Random Inside Fascinating Life Of Queen Guitarist Brian May (14 items)

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  (#4) Queen Boasts Numerous Distinctions

  Among its many rare achievements, Queen boasts an accomplishment even The Beatles didn't manage: each member wrote multiple chart-topping singles, landing them all in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Additionally, in 2005, the Guinness Book of World Records certified the band’s albums had spent more time on UK music charts than anyone else, beating out Michael Jackson, Madonna, and U2.

  May, in particular, had a hand in writing more than 200 of the band's songs, including classics such as “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “We Will Rock You.” 
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  (#11) He Did A Five-Year Stint As A University Chancellor

  Not content to rest on his laurels after his academic accomplishments, the newly minted Dr. Brian May assumed substantial duties at Liverpool John Moores University in 2008 as chancellor. He succeeded Cherie Booth, a barrister, and wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

  In the role, mostly honorary, May issued degrees to graduates and served as a public face for the university. The position was awarded to May as much for his work with Queen as for his advocacy “popularizing astronomy.”
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  (#9) He's Co-Authored Several Books

  In keeping with his varied personal interests and achievements, May has lent his name to books covering a host of subjects. For those who prefer astrophysics, May offers Bang! The Complete History of the Universe, a concise work of popular science that boils down the entirety of the universe’s origins into a digestible 176 pages.

  For those who prefer the Victorian stereo photo enthusiast, May's Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures In Hell offers more than 100 eye-fooling, 19th-century 3D images. And for those who love stereo photos and enjoy May the guitarist for Queen, Queen In 3D delivers as well. 
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  (#10) His Astrophysics Background Has Been A Boon To Asteroid Research

  Given his research area, it’s no surprise the paths of Brian May and asteroids have been on a collision course for some time. Shortly after receiving his doctorate, an asteroid discovered 10 years prior was renamed in his honor, and is today known as (52665) Brianmay.

  May also helped initiate “Asteroid Day” in 2015, a UN-sanctioned annual awareness campaign that aims to boost global preparedness for asteroid impact through events and education.

  Finally, in a marriage of two of his great passions, he recently released a stereo photo of Ryugu, an asteroid currently under close observation by a Japanese research team.
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  (#6) He’s A Dedicated Animal Rights Activist

  During the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, May expressed disdain regarding a proposed badger and fox culling in Gloucester and Somerset. He appeared on the stage wearing an outfit prominently featuring the two animals. May has been an activist for years and has long since expressed outrage at the Conservative Party’s support for the culling through his group Save Me, which he founded in 2010.

  Despite his role in Queen and astrophysicist accomplishments, May has stated he’d most like to be remembered for his activism. He has since made many high-profile moves in support of animals, including playing on the protest single “Save the Badger Badger Badger” with Weebl and Brian Blessed.
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  (#2) He’s A Major Stereoscopic Photography Buff

  In the mid-19th century, a fad known as “stereoscopic photography” took Victorian London by storm following Queen Victoria’s enthusiastic encounter at the 1851 World’s Fair. One stereo photo employed two nearly identical images presented side-by-side that, when looked at through a special viewer, combined to form 3D images. Though the popularity of these images waned as 3D photography advanced, the old double images have long fascinated Brian May.

  Today, with the help of fellow enthusiasts and academics, May has worked to revive the form by publishing books documenting his sizable collection of original Victorian stereo photos and launching modern viewers for his interested readers to experience the antiquated curios properly.

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