Brian May turns 79, celebrating a lifetime of music and science

British guitarist Brian May, co‑founder of Queen, marked his 79th birthday on 19 July 2026. Articles highlighted his role in creating iconic songs such as “We Will Rock You,” “I Want It All,” and “The Show Must Go On,” as well as his distinctive Red Special guitar, hand‑built with his father using reclaimed materials.

May’s career extends beyond music. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007, a rare achievement for a rock star, and has been active in animal‑rights campaigns and environmental advocacy. His contributions to culture have been recognised with a CBE in 2005 and a knighthood from King Charles III in 2023. The worldwide coverage of his birthday reflects his enduring influence on rock history and popular science.

Multiple outlets from Spain, Brazil, Chile, Croatia and elsewhere reported on the milestone, underscoring May’s global fan base and the continued relevance of his artistic and scientific work.