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Monday's Connector: Brian May
With a musical career spanning four decades, Queen founding member Brian May is a world-renowned guitarist and songwriter, with production and performance credits on recordings, which have sold in excess of 100 million copies worldwide.
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caption="Brian May is your Connector of the Day."]
Brian has penned 22 worldwide hits for Queen, among them the anthems “We Will Rock You”, “The Show Must Go On” and “I Want It All”. As a successful and respected solo artist, Brian’s recordings include albums Back To The Light, featuring “Too Much Love Will Kill You” and “Driven By You”.
His songs continue to influence new generations of performers and have inspired recordings by artists as diverse as Elton John, Def Leppard, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Shirley Bassey and Eminem.
Perhaps the most memorable display of Brian’s unique style and musicianship was his performance of his own arrangement of “God Save the Queen”, live from the roof of Buckingham Palace, to open the Queen’s 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations in front of an audience of more than 200 million people around the world.
After the death of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, the surviving members set up a charity to support AIDS relief, the Mercury Phoenix Trust. To date it has channeled more than eight million pounds to over 1,000 AIDS projects around the world.
An ongoing commitment to AIDS awareness led Queen to become a driving force in the 46664 campaign for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The first of a series of 46664 concerts, held in Cape Town in November 2003, was broadcast worldwide via TV, Internet and Radio, becoming the most widely distributed media event in history, with an audience of over 2 billion in 166 countries.
Brian May is teaming up with musical theatre star Kerry Ellis for a new album.
Here's your chance to quiz them both.
Please leave your questions for them below and be sure to include where you're writing from.
On Twitter
From Australia
Dear Brian, ACDC proudly states " Its a long way to the top if you wanna Rock N Roll" From your experience, has this in fact been the case for you and the journey of Queen, and why?
Hi Brian, Im a big Queen fan from Saudi Arabia and love all your work. I had the chance to see the Queen Musical "We Will Rock You" and
I wanted to know if there is a planned movie adaptation of the musical We Will Rock You?
Also are you planning any new releases under Queen?
Thanks
To Brian: where did you get the idea for the song '39?
I know it's imposible to be certain, but, have you ever thought about how long Queen's band would have stayed together if Freddy's death hadn't happened? If the group would remain, what kind of music do you think you would be doing now?
Thanks. My son is a guitarrist and he (and I) really admire you.
Pedro Navarro
Venezuela
hey kerry you have a huge army of fans and i wanted to know what is the most unique gift they have given you?
If/When you tour with Anthem will you PLEASE come to Cumbria?... Scrap that will you just come to my house and perfodm there?! lol. And did you take a class in awsomness!?! Elle in Haverigg, Cumbria
Dear Brian,
26 year old guy (birthday today) from Sweden here, Queen is and always will be my favorite band.
What are your oddest/not-overly mainstream favorite albums/songs? Something of Nine Inch Nails, Opeth, Brian Eno, Movie Soundtrack/Score, or some instrumental Downtempo/Lounge/Jazz/Chillout album perhaps?
Best,
Anton Forsander – Sweden.
Hey Brian,
What would you say would be the best "Queen" song that Freddie would be most remembered by. Can't wait to hear your new album.
Hey Brian,
What would you say would be the best Queen song that Freddie would be most remembered by. Can't wait to hear your new album and thanks for keeping "Queen" alive.
Tom McDonnell
Pennsylvania USA
Hiya Kerry and Brian!
Just wanted to say how amazing I think you both are, I am a huge fan! I am so super excited for the album, I literally cannot wait!
I was just going to ask you both what track on the album are you most proud of ?
Kerry, for your next album would you continue to record a rocky sound or would you fancy experimenting with other styles of music?
I really hope you tour with this album because I would love to witness the songs live. Good luck with the album (not like you need it!) and keep rocking it up!!!
Laura
Manchester, England
Hey Brian, what was it like to work with the guys from Soundgarden when you played guitar on their song 'New Damage'? Also, can you send me the tab for the solo you played in it? Thanks.
What was like working with Freddie? Do you miss him as much as all of his fans?
Mel
USA
Brian,
Over the years, you have inspired generations with your talent and music, your stance on animal cruelty and blood sport, and your dedication to such diseases as AIDS and leukemia.
If you have one message for the next generation, what will it be?
Thanks,
Stewart
Vancouver, BC
Canada
I was wondering what other pursuits Brian May has outside of Queen and astrophysics?
Any plans, or chance, of another collaboration with Paul Rogers? That DVD concert of a few years ago was the best ever!
Stephen Wilson
Brian-At what point did you (Queen) realize "Damn, we are getting to be quite the big deal" ?
Ben
Adel, Iowa
Do you make your own guitars?And how do you get that almost "Metalevial" sound I love so much?....keep rockin...Kelly
Brian,
Which guitarists influenced you?
Name the guitarists that you admire.
Thanks! (A fan since seeing Queen at the Kennedy Center with Kansas and Mahogany Rush)
Cameron
Who are your main musical influences?
Hi Brian,
Which was more of a personal challenge for you – achieving success with Queen or completing your PhD?
Brian, saw you twice back in the 70's and 80's at the Montreal Forum, great shows both of them!
If Freddy hadn't come along, do you think your life would have taken a different path and do you still dabble in astrophysics today?
Frank Ames
Changwon, South Korea
Looking forward to my next Queen show!
Dear Brian,
When do the anthologies come out? I'm really looking forward to hearing the out takes and demo versions. I loved hearing the progress by which Freddies solo songs came into being and ever since I've been dying to hear what the anthologies might bring.
Also, love the work you've done with Q+PR and with Kerry!
It's been said many times but she is an amazing woman.
For Kerry – Is there a musical theatre role that you would love to play in future, that you haven't already?
From Swindon, UK
Hello Brain and CNN friends,
– How will you Improve the music entertaintment industry, because all we hear is radio ga- GA ?
– How will improve AIDS/HIV awareness under gays and libians living under the proverty line?
I am looking forward to Brain's replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R.Brul
Paramaribo
Suriname
how would you feel about another artist re-working "bohemain rhapsody" into a fully orchestrated classical fusillade?
Hi Kerry & Brian,
Pre-ordered Anthems! Kerry, you are THE best singer I have ever heard in my life. I've seen you in WICKED twice and you touch me every time. I live in Cornwall so it's hard for me to come to your performances. I'm gutted that I couldn't make it to the Great British Song Book. I NEED to see you in Oliver! though. If you go on a tour I will definitely come. You absolutely deserve all your success!
Gabriel xxx
P.S: Did you receive that wand I sent you a few years ago?
Kerry(: what is the favourite role that you've played? is there one you're most proud of? 🙂 and is there another role out there that you're dying to get you're hands on?(:
Charlotte,
Bridgend.
Dear Kerry you are such a good role modle so if you could give advice for people who want to get into the westend what would it be?
I believe many people think of Freddie when they think of Queen, but I have come to realize that you and the Red Special are really the signature sound of Queen. Now that I've seen and heard performances from you and Kerry together on Anthems, you complement each other so well that it is like you and Freddie again in many respects. It is a great pairing and Brian you were so right when you chose Kerry to work with. Do you know if you and Kerry will do more albums? I haven't heard the whole Anthem album yet, but what I have heard tells me that I will want to hear more.
Hey Brian!!
I'm trying to think up of a good question for you that already wasn't asked. 😉
Ok, other than Live Aid, what was your favorite concert/gig that you performed and took part in? Why was that particular concert/gig your favorite?
Thanks for everything you do!!
Love,
Kate
Easton Pennsylvania USA
Hi Brian and Kerry,
I cannot wait for the album and have been following the you tube teasers avidly.
My question is who would you most like to work with either presently or from history.
Keep up the good work -x-
Linda (Fife, Scotland.)
Hi Kerry, How would you describe yourself in 3 words ?
What has been your most proud moment in your career?
What has been the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?
What are you scared of?
What is your plan for the future?
Any chance of there being Mini Ellis' ?
Brian: When are the anthologies going to be released? Please answer this as I was promised a cookie if you do. Thx!! 🙂
Almost forgot ... what are your plans for the Red Special after you (heaven forbid) pass on?
Hi Kerry, you were so amazing at Hyde Park last night, I loved every minute of your performance! Dangerland live was...there's just no words to describe it, incredible! My question is what was it like to perform at Proms In the Park infront of 40,000 people? It certainly felt like a massive rock concert from where I was standing!
Lots of love Lauren Rees, Kettering, UK
Will "Anthems" be available to us folks in the US?
I'm an artist (of the the visual sort), and I often find when listening to musicians talk about their creative process, it sounds a lot like mine for making art. Have you ever noticed this? How important do you think it is for your audience to know about these "behind the scenes" things? Not at all?
Thanks! For everything. 🙂
Hi,
I'd like to ask his thoughts on Sacha Baron Cohen being tagged to play Freddy Mercury?
I'd also like to ask Kerry if she's had a chance to get involved in the Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS organization while on Broadway.
Thanks,
Keira
NY
Hello Brian & Kerry.
Many congratulations on the album, you must be very pleased with the fruits of your labour!
I was born just as Queen released Bohemian Rhapsody and so your music has been in many ways a soundtrack to my life. I've enjoyed everything you've ever made and released (and much more that you, erm, haven't released !).
My question is all about the future for Queen. There must be tremendous pressure from your new record label Universal to release new material and there is much speculation as to what that might be. There have been quotes in the past of "studio, live and computer work" and I'd like to ask if there is anything more you can tell us or hint at that could calm the cynics and excite the loyal fans ?
Thank you for delighting me with your craft over the years, may there be much more to come!
Much respect,
Rich Hall, Cheshire, UK
Hi Brian, the best guitarist in the Universe!
I'd have this question – what was the real reason that the chapter Queen + Paul Rodgers finished? Somewhere I read there were some arguments between you and Paul, is that true? If there weren't, why did you make decision to end it? You had great success – sold-out world tours, new album and before The Cosmos Rocks Tour you (the band) said there will be US Tour in 2009, but it won't...
Thank You and take care!
Martin 🙂
Brian,
As a big fan of your solo career, I always wonedred about a few things. What was it like to work with Cozy Powell? And what was your insperation for the song Nothin But Blue?
Thanks,
Melissa
Hi Brian
I've been a member of OIQFC for 32 years now and am hopelessly addictaed to your muisc.
Please can you explain to me the lyrics to Sail Away Sweet Sister.
They mean so much to me and I was wondering what they meant to you?
keep yourself alive
see you soon
Robin
Hello, Brian!
Wether You are going to write autobigraphy or Queen biography? It would be great! I`m sure all Queen fans will be happy to read it! But now what publications about Freddie and Queen You like and would recomend for reading?
And wether it terminal decision to make film about Freddie? If so, will You, and Rodger, and John take part in it`s creation and control it?
And the final question: wether Freddie come to You in Your dreams?
Thank You! Admire with You! Good luck!
Dear Mr. May,
Do you have any idea who is going to play Brian May in the recently announced Freddie Mercury biopic produced by Robert De Niro's Tribeca?
Thank you!
Hi, Brian, it´s Antonio from Spain.
Queen is my absolute top band, higher than Supertramp, Genesis, Who or Led Zep.
I was only nine year old in 1986 and i couldn´t see you then. My dreams came partially true in 2005 and 2008 with Paul Rodgers, in two concerts in Madrid that blew me away. I still consider these shows as the most emotional and exciting gigs i´ve ever been, and i´ve been in a few! I remember I cried during Days Of Our Lives... You played a little bit of spanish classical music in your solo... Las Palabras De Amor sounded better live than ever!
My question is: when are you going to come to Spain and play for us?
Hi Brian / Kerry,
I'm loving Anthems at the moment. Its constantly on repeat on my Ipod. Congratulations on getting to No.15 in the charts. a great achievement especially given the other album releases last week.
A question to both of you. Do you record any other tracks that missed the final cut for the album? If so are we going to get to hear them soon? Also any plans to release I'm A Woman. Pink October is approaching again.
Thanks,
Hope to see you both on tour soon,
Pete.
Dear Brian May
You Rock, Queen have been and still is my favorite rock n roll band.
Is the change for get We Will Rock You to Iceland ? and i like also to tell that october 9 will be special John Lennon Tribute gig here in Iceland with Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band with special guests, it will be awesome if you will be one of the these special guest 🙂 The concert will on John Lennon birthday.
Have a nice and thanks for everything 🙂
Cheers from Iceland Reykjavik
Atli
brian when are you planning on releasing any of queens concerts from the 70's
I am your fanaticism already 22 years, and your arrival and concert in Kharkov produced the enormous impressions, whether you plan yet to arrive with a concert on territory of Ukrainе. With kind regards Yuriy from Sevastopol
Hi Brian, how are you???
I'm from Brazil and I have a question : how did your interest in astrophysics?
I want to learn , but I'm studying something related to computers.
I hope you answer my question.
Cheers!
Would Sacha Baron Cohen in the movie about Queen sing self or not?
I was wondering if We Will Rock You will be made into a movie? I read about a year ago that a script had been written. Any new developments? (BTW, Adam Lambert should totally be cast as Galileo...)
Hi Brian! I really wish I can see you perform live again one day!
I was wondering if We Will Rock You will be made into a movie? I read about a year ago that a script had been written. Any new developments? (BTW, Adam Lambert should totally be cast as Galileo...)
Mai
Finland
Hi Kerry & Brian,
I've already heard a number of tracks from the album Anthems. (The special edition is still not delivered by our postman), (suspence ha ha) but here's my Question. A lot of trademarks of you are on the album and I think I heard some stuff that sounded like you reinvented yourself. Brian is Kerry your new MUSE??
Greetings,
Love
Johan Veenstra and family
Netherlands
Hi Brian!
I`m from Poland and I have been fan Queen since 1988. You, Roger, Freddie and John fill my life up.
I was very sad when concert in Poland cancelled but with my mates we were in Berlin, Prague i Wiena. I was also at your concert in Warsaw during Another World Tour in 1998. I saw you there first time. You had there huge problems with guitar...
Okey:-)My question is:
Can you and how you imagine gigs Queen with Freddie these days?
Ps. Regards to Roger
Hello from Everett, Washington, U.S.A., Earth, Milky Way Galaxy. I heard Pat Benetar say on stage she hated her hit song "Hit Me With Your Best Shot ". Do you have one of those songs you dread playing for the zillionth time, and if so which one?
From Denmark
Hey Brian
I love your new album with Kerry, but will you and Roger team up as Queen + again say with Adam Lambert or Paul Rodgers?
Saw you first time in Stockholm 1986
I hope to see you again live soon you are a terrific live act.
Kind regards and Thanks for all your wonderful music
Jesper
Hi, Brian!
My question is: if you could write a letter to your younger self (around the age of 18), what advice/warnings would you give him?
Hope you're well,
Christina
Hi Brian and Kerry!
First of all, I think "Anthems" is brilliant... bravo!!
And as a HUGE Queen fan, and am wondering if Queen Productions is planning on releasing any concert DVDs soon? Thank you soooo much and I hope to see you one day!
xoxo, Heather N.
Nashville, TN U.S.A
Hello Brian,
I'm a a queen fan from Barcelona, and Im 20 years old. I've 2 questions.
First is that the next year will be the 20th Freddy death celebration. Are you preparing something especial to remember him?
The last one what is your opinion of the rock group, MUSE?? I think that it's faboulus like queen, because combined a lot of diferent styles coming from diferent groups like: Queen, ELO ( Simphonic rock)....
Miguel Martins, Brazil
Dear Brian, of all the versions that have already been made of songs from QUEEN, what was that you said "WOW, THIS IS REALLY DIVINE?
I ask this because I attended this presentation of WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER, and I thought divine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzrXs4pnDwA&feature=player_embedded
What are your expectations about the new film?
HI ,
Dr May will you be doing anymore solo tours,also is there a timescale on we will rock you in london
Thanks ,
Steve J
HULL UK
POSSIBLY THE GREATEST QUEEN FAN IN THE WORLD
Hi Brian,
I'm an Italian Queen fan since 1980 and attende every gig played in Milan, both with Queen (1984), solo and together with Paul Rodgers (last in 2008!).
Every time was a massive rock'n'roll show!
So, my question is quite simple: when will you (and friends) come back in Italy?
Ciao
Maurizio
Milan, Italy
From Denmark
Hey Brian
Excellent record with Kerry Ellis. Are you gonna tour with Roger and maybe Adam Lambert or Paul Rodgers again? You are a terrible good live act. Please keep the music coming we love it 😉
Johan
Dear Brian,
First of all i would like to congratulate you and Kerry on a truly outstanding album!!!!!
Secondly, it is Queens 40th anniversary next year. Do you have anything special planned to celebrate the 40 years that Queen have been together, and have continued to produce truly amazing pieces of music?
Thanks,
Robert 🙂
Dear Brian, I'm a great fan of your music in Queen and solo work. I'm from Spain.
What we can expect from Queen for the next year? I know that the discography it will be re-released, but there's anything more? (the albums will have rare tracks or dvd's?)
Thanks.
Cheers
Hi Brian, greetings from mexico.
i'm 14 years old and and I am a big fan of your music.
I hope you keep rocking and the edge of Queen still.
Kerry Ellis is a great singer, and don't lose the essence that makes you so special
Thanks for all!!!
Iris Melissa
to Brian:
Did you see the solar eclipse in 1999 then? :'D
(and I don't really dare to ask this question atm but, is there any chance of you two (Kerry and Bri) comming to Austria for a concert? :'P)
Love,
Monika
Vienna, Austria
Hi Brian, I'm a huge Queen fan, I'm 14 years old, and I live in Colombia. It makes me so proud that you keep on rocking! when I hear your guitar is like something out of this world! I sent you before some messages to your e-mail, but no answer 🙁 I made you some questions, because I like astrology, and music (paying guitar and singing) and I love the projects you've done through your life. My question is.. when are you going to answer? 🙁 its a little sad, I've heard that you respond to people, but not to me. 🙁 and you're one of my role models to make a path in my life... I still love you even though you don't ask my e-mails 🙂
Hi Dr May: Are there any trout in the anthologies rumor on the net ore is it just a fantsy. Sincerly from a Long time friend to your music over the years (the begining)
Sorry.... Sweden:
Hi Dr May: Are there any trout in the anthologies rumor on the net ore is it just a fantsy. Sincerly from a Long time friend to your music over the years (the begining)
Hey Brian
Do you like sonic youth?
From Greece
Any plans for touring under (Queen or Brian May band name) any time soon? We miss u!!!
Don't forget to to visit Greece next time!!!!