Brian May

Latest about Brian May

Steve Cropper poses with his Peavey signature guitar and a Fender Twin combo
Steve Cropper on writing Green Onions, stressing out Brian May and the secret of Billy Gibbons’ guitar style

By Phil Weller Published

The co-writer of classics including Green Onions and (Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay proved you don’t need technical wizardry to make a mark. In 2024, he walked us through a career marked by hits, groove and soul

Guitarists
Steve Vai Guyton Guitars Red Special
Steve Vai has reimagined Brian May’s Red Special in his own vision with the help of a UK boutique guitar builder

By Matt Owen Published

The 'Vai Special' puts a distinct spin on May's legendary guitar, and was meticulously spec'd by Vai himself – with a few Ibanez JEM inspirations to boot

3 Comments
Electric Guitars
Steve Howe and Yes performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre on August 8, 1991 in Mountain View, California / Photo of Brian MAY and QUEEN; Brian May performing on stage
How Steve Howe ended up playing on a Queen track

By Phil Weller Published

The prog legend was asked to channel a flamenco icon for the spontaneous guest spot

Guitarists
Baby Said's Veronica Pal rocks SXSW with her beloved G&L Comanche.
Named after a Måneskin track, inspired by Queen and Arctic Monkeys, here’s how Baby Said became the UK’s hottest rock duo

By Amit Sharma Published

Fresh from a triumphant run of festival dates, Veronica Pal checks in to give us the guitar story behind this sister act's stellar debut, BS! – and that's no b.s.

Guitarists
Sam Ryder plays the national anthem ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers at Allianz Stadium on June 14, 2025 in London, England
Sam Ryder delivers an electric guitar-driven rendition of the British national anthem – and somehow stirs up controversy

By Janelle Borg Published

The guitarist brandished an Ibanez Destroyer during a high-profile English sporting event – and his performance seems to have divided fans

Guitarists
Queen perform in 1985 with guitarist Brian May in the foreground playing his iconic Red Special electric guitar. He wears all white.
The first time I met Brian May – and we were both wearing clogs

By Neville Marten Published

It was 1985, and Brian May was the most high-profile musician our own Neville Marten had yet interviewed. He had a fresh tape. He left in plenty of time. But it didn't quite go to plan... Luckily, the Queen guitarist was a good sport

Guitarists
Gibson Brian May SJ-200 12-string
Brian May on how astronomy, the Everly Brothers and Freddie Mercury influenced his Gibson SJ-200

By Neville Marten Published

The Queen guitarist's signature model is a super-rare example of a 12-string Gibson jumbo, replete with May's own aesthetic flourishes. But why is it strung like a Ricky? Here, May explains all

Guitarists
Kurt Cobain recording in Hilversum studios, playing acoustic guitar
Kurt Cobain's 1989 Takamine expected to fetch up to $500,000 at auction

By Janelle Borg Published

This year's Music Icons sale – organized by Julien's Auctions – includes over 700 collectible items from some of the world's biggest guitar stars

Guitars
Nuno Bettencourt
Nuno Bettencourt recalls Extreme’s rebellious Queen medley at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

By Phil Weller Published

All bands were banned from playing Queen songs, but Bettencourt wanted to pay tribute to “one the greatest composers of all time” in his own way

9 Comments
Artists
Lady Gaga Brian May and Billie Joe Armstrong
Brian May with Benson Boone, Green Day with the Go-Gos, and Lady Gaga rocking a Suhr – Coachella’s first weekend delivered the guitar goods

By Phil Weller Published

Boone and May’s Bohemian Rhapsody rendition headlined a weekend of high notes from across the festival’s opening installment

Concert, Gigs & Tours
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