Sir Brian May, CBE, PhD, FRAS: Founding Member of Queen
Rock guitarist, astrophysicist, and Queen co-founder Brian May blends iconic songwriting, legendary performances, and scientific expertise to inspire global audiences across music, science, and advocacy.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Co-founder and lead guitarist of Queen
- Songwriter of 22 Queen Top 20 hits including “We Will Rock You”
- Performed at historic events including Live Aid and the London 2012 Olympics
- Awarded CBE for services to music and charity
- Formats: Keynote Speaker and Special Guest Appearance
- Audiences: Corporate audiences, science and education communities, music industry professionals, and organizations seeking inspiration through innovation and purpose.
- Outcomes:
- Understand how creativity and science can intersect for breakthrough thinking
- Gain inspiration from a career built on passion, resilience, and reinvention
- Discover the power of purpose-driven influence and global impact
- Travels from: London, UK
- **Fee range: $500,001 - $1,000,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Available for:
- Fireside Chats
- Moderated Q&A
Talent Short Bio
Brian May is a world-renowned guitarist, songwriter, astrophysicist, and co-founder of the iconic band Queen. Rising to global prominence alongside Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, May helped shape one of the most influential rock legacies in history. His signature guitar sound, created with his handmade “Red Special,” and his songwriting contributions have powered enduring anthems such as “We Will Rock You” and “The Show Must Go On.”
Beyond music, May holds a PhD in astrophysics, with research focused on interplanetary dust, earning recognition as a respected scientist and member of the astronomical community. His rare dual career positions him as a leading example of interdisciplinary excellence.
May is also a pioneer in stereoscopic photography, producing acclaimed 3D books and exhibitions that merge art and science. His commitment to animal welfare is equally prominent, serving as a passionate advocate and supporting organizations such as the RSPCA.
Read Full Bio
Sir Brian May, CBE, PhD, FRAS, stands as a towering figure in both the realms of music and science. As a founding member of the legendary rock band Queen, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry as a virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, producer, and performer. Beyond his musical achievements, Sir Brian May holds a Doctorate in Astrophysics, earning him the distinction of being one of the few rock stars with a PhD. He is also recognized globally as a leading authority in 3-D stereoscopic photography and is renowned for his unwavering dedication to animal rights advocacy.
Sir Brian May’s journey to iconic status began in the 1970s when he co-founded Queen alongside Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. His innovative guitar playing, characterized by soaring solos and distinctive tones, has become synonymous with the band’s timeless hits. With Queen, he crafted anthems that have transcended generations, earning countless awards and accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for ‘services to the Music Industry’ and for his charity work, Sir Brian May is patron to a number of charities, also a vice president of the RSPCA.
Queen’s accolades accrued over five decades include a staggering list of sales with a catalogue that consistently tops popularity polls, along with a deserved list of awards and honours.
Sir Brian May has penned 22 Queen top 20 hits, among them the powerful ballads ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’, ‘No-One But You’ and ‘Save Me’, along with anthems ‘The Show Must Go On’, ‘I Want It All’, and ‘We Will Rock You’, namesake to the Queen/Ben Elton hit musical which enjoyed an unprecedented 12 year run at London’s Dominion Theatre alongside numerous worldwide productions. Iconic sports anthem, ‘We Will Rock You’ was performed live by Brian and Roger during the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, viewed by an estimated one billion TV audience.
Other memorable global live appearances include the band’s 1985 Live Aid show stealing set and during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations, Brian playing his own arrangement of ‘God Save the Queen’ from the rooftop of Buckingham Palace. Queen became the first rock group to score a major film, Flash Gordon, followed by definitive music for Highlander.
Brian’s personal credits include further film, TV and theatre collaborations and two successful solo albums earning him two Ivor Novello awards. Sir Brian May continues to inspire a diverse genre of international artists and has a wealth of guest artist appearances featuring his distinctive guitar style, produced from his revered homemade ‘Red Special’ guitar using a sixpence as a plectrum.
Beyond his musical prowess, Sir Brian May’s intellectual pursuits are equally awe-inspiring. He embarked on a parallel career in astrophysics, eventually completing his PhD thesis on the motions of interplanetary dust. His contributions to the field have garnered respect from peers and scholars worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a polymath.
In addition to his musical and scientific achievements, Sir Brian May is a pioneer in the world of stereoscopic photography. His passion for capturing the beauty of the cosmos in three dimensions has led to the publication of several acclaimed books and exhibitions, showcasing his artistic vision and technical expertise.
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Videos
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Overview:
The user reviews highlight an exceptional experience featuring Sir Brian May at a leadership conference in Bordeaux, France. Attendees praised his engaging and inspiring Q&A session, which provided insights into his remarkable journey as a founding member of Queen, his knighthood, and his academic achievements in physics. Reviewers noted that his stories aligned perfectly with the conference's theme of leadership and perseverance, significantly enhancing the event's overall impact.
Strengths:
- Inspiring and resonant storytelling
- Relevant insights into leadership and perseverance
- Elevated the overall experience of the conference
Weaknesses:
- No notable weaknesses mentioned in the reviews.
Overall, Sir Brian May’s participation was a highlight, leaving a memorable impression on all attendees.
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