Formation of Save Me Organization
Brian May founded the animal welfare organization Save Me, named after his Queen song, in 2010.
2010: Production of Kerry Ellis's "Anthems"
Brian May produced and arranged Kerry Ellis's debut studio album, "Anthems", in 2010, following her extended play "Wicked in Rock" (2008). He also made appearances with Ellis, playing guitar at various public performances.
February 2011: Announcement of UK Tour with Kerry Ellis
In February 2011, it was announced that Brian May would embark on a 12-date UK tour with Kerry Ellis in May 2011.
April 2011: Collaboration with Lady Gaga on "You and I"
Lady Gaga confirmed in April 2011 that Brian May would play guitar on her track "You and I" from her upcoming album, "Born This Way".
May 2011: Release of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"
Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way", featuring Brian May's guitar work on the track "You and I", was released on May 23, 2011.
May 2011: UK Tour with Kerry Ellis
Brian May toured the UK with Kerry Ellis in May 2011, playing 12 dates across the country.
June 2011: Performance with Tangerine Dream at Starmus Festival
Brian May performed alongside Tangerine Dream at the Starmus Festival in Tenerife in June 2011, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's pioneering spaceflight.
August 2011: Performance with My Chemical Romance at Reading Festival
Brian May joined My Chemical Romance on stage at the Reading Festival on August 26, 2011, where they performed "We Will Rock You" and "Welcome to the Black Parade".
2011: Tribute to Phil Collins in FHM
Brian May wrote a tribute to Phil Collins for FHM magazine, acknowledging their past collaborations and praising Collins as a talented musician and drummer.
2011: Receiving the Global Icon Award and Performing with Adam Lambert
Queen was honored with the Global Icon Award at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards, which was accepted by Brian May. The band also performed with Adam Lambert, hinting at a potential future collaboration.
2011: Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"
Brian May was ranked number 26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" in 2011, a testament to his enduring impact on music.
2011: Adam Lambert Joins Queen
Adam Lambert was recruited as the new vocalist for Queen in 2011.
2011: Queen Receives Global Icon Award at MTV EMAs
Queen was honored with the Global Icon Award at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards on November 6. The award was presented to Brian May by Katy Perry. Queen, with Adam Lambert as vocalist, closed the ceremony with a performance of "The Show Must Go On," "We Will Rock You," and "We Are the Champions."
January 2012: Collaboration with Dappy on "Rockstar"
Brian May collaborated with Dappy, the frontman of N-Dubz, on his solo single "Rockstar" in January 2012. May contributed guitar riffs and a solo to the track.
March 2012: Opposition to Badger Culling
Brian May contributed to a Bow Group report in March 2012, arguing against the government's badger culling plans and highlighting the ineffectiveness of such measures.
July 2012: Queen + Adam Lambert Performances
Queen, with Adam Lambert on vocals, performed two sold-out shows at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on July 11 and 12, 2012. A third date was added due to popular demand. They also performed together in Kyiv, Ukraine, at Moscow's Olympic Stadium, and at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw, Poland in July 2012.
August 2012: Performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
Brian May performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on August 12, 2012. He played a portion of the "Brighton Rock" solo before joining Roger Taylor and Jessie J for a performance of "We Will Rock You".
September 2012: Appointment as Vice-President of the RSPCA
In September 2012, Brian May became vice-president of the animal welfare charity, the RSPCA.
September 2012: Performance at Sunflower Jam Charity Concert
On September 16, 2012, Brian May participated in the Sunflower Jam charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall. He shared the stage with John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), and Alice Cooper.
2012: Queen + Adam Lambert European Tour
Queen + Adam Lambert embarked on a European tour in 2012.
2012: Brian May Ranked Second-Greatest Guitarist
Readers of Guitar World magazine voted Brian May as the second-greatest guitarist in a 2012 poll.
2012: Purchase of Land for May's Wood
To protect it from development, Brian May purchased land in Bere Regis, Dorset in 2012.
2012: Awarded The Royal Photographic Society's Saxby Medal
In recognition of his significant achievements in three-dimensional imaging, Brian May was honored with The Royal Photographic Society's prestigious Saxby Medal in 2012.
2012: Announcing European Tour with Adam Lambert
Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Adam Lambert officially announced a summer tour of Europe in 2012, marking the beginning of their collaboration as Queen + Adam Lambert.
January 2013: Appearance on "Stargazing Live"
On January 8, 2013, Brian May appeared as a guest on the BBC's astronomy program "Stargazing Live". His presence on the show reflected his commitment to popularizing science and inspiring others with his passion for the cosmos.
May 2013: Formation of Team Badger
Brian May, Brian Blessed, and Jonti "Weebl" Picking formed Team Badger in May 2013, a coalition opposing the planned badger cull.
June 2013: Formation of Artful Badger and Friends
In June 2013, Brian May, David Attenborough, and Slash created the supergroup Artful Badger and Friends, releasing the song "Badger Swagger" in support of badgers.
September 2013: Release of "Save the Badger Badger Badger"
Team Badger released "Save the Badger Badger Badger", a mashup of "Badger Badger Badger" and Queen's "Flash", reaching the UK Singles Chart in September 2013.
October 2013: Published "Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures in Hell"
Brian May's fascination with Les Diableries, stereoscopic photographs depicting scenes of daily life in Hell, began in 1973 when he acquired his first card. This passion led him on a lifelong global quest, culminating in the publication of "Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures in Hell" in October 2013, co-authored with Denis Pellerin and Paula Fleming.
2013: Creation of May's Wood
In 2013, Brian May initiated a project to create a woodland area called May's Wood, planting 100,000 trees on the land he purchased in Dorset.
2013: Brian May Concludes Chancellorship
Brian May concluded his tenure as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University in 2013.
2013: Damselfly Species Named After Brian May
A new species of damselfly from Brazil, Heteragrion brianmayi, was named after Brian May in 2013, honoring the 40th anniversary of Queen's formation.
2013: Concludes Chancellorship
Brian May's tenure as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University concluded in 2013, marking the end of a successful period of leadership and advocacy for education.
2013: Voiceover for "Spamalot" Musical
Brian May lent his voice to the role of God in the West End production of "Spamalot" in 2013, a musical adaptation of the 1975 film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." His participation was part of a week-long charity event.
2013: Collaboration with Jean-Pierre Danel for Animal Rights
Brian May joined guitarist Jean-Pierre Danel in 2013 for a charity initiative supporting animal rights in France.
May 2014: Announcing Tour Dates in Australia and New Zealand
Due to high demand, Queen + Adam Lambert added tour dates in Australia and New Zealand to their schedule in May 2014, expanding their global reach.
June 2014: Contributed to 'Stereoscopic Photographs of Pablo Picasso by Robert Mouzillat' Exhibition
Brian May made a notable technical contribution to the book that accompanied the exhibition 'Stereoscopic Photographs of Pablo Picasso by Robert Mouzillat', which took place at the Holburne Museum in Bath, England, from February to June 2014. The book features captivating photographs of Picasso in various settings, and May's innovative 3D Owl viewer enhances the viewing experience.
2014: Co-founds Asteroid Day
Demonstrating his commitment to planetary defense and space awareness, Brian May co-founded Asteroid Day in 2014 alongside astronaut Rusty Schweickart, Danica Remy, and Grigorij Richters, aiming to educate the public about asteroids and planetary protection.
2014: Queen + Adam Lambert World Tour and New Year's Performance
Queen + Adam Lambert commenced a world tour and performed at the Big Ben New Year's Eve concert in 2014.
July 2015: New Horizons Pluto Flyby
In July 2015, Brian May participated in the New Horizons Pluto flyby NASA press conference, expressing his admiration for the team's work.
July 2015: Criticized UK Prime Minister Over Fox Hunting Vote
In July 2015, Brian May publicly criticized UK Prime Minister David Cameron for allowing a free vote on amending the fox hunting ban. In a televised interview, he strongly condemned the pro-hunting organization, the Countryside Alliance. When the vote was postponed, May celebrated the delay as a victory for democracy while urging continued vigilance.
September 2015: Performing at Rock in Rio Festival
In September 2015, Queen, featuring Adam Lambert, made their first appearance at the Rock in Rio Festival since 1985.
2015: Considered Entering Politics
In 2015, Brian May contemplated entering British politics as an independent Member of Parliament. He also launched the "Common Decency" project, aiming to improve integrity in public life. He expressed his desire for a change in government and a parliament where individuals vote based on conscience.
2015: Guitar Contribution to "One Voice"
Brian May contributed guitar work to the song "One Voice" for the film "A Dog Named Gucci" in 2015.
2015: Queen + Adam Lambert World Tour and New Year's Performance
Queen + Adam Lambert continued their world tour and performed at the Big Ben New Year's Day concert in 2015.
April 2016: Release of "One Voice" for "A Dog Named Gucci"
"One Voice," the end credits song for the film "A Dog Named Gucci," was released on Record Store Day, April 16, 2016. The song, featuring Brian May on guitar, was produced by Dean Falcone and also features Norah Jones, Aimee Mann, Susanna Hoffs, Lydia Loveless, Neko Case, and Kathryn Calder. Profits from the single benefited animal charities.
2016: Guest and Performer at Starmus Festival
Brian May participated as a guest and performer at the 2016 Starmus Festival, a renowned science and arts event. The festival's theme, "Beyond The Horizon: A Tribute To Stephen Hawking," aligned with May's passion for astrophysics and exploration.
2016: Queen + Adam Lambert Festival Tour
Queen + Adam Lambert embarked on their Festival Tour in 2016.
2016: Queen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour
The band embarked on the Queen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour, performing across Europe and Asia.
June 2017: Endorsed Jeremy Corbyn
In June 2017, Brian May expressed his support for Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in the general election. He shared an article highlighting Corbyn's stance against fox hunting, praising his integrity.
2017: Published "Queen in 3-D"
In 2017, Brian May released "Queen in 3-D," a unique chronicle of the band's 50-year journey. This book, the first about Queen from a band member's perspective, features over 300 of May's stereoscopic photographs and includes his patented OWL Stereoscopic Viewer.
September 2018: Residency at MGM Park Theater
Queen + Adam Lambert held a residency at the MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas in September 2018, showcasing their ongoing collaboration.
October 2018: Criticized Brexit and Theresa May
In October 2018, Brian May voiced his disapproval of Brexit, calling it a mistake and expressing his belief in cooperation. He also criticized then-Prime Minister Theresa May, attributing her actions to vanity and a desire for power.
December 2018: New Horizons Arrokoth Flyby Watch Party
From December 2018 to January 2019, Brian May attended the watch party for the New Horizons flyby of the Kuiper belt object, 486958 Arrokoth, and performed an updated version of his "New Horizons" song.
2018: Queen Receives Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Queen was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
2018: Portrayed by Gwilym Lee in "Bohemian Rhapsody"
In the 2018 biographical film "Bohemian Rhapsody," Brian May was portrayed by actor Gwilym Lee. May played an active role as a creative and musical consultant for the film, collaborating closely with Lee to ensure an accurate and compelling portrayal.
2018: Collaboration with Jayce Lewis on "We Are One"
Brian May collaborated with Welsh musician Jayce Lewis on the song "We Are One" from Lewis's 2018 album "Million". The track incorporates a reworked guitar riff from May's solo song "Cyborg."
January 2019: New Horizons Arrokoth Flyby Watch Party
From December 2018 to January 2019, Brian May attended the watch party for the New Horizons flyby of the Kuiper belt object, 486958 Arrokoth, and performed an updated version of his "New Horizons" song.
March 2019: Induction of Def Leppard into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Brian May inducted Def Leppard into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 29, 2019.
April 2019: Collaboration on "Blue on Black" Re-recording
Brian May collaborated with Five Finger Death Punch and Kenny Wayne Shepherd in April 2019 to re-record "Blue on Black" in support of The Gary Sinise Foundation.
2019: The Sunday Times Rich List
According to The Sunday Times Rich List, Brian May was worth £160 million in 2019.
2019: Lawrence J. Burpee Medal
In 2019, Brian May received the Lawrence J. Burpee Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his significant contributions to the field of geography.
2019: Advocated Against Landfill Work at Henoko Bay
In the lead-up to the 2019 Okinawan referendum on landfill work at Henoko Bay, Brian May actively advocated against the project, urging people to vote against the landfill.
2019: Expressed Dissatisfaction With UK Political Landscape
Leading up to the 2019 UK general election, Brian May criticized the media and declined to endorse either Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson. After the election, he urged his followers to support Johnson while acknowledging the Conservative Party's efforts on animal welfare.
March 2020: Postponement of Tour Dates Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
Queen + Adam Lambert's tour dates were postponed until 2021 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
May 2020: Heart Attack and Recovery
Brian May experienced a minor heart attack in May 2020, requiring the insertion of three stents. He has spoken about the seriousness of the event.
2020: Stereography Images for Asteroid Research
In 2020, Brian May collaborated on a research project published in Nature Communications, providing stereography images of asteroid simulations. This work contributed to understanding the formation of asteroids Bennu and Ryugu.
2020: Veganuary and COVID-19 Statement
Brian May became vegan after participating in the 2020 Veganuary challenge and has stated his belief that meat consumption contributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Stereography Images for Double Asteroid Research
In 2021, Brian May contributed stereography images to research published in the journal Icarus, focusing on the stability of double asteroid Didymos. This work is relevant to the NASA DART and ESA Hera missions.
2021: Criticized Boris Johnson's COVID-19 Response
In 2021, May criticized Boris Johnson's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, deeming it insufficient.
2021: Rescheduled Tour Dates
The tour dates for Queen + Adam Lambert, originally planned for 2020, were rescheduled to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2022: Performance at the Platinum Party at the Palace
Queen + Adam Lambert opened the Platinum Party at the Palace for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. The performance included a tribute to the victims of the Orlando nightclub shooting with "Who Wants to Live Forever".
September 2022: Doctorate of Science honoris causa and Stephen Hawking Medal
In September 2022, Brian May was awarded a Doctorate of Science honoris causa by the University of Hull and received the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication at the Starmus IV festival in Armenia.
December 2022: Knighted in the 2023 New Year Honours
Brian May was knighted in the 2023 New Year Honours, the first list of King Charles III's reign, in December 2022.
March 2023: Officially Knighted
In March 2023, Brian May was officially knighted by King Charles III.
2023: Brian May Contributes to OSIRIS-REx Mission and Receives Knighthood
In 2023, Brian May contributed to NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission. He was also knighted by King Charles III for his services to music and charity.
2023: Brian May Ranked Among Rolling Stone's 250 Greatest Guitarists
Rolling Stone magazine included Brian May in their 2023 list of the 250 greatest guitarists of all time, ranking him at No. 33.
2024: Contribution to Mark Knopfler's "Going Home" Re-release
In 2024, Brian May contributed his guitar skills to a re-release of Mark Knopfler's "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero". This re-release was in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust.