Music and science

 

No matter how you look at it, Brian May is an outlier. First, and quite obviously, he is one of the most gifted guitarists we have ever seen. With Queen and in his solo projects, he has shown incredible virtuosity, although usually more as team player than a frontman kind of scenario. Still, his “Brighton Rock” solo counts as one of the best rock music has ever seen… Then, there is the fact the man built his own guitar: nicknamed the “Red Special”, it has been his main instrument to this day. Well, sort of: its production is industrialized now…

It shouldn’t be all that surprising picturing Mr May building an instrument: he is an actual scientist. With a PhD to prove it: that’s right, the lead guitarist from Queen is also an astrophysicist who had to cut his research on interplanetary dust short in the 1970’s as his musical career was taking off, only to finish his thesis back in 2007. All the while touring with Queen drummer Roger Taylor, with Paul Rodgers then Adam Lambert acting as lead singers for the outfit. To ever greater heights: the success of the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody only revitalized the band’s white hot catalogue… Not even a heart attack in 2020 could slow the man down: he correctly self-diagnozed quickly enough to be treated adequately by (medical) doctors and has increased his exercise regimen ever since. If only everyone could say the same…

Which brings us to today’s conversation: with the re-release of his 1992 foray into solo album-length work, the interesting and timely Back to the light, Dr. May has been fairly open in interviews and will readily discuss current topics. Including the news about Eric Clapton and a few others (including other legendary British musician Van Morrison) criticising Covid-19 vaccination policies. Although he calls anti-vax believers “fruitcakes”, he still will not go after Clapton personally, who he respects too much as a musician. That is class for you, all the way…

Keep it up, Dr. (Sir?) Brian May!