Brian May Interview | Part 1

Taken from Issue 40 of Guitar Interactive magazine Jamie Humphries Interviews the legend that is Brian May.

Brian May is a unique figure in Rock guitar and he has been interviewed on many occasions in many different publications, so when we were finally able to arrange an interview with him, we decided to take a different route. Instead of sending a mere journalist to interview him, we sent Jamie Humphries, who as our features explain has a unique inside approach to the Brian May team. We like to think we've produced the definitive Brian May special as a result.

[gina_st.george]

That was what made Queen so special... each of them were geniuses in their own right. Brian and John Deacon both have PhDs, Roger Taylor is a dentist, and Freddie had a degree from art school.

[Gingergryphon]

Brian is adorable. His humility, his candor, that accent…

[dlsfield]

I don't think there is any musician out there comparable to Dr.May.  I cant get over the humility and charm.

[afaith]

I met Brian in the late sixties, I had a Watkins echo box, I took it to an electrical parts shop in Harrow on the Hill, Brian introduced himself and spoke highly of "The Shadows" and how he loved Shadoogie and produced a sixpenny bit that was filed down, This he informed me how to get the sound of that particular track, Brian also told me about how he and his father were making a Guitar out of the wood from over the fireplace, So this would have been well dried out, Burns pick ups, And he was picking up parts for the electrics, Such a nice guy, Even before he was famous!

[MaKetchup]

7.27 .." I feel lifes too short, you are not up there to show off" Absolutely say all about Brian May, such a great guy.

[TheDogPa]

He deserves a nod for the huge amount of charity work he does. A true "Champion".

[malcolme]

Not ruined by drugs like 90% of the other old rockstars.

[jeffmakor]

He survived apparently intact and sane. He's made a real difference to his chosen fields. Thanks Brian.

[lilly]

I could listen to Brian talk all day...

[mr.bonkles]

What a humble and magnanimous dude Brian May is. For a guy who inspired countless guitarists to play, he is really mellow about the whole thing.

[TomTobin]

Doctor May really engages me when he speaks. He makes me think outside of the box. Gotta love that.

[raytorvalds]

Such a lovely and open guy. I love Brian May too.

[Schnitzengruben]

Brian has been Brian for all these years, that's what I respect and admire. That consistency over time is very rare in the business.

[giulyjojo]

When he said that roger plays to freddie and he plays to roger and thar sometimes he thinks he's going too fast my heart broke a little, I love him.

[richardbradbury]

Brian once said playing for two hours it’s like being in athlete, you give it your all!
So he is bang on

[Scapergal]

Great interview. Just love Bri's honesty. He's utterly amazing to be embarking on yet another world tour. Most of us in our 60s have had enough of work and are looking forward to retirement but not him. He's recently released another book, worked with NASA on the New Horizons project and of course his work with animal rights and a dozen other ventures that fill his life.
I saw the YouTube of his bungled guitar riffs and it was extremely tacky. He's played millions of chords and notes correctly over the years, so to have the few occasions where it went badly is extremely unfair without stating what was going on at the time that led to the mistake. As Bri said in this interview, things can and do go wrong in the live environment.
Hat's off to him for his continuing enthusiasm and energy in wanting to entertain us after all these years, Few rock stars of his vintage are touring or if they do it's only a few shows here and there.

[margaretsardo]

What wonderful, beautiful, intelligent man, just adore listening to Brian May! Thank you for still wanting to entertain all of us! We love you, and Queen, and of course Freddie Mercury!

[adrianamarria]

He's so cute, the most humble and loyal rockstar ever <3 What a man ❤️ I hope he stays on earth for at least 20 more years or so.

[Alex-nkbw]

- any random YT guitarist: "I can play everything blindfolded, with my hands tied behind my back!"
- one of the greatest rock guitarists on the planet: "if I can't see the dots, I'm screwed."
Honestly, Brian is the most humble being imaginable, what a great guy! 😀

[JohnWDGTandTele]

Haven't even finished watching the whole thing yet but I have to say that I really agree with Brian about not playing to show off. What a refreshing comment from a musician with the talent he has! PLAY WHAT YOU ENJOY!