As one of the most talked-about figures, Brian May has built a significant fortune. Our team analyzed the latest data to provide a clear picture of their income.
What Is Brian May's Net Worth?
Sir Brian May CBE is an English musician, singer, guitarist, songwriter, and astrophysicist who has a net worth of $260 million. Brian May, world-renowned as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, is acclaimed for his distinct musical style and his contribution to some of the greatest hits in rock history, such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "The Show Must Go On." However, his accomplishments extend far beyond the realm of music. With a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London, May has significantly contributed to the scientific community as well. His work in stereoscopy, a technique for creating the illusion of depth, has been noteworthy, leading to the publication of several books on the topic. He also co-founded Asteroid Day along with renowned astrophysicists to spread awareness about asteroids and their impact on Earth. In addition to his musical and scientific contributions, May has been an active advocate for animal rights. He established the "Save Me Trust," a campaign against the hunting of foxes and the culling of badgers in the UK. In 2005, Brian was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), and he was knighted in 2023.
Early Life
Brian May was born Brian Harold May on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, London, England. He is the son of a Scottish mother, Ruth, and an English father, Harold May. He attended Hampton Grammar School on a scholarship and formed his first band, 1984, during this time. A diligent Astronomy student at Imperial College working towards a Ph.D., Brian decided to put his academic studies on hold as Queen's popularity first exploded.
Queen
In 1968, May formed the band Smile withTim StaffellandRoger Taylor. The band only lasted for two years. After that, Staffell left, and May and Taylor joined forces withFreddie MercuryandJohn Deaconto form Queen in 1970. May was the lead guitarist and was the lower-range vocalist in the band's three-part harmonies. Queen first charted in the UK with their second album, "Queen II," in 1974. After that, "Sheer Heart Attack" and "A Night at the Opera" brought them international success, particularly with their smash single "Bohemian Rhapsody." The song stayed at #1 in the UK for nine weeks. The band's 1977 album "News of the World" contained the still-famous anthems "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions." By the early '80s, Queen was one of the biggest stadium rock bands in the entire world. Using a home-built guitar named "Red Special," May contributed to many compositions, including "Tie Your Mother Down," "I Want It All," "We Will Rock You," "Fat Bottomed Girls," and "Who Wants to Live Forever." May sang the lead vocals on many Queen songs, including "Who Wants to Live Forever" and "Sleeping on the Sidewalk."
Queen's show at the 1985 Live Aid concert is regarded as the greatest performance in rock history by several publications. After their show, the band composed the song "One Vision." May's contributions to the writing and composing increased with each subsequent Queen album.
Just like other band members, May's fortune has constantly swelled even after the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury in 1991. Estimates of Queen's record sales range from 170-300 million records. They are undoubtedly one of the world's best-selling music artists. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
In summary, the total wealth of Brian May reflects strategic moves.
Disclaimer: All net worth figures are estimates based on public data.
