Brian May Teams Up with Talia Dean: Behind the Music of - You Made Your Bed

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, is a man of many talents, passions, and a hairstyle that could outlast the universe itself. Born on 19 July 1947 in Hampton Hill, Middlesex, he now resides in Surrey, juggling a career that’s remarkable not only in music but also in science and animal welfare.

May’s path to rock stardom began in the late 1960s when he co-founded a little-known band called Smile with drummer Roger Taylor. But Smile didn’t quite cut it. With the arrival of Freddie Mercury in 1970 and later John Deacon, the band transformed into Queen – a name perfectly fitting the theatrical rock powerhouse they were destined to become. Brian’s unique guitar sound helped turn Queen into one of the most iconic bands in history, blending rock with just a pinch of operatic flair.

Brian’s contributions to Queen are immense. The man didn’t just stand there with a guitar – he wrote some of Queen’s best-loved songs: “We Will Rock You,” “I Want It All,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Flash,” “Hammer to Fall,” “Save Me,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “The Show Must Go On.” All of this was accomplished with his homemade guitar, the Red Special, which is as beloved among fans as he is.

Queen’s live performances were, in a word, legendary. Brian’s solos were a highlight, and their performance at Live Aid in 1985? Well, that’s been cemented in rock history as one of the greatest live sets ever. And despite Freddie Mercury’s untimely passing in 1991, May and Taylor have kept the Queen flame alive, performing with guest vocalists and continuing to rock on.

Brian May’s talents extend far beyond music. He’s also an accomplished astrophysicist. That’s right – while most rock stars are looking at stars of a very different sort, Brian was looking at actual constellations. In 2007, he completed his PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London with a thesis titled “A Survey of Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud,” which sounds so impressive it should have its own guitar solo.

May’s academic accomplishments don’t end there. He’s co-authored several scientific papers and books, including “Bang! The Complete History of the Universe” with Sir Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott. Not content with just one obscure hobby, he’s also the founder of the London Stereoscopic Company, specialising in Victorian 3D photography. Yes, Brian May is clearly a man who knows how to turn a side project into something worthy of an award.

Perhaps closest to his heart, however, is his work in animal welfare, particularly his defence of Britain’s badgers. In 2009, he founded the Save Me Trust to protect wild animals from cruelty. He’s been a fierce opponent of the UK’s badger cull, insisting it’s not just cruel but doesn’t solve the problem it’s meant to address. Instead, he’s advocated for vaccination and better testing to manage bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle – a cause that’s earned him the title of PETA UK’s Person of the Year in 2024.

In his ever-active career, Brian continues to collaborate with other artists. His latest partnership is with Talia Dean, an X Factor finalist, on a new track titled “You Made Your Bed.” Released on 8 November 2024, the song’s upbeat energy and catchy hook will have you forgetting your own exes – or at least wanting to send them the link. And yes, Brian’s signature guitar solo makes an appearance, adding that unmistakable rock edge to this post-breakup anthem. Adding a touch of charity to the release, 10% of this year’s proceeds will go to Crisis, supporting efforts to end homelessness.

Reflecting on his legacy, it’s clear Brian May isn’t just one of rock’s greatest guitarists; he’s also an astrophysicist, a wildlife advocate, and an all-around Renaissance man. Whether he’s creating groundbreaking music, studying the stars, or fighting for animals, Brian May truly embodies the phrase: “We Will Rock You.”