For millions of fans, Brian May is the man behind the soaring guitar solos of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” But few realize that the same hands that shaped Queen’s sound also spent years studying interplanetary dust clouds—and recently faced a health scare that made him reassess everything. This page separates the verified facts from the internet rumors, covering his health, his friendships, his finances, and his unusual path from rock stage to astrophysics lab.

Age: 77 (born 19 July 1947) · Profession: Musician, astrophysicist, animal welfare activist · Known for: Lead guitarist of Queen

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Continues to perform with Queen + Adam Lambert (Biography.com (biographical reference))
  • Active with his animal welfare charity Save Me Trust (Biography.com (biographical reference))
  • No announced retirement from music or astrophysics (Biography.com (biographical reference))

Seven key facts put Brian May’s life in perspective.

Full Name Sir Brian Harold May
Born 19 July 1947
Profession Musician, astrophysicist, animal rights activist
Band Queen
Instrument Lead guitar
IQ Not publicly disclosed
Net Worth Estimated $210 million

This table distills the key biographical data into a quick-reference format, showing Brian May’s diverse achievements.

How is Brian May’s health?

Brian May’s health scare in 2024

In September 2024, Brian May announced he had suffered a minor stroke. He told fans through a video that he was recovering and could still play guitar (ABC News (US news outlet)). He called the episode a “wake-up call.” This followed a 2020 heart attack that required three stents to be placed after a gardening accident led to a blocked artery (same ABC News report). Earlier in his life, he reportedly contracted hepatitis B from an infected injection while on tour in the 1970s (Lawyer Monthly (legal & lifestyle publication)).

Was Brian May a smoker?

There is no credible evidence that Brian May was a regular smoker. None of the major biographical sources mention a smoking habit, and he has not discussed it in interviews.

Brian May’s current health status

As of early 2025, May is actively performing with Queen + Adam Lambert and working on animal welfare projects through his Save Me Trust, which he established in 2009 (Biography.com (biographical reference)). He remains physically active, though he has acknowledged that the 2024 stroke slowed him temporarily.

The wake-up call

For a 77-year-old who has survived a heart attack, hepatitis B, and a stroke, the pattern is clear: May’s body is sending signals that even a rock legend cannot ignore. His decision to keep touring speaks to his passion, but the medical history suggests he is operating on borrowed time health-wise.

The pattern suggests May is balancing his passion for performing with increasing health challenges.

Did Brian May like Freddie Mercury?

Brian May’s relationship with Freddie Mercury

Brian May and Freddie Mercury shared a close friendship that spanned more than two decades. May has repeatedly described Mercury as a “brother” and a “genius.” In interviews, he has recalled their songwriting chemistry and the deep mutual respect they had. Mercury’s death in 1991 deeply affected May, who later said he “felt a part of me went with him.”

Are Roger and Brian still friends?

Yes. Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have maintained a strong friendship for over 50 years. Taylor has spoken publicly about their bond, noting that they “still laugh like schoolboys” and continue to collaborate on Queen projects (Express (UK daily newspaper)). The two live close to each other in Surrey and often spend time together.

The dynamic within Queen

Queen’s lineup—May, Mercury, Taylor, and bassist John Deacon—was marked by occasional creative friction, but the core bond held. May and Mercury wrote many of the band’s biggest hits together. After Mercury’s death, May and Taylor continued the band with guest vocalists, eventually settling on Adam Lambert.

The paradox

The same band that produced the operatic masterpiece “Bohemian Rhapsody” nearly saw its record label reject that very song. EMI’s initial refusal—and the manager’s pushback—proves that even genius needs an advocate inside the boardroom.

The relationship dynamics within Queen reveal a band that weathered creative storms and personal loss, yet maintained a core of respect.

Who was the richest member of Queen?

Four net worth figures, one clear leader.

Member Estimated Net Worth Source
Freddie Mercury ~$300 million (at death, adjusted) Express (UK daily newspaper)
Brian May ~$210–260 million HotNewHipHop (music news site) / Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)
Roger Taylor ~$170 million Multiple biographical estimates
John Deacon ~$150 million Multiple biographical estimates

Freddie Mercury remains the wealthiest Queen member, largely because of his solo work and enduring royalty streams. Brian May’s fortune comes from Queen royalties, touring, and his own publishing. The Sunday Times Rich List 2019 valued May at £160 million (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)), though more recent estimates reach $260 million. These figures are approximate because private finances are hard to verify.

The catch

Net worth numbers for celebrities are often quoted without audited backing. The $260 million figure for May, for example, appears in multiple pop-culture sites but lacks a primary financial disclosure. Take it as a directional range, not a bank statement.

Net worth comparisons among Queen members highlight the enduring value of their catalog and Mercury’s solo legacy.

What was Brian May’s IQ?

Brian May’s academic background

May studied physics at Imperial College London in the 1960s, but left his PhD incomplete when Queen took off. He returned to his research in the 2000s and successfully defended his thesis on zodiacal dust in 2007, earning a PhD in astrophysics (Britannica (educational publisher)). He later served as a visiting researcher and co-authored scientific papers.

His doctorate in astrophysics

His doctoral work focused on the motion of interplanetary dust. The achievement is rare for a touring musician. May has said he felt a need to “complete the journey” his father had encouraged.

Claims about his IQ

Many websites claim Brian May has an IQ of 190. No credible source—no academic publication, no verified test result—supports this number. IQ tests are not publicly administered to celebrities, and May has never confirmed any specific score. The claim likely stems from his obvious intelligence and academic success, but it remains unsubstantiated rumor.

Who turned down Queen in Bohemian Rhapsody?

The recording of Bohemian Rhapsody

When Queen recorded “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 1975, the song was over six minutes long with no chorus. EMI Records executives initially refused to release it as a single, arguing it was too long and too unconventional for radio (Britannica (educational publisher)).

The role of record executives

The band’s manager, John Reid, played a crucial role by convincing EMI to give the song a chance—or threatening to take Queen to another label. The song was released and became a worldwide hit, topping charts and later becoming one of the most streamed classic rock songs.

Reactions to the song

EMI’s refusal is often cited as a blunder. The song proved that commercial rules could be broken. May later reflected that the pushback made the victory sweeter. This story illustrates the tension between creative ambition and corporate caution.

Timeline

  • 19 July 1947: Brian May born in Hampton, England (Biography.com (biographical reference))
  • 1970: Queen formed with Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon (Biography.com (biographical reference))
  • 1991: Freddie Mercury dies (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
  • 2007: Brian May completes PhD in astrophysics (Britannica (educational publisher))
  • 2024: Brian May experiences a stroke, calls it a wake-up call (ABC News (US news outlet))

Timeline shows a life marked by two parallel careers and a recent health turning point.

Confirmed facts

  • Brian May’s birth date and place (Biography.com (biographical reference))
  • His PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London (Britannica (educational publisher))
  • His friendship with Roger Taylor (Express (UK daily newspaper))
  • Minor heart attack in May 2020 with stent placement (ABC News (US news outlet))
  • Minor stroke in September 2024 (ABC News (US news outlet))

What’s unclear

  • Exact IQ score (190 is an unconfirmed rumor)
  • Precise net worth figures ($210M–$260M range)
  • Specific details of his 2024 health scare beyond the stroke announcement
  • Whether he contracted hepatitis B (one source, tier 3)
  • Details of his depression in the late 1980s (tier 3 source)

Key quotes

I had a minor stroke a few weeks ago, but I’m recovering well. I can still play guitar.

Brian May, via social media, September 2024

Mary is the only person I have ever loved.

Freddie Mercury, in a 1985 interview, referring to Mary Austin

We still laugh like schoolboys. Brian and I have been through everything together.

Roger Taylor, speaking about his friendship with Brian May

Brian May’s life defies easy categorization: rock icon, astrophysicist, health survivor. For fans who admire his guitar work, the lesson is that even legends face physical limits and financial exaggeration. For aspiring musicians, his academic turnaround proves you can finish what you started, decades later. The trade-off is clear: May’s relentless touring and activism keep him in the spotlight, but his medical history warns that every wake-up call is also a countdown.

Additional sources

wageindicator.org, facebook.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, facebook.com

For a deeper look at Brian May’s health and net worth, including his PhD and Queen legacy, Brian Mays health and net worth provides a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brian May still alive?

Yes, Brian May is alive as of early 2025. He continues to perform with Queen + Adam Lambert.

How old is Brian May?

Born 19 July 1947, he is 77 years old.

What is Brian May’s height?

He is approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.

Does Brian May have children?

Yes, he has three children: Emily, Sam, and Louie.

What guitar does Brian May play?

He is famous for his homemade “Red Special” guitar, built with his father in the 1960s.

Did Brian May write any Queen songs?

Yes, he wrote hits including “We Will Rock You,” “The Show Must Go On,” and “Hammer to Fall.”

Is Brian May a vegetarian?

He adopted a vegan diet in 2020 after participating in Veganuary. He is a committed animal welfare activist.

What is Brian May’s net worth?

Estimates range from $210 million to $260 million, depending on the source.

For detailed profiles of other musicians, see Rob Zombie: Complete Biography, Music, Movies & Personal Life and Barry Gibb: Health, Habits, and the Last Bee Gee.