Its funny how he could only dream of buying a guitar because he was poor, but ended up building something that was better than the most expensive guitars out there.
Just like diomond cannot be formed in nature without extreme pressure, some people cannot do great things if they are given everything to satisfy their needs without labor, effort and struggle. Brian and his dad had been building red special for two years till the moment it was finally ready. I`m not sure if Brian May would have done so much in music and performing if he was not so involved and emotionally invested in building his first electric guitar.
I can see Brian talking to his grand children as a grand father, sitting near the fire place talking about his guitar and how it was the time with freddie . I could listen to his stories for hours since he has a lot to talk about.
I can see why Freddie wanted to work with Brian (and Roger). They were cut from the same cloth-their deep love and the way they strove for perfection, was unparalleled. So happy they found each other and gave us the priceless gift of Queen!!! ❤️👑😘
His guitar is a sweet example of if you want something done right, do it yourself. The switches to allow inverting the phase is just great. Those brittle clean sounds are so incredible and delicate. And when those harmonics come out in the solos.... genius.
@@Cat-hw1vh It mostly adds that metallic "clink" when the pick first hits the string. But plastic picks can do it, too. The thing I think about the metal pick is that he is not going to shred using that and so it gives his solos more of a slow to medium speed and that is just perfect for rock, pop rock, but not shred. Just my thoughts and his strings hate him but oh well. :)
Before anything else he's a true gentleman, a humble and awesome human being. I wish we had more people as him living in this planet. Such a pleasure to hear his words, it's a lesson about life even more than guitars.
What were the odds that a man of this caliber; astrophysicist, guitarist extraordinaire and renaissance man would end up running into and meeting one of the greatest, most charming vocalists, showman and musician extraordinaire and that those two would go to not only enthuse but write and perform some of the finest melodies ever recorded and then continue to perform them to maximum bravado live. Life is beautiful and full of possibilities, never give up or ever stop believing in yourself. The universe awaits you and your gifts
The drummer, his voice his writing talent his personality and the three of them hand picked the base player were all required for the epic combined legend
This guitar is alive!! I saw Queen live 1977 in Germany, Frankfurt Festhalle. After hearing Brian Mays Solo I decided to play Guitar myself. Electric Guitar, and I`m doing this since them . - Thank you Brian!!
When a guitarist doesn't need to touch a string to make a guitar sound good you know there on legend status . If you can't appreciate what this man has done for music and guitar best you go learn . I could listen to him play for hours wow.
The guy is a living legend, has created one of the most iconic guitar tones of all times and still is very humble with enough patience to show every detail of his technique and equipament. Thank you for showing me that I can do great things out of simple stuff, Mr. May. Your life story is inspiring.
That makes two of us. After listening to Brian talk about what "Red" does and reading his book it's so cool to watch him play a concert and know exactly what he's doing and how he gets that amazing "Queen" sound that is unlike anyone else in the world.
Me too... I saw Queen here in Seattle at the Coliseum in Seattle Center, 1980, The Game Tour, and afterwards me and my friend, Mark Renstrom, met Brian when he walked out from back stage and just began talking with about 6 of us who were back there hoping to see something neat.
When Brian accepted the Living Legends award for Queen Joe Satriani, who introduced Brian said that in 1991 he and Steve Vai asked Brian if they could try his guitar. And he went on to say that neither of them could make that guitar sound like Brian May. They could only make it sound like themselves. And it frustrates both of them heavily. Perhaps that is why Steve made the comment you talk about!
Steve Vai: "I was 21. I went to the Rainbow Bar & Grill, and Brian May was there. I couldn’t believe it. I mustered up every little bit of courage and went up to him and said, “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. I play guitar. I’m here in town with Frank Zappa.” He said, “Oh, really? Why don’t you come down to our rehearsal?”I went down, and he brought me up on the stage, and he let me play the guitar-the guitar that he built with his dad [the “Red Special”]. I couldn’t even believe that I was touching this instrument! He was so kind and so warm, and for who? This kid, you know? And I played his guitar, and it sounded like Steve Vai. Then when he played it, it sounded just like Brian May. It was very apparent to me that his tone is in his fingers and his head. He’s a class act from head to toe, and it shows in his playing. I can listen to any player and pantomime their sound, but I can’t do Brian May. He’s just walking on higher ground."
Yeah, he collected star wars toys when he was "a kid" :) Born 1947 First star wars movie 1977 Brian, you really don´t have to be ashamed for being a grown up nerd. ;)
mojopin 70: exactly, and you don't understand that until you are old and a senior. Any memory of yourself dating back 20 years ago, in your mind, is when you were a kid!
What did you expect from a guy who is a rocket scientist? And one of the greatest rock guitarist of one of the greatest rock bands. Queen was a lightning in a bottle kind of band. A once in a lifetime kind of group that are as unique as it's lead singer.
Gareth Hayes: yes, and had he been an electronics engineer in, say USA, he probably would have become rich if he would have had the right business savy. He maybe could have made more money in Japan also; since so much of their economy is in the electronic industry. Of course it may not have been that way back then at that time; that would have been quite a while back.
I can easily listen to (Dr.) Brian May playing guitar all day long. I can also easily listen to Dr. May talking about guitar, astrophysics, childhood, or anything, all day long. What an extraordinary gentleman, who indeed has a very gentle, soothing and attractive voice.
Everyone gives me a weird look when I tell them about The Red Special, because they just cannot fathom a rock star displaying such ingenuity. I know Brian isn't the only legend with mad DIY skills (Les Paul, Tom Schulz), but he's my favorite to hear from because he's so unbelievably practical and humble. What a guy
Brian had a wonderful family, he was bless! I loved that Brian,Rodger, andJohn protected Freddie right too thee end, Just like In one of there songs. Love it! Love everything about Queen and Freddie Mercury!
The fact that he's playing that guitar in this present day, a guitar that's created some of the most well known songs in history, including Boho Rhap is pretty awesome. I'd feel overwhelmed in its presence as crazy as that sounds, just knowing the history lol.
Love Queen, love Brian May. That guitar has a sound of it's own, unique. You only have to hear a couple of seconds of this guitar on the radio or whatever and know straight away that it's Brian May playing. Outstanding guitarist. Legend and a rather nice chap. When he shows how to do the delay stuff, it sounds very ''Get down make love'' from the middle section of the song where it goes a bit psychedelic and you can also hear little bits from the solos he did over the years. Love it!
Master Guitarist, Down to earth Gentleman. Brian May doesn't even act or come off as being famous. But he's more than just famous, Now he's a Legend, Just as the Red Special is. One of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard is the Red Special.
I love this man. So humble and kind. He never forgets where he came from. He keeps recalling his dad, who obviously he loves so much. He never had the "I'm a rock legend, idolize me" attitude, though he could because he's a freaking genius.
Brian, if you see this, you are an absolute legend and you inspired me to pick up the guitar in and I’ve been playing guitar ever since I got the inspiration from you
What a great legacy, an amazing musician and an even greater human being. Just bought my tickets for Queen in Newcastle in January 2015. LONG LIVE BRIAN MAY!
Dr. May is so interesting in explaining his lengendary guitar and father's love in helping him create the guitar! He is the total package of musician and academic. Would love to meet him one day.
he is like living breathing and talking rock and roll it is so amazing to see how he explains the details so simple that everybody can understand it so salute this legend amazing thank you for the music Brian P.s. so honoured to have the same name
Brilliant Video, I was lucky enough to see Queen in Melbourne Australia, the Works Tour, I liked Queen but after seeing them Live I instantly was a massive Fan!!! As a Guitarist watching Brian May Perform I was blown away, Fredie Mercury was Outstanding, what an incredible Voice and an incredible Showman, as was Rodger Taylor and John Deacon!!! I will never forget that Concert, it was Magical. Thank you Brian May🎸♥️♥️♥️. Melbourne, Australia.
Flappo Spammo EVH is vastly overrated. Brian May is up there with Hendrix and Beck for sure. I'd also add Paul Kossoff to that list, in my opinion he was quite possibly the most underrated guitarist of all-time...
EVH was in Brian’s just-for-fun garage band/recording project Star Fleet Project. There are pictures of Brian, Eddie and bassist Phil Chen (where Eddie is holding Phil’s bass and Phil is holding the Frankenstrat). They also had the drummer from REO speedwagon and Queen’s touring keyboard player, and Roger Taylor sang backing vocals on one of their three songs. The project was inspired by the theme song to a Power Rangers-type show from Japan that Brian’s son watched.
Brian playing and singing Skiffle !! What a treat ! I am a big music lover but Queen were my 1st love at tender age of 12 yrs old ! My first album was Night at the Opera and I worked backwards getting into their earlier albums which I absolutely still adore ! I’m 55 yrs now and have just sat & watched the very wonderful Bohemian Rhapsody movie they’ve finally made....I notice no one wanted to leave the cinema, grasping at every last final drop of information available (like reading all the words on the Queen albums - I’m an anorak what can I say I loved and still have their vinyl albums !)I am reconnecting with their music and am taken back to the snowy winter when we were sent home from school and I loved it becos I could listen to the album my mum bought me for Xmas once again instead of doing my homework ! Freddie, Brian, Roger, John... I love you ♥️♥️♥️♥️
nicolarsefir Same age as you...and I know exactly what you mean. Can’t stop reliving my love of ‘everything Queen’ since watching the movie. BTW..I also sat and listened to my album when I was supposed to be ‘studying’. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼👐🏿❤️
I go through major crises every few months, but then I have great peaks of belief and creativity. I'm a weird kind of animal., Thank you for the torrent love and support?, Ever made it to front roll of any of my concert before ?
@@carronalee It’s intriguing staying up so late listening to me while you should be studying... If I want to lose I’ll lose for you, will you sing for me if you care if you are sincere?
This clip is freeking GOLDEN. Thank you Brian, for the lovely, personal and fascinating talk, and also many thanks to whoever recorded it. My Red Special is coming from BMG soon (as soon as you autograph her, Bri!) and believe me, she will be played regularly and treasured.
What a musician. What great musician. Pure genius. What I like about Brian that he’s a very pure, very natural. Such an amazing person. Never get tired to listen to him. God bless Brian May!
I grew up in Brazil, hearing "Love Of My Life" on the radio, and Queen was a very familiar name to everyone. But up until 1990 I only knew the occasional hit and the only album I had heard in its entirety and actually owned was "The Works". Until an older neighbour sold me his collection of Queen albums on LP up to "The Game" and my life changed. I was already 21 and deep into rock and roll and heavy metal, and getting to know Queen's body of work was like opening windows and doors I had no idea existed. The albums were so diverse. Brian and Roger also sang beautifully, which was also a surprise to me, but the thing that stuck to my mind and imagination above all was May's guitar sound. It was so unique and peculiar. No one sounded like him. Later I found out a lot of it had to do with the guitar he used, and that no one else had for he and his father had built it themselves. That just adds to the whole mystique of Queen. Hats off to Brian and his father, you are truly sound genious.
You know it was both an emotional bond with his father, and the fact it was a well made custom made instrument. If I was to get a craftsman to make me such a guitar, it would cost several thousand dollars. He is lucky his father was a craftsman and spent the time to craft such an instrument. Most parents would have bought them some cheap Chinese made junk.
Brian's amazing 👏😍 and so easy to listen to when speaking. BUT when he plays his amazing 🎸guitar, I am transported to heaven. A man of many accomplishments and stories to tell‼️‼️‼️ I'm also a fanatical fan of QUEEN and listen to their music 🎶🎵❤ Daily. God made good use of all the talent bestowed to Brian
When I clicked on the video, it wasn't my intention actually watching the whole thing - I thought it was far too long, and I would get borred after 5 minutes, I just wanted to see what it was. And then, here I am, 40 minutes later, wishing it the video was longer. What an amazing man and guitarist! It's still hard for me to grasp that Queen were not just Freddie Mercury and the rest of the guys. They were respectively Freddie Mercury, Roger Taylor, Brian May and John Deacon. 4 absolute geniuses working together - you just don't see that in any other band
What a truly beautiful human being. All my years of playing and though I know, note for note, all his solos, i have NEVER tried to sit down and learn them because there is absolutely no point. No matter how well i play the notes in the proper succession, I myself, nor anyone ever will ever be able to make the notes sound as lovely.
The movie was a turning point for me, never knew how wonderful Queen was. When you play Bijou on you “Red Special” it sounds like it is crying, the most soulful and haunting sound I have ever heard! You are truly a guitar God!
Dr. Brian May inspired me to to play the guitar and i always rock and play with his solos and riffs. So i would like to say Thank You to Dr. Brian May and Queen for inspiring me to get into music. LEGENDS ❤
Ian Miller He's not only very intelligent and talented, but also devoted, kind and very, very decent. He's got a good heart. I love and respect him a LOT.
Janneke Goossens We were trying to get thru a boarder crossing, and the officer wanted to know what were the "50 pair of women's breast" on the manifest. We tried to explain that when Freddie sang "I want to be free", he liked to wear them. Well the officer wasn't have any of it and demanded to see the articles, which were loaded at the very front of the tractor-trailer. We had to pull it around to a big lot and start unloading the whole trailer to get the breast out.Brian was of the opinion that he was just a "Bloody pervert" making us laugh as we unloaded the whole unit. We finally could get one of the little guys to the front, and ha had to work at it to get the case that had the breast. After we had unloaded everything, and had the case opened the officer said "Oh" and signed the BOL saying we could cross. That week we got more than a couple of extra bucks in our pay envelope.I still think to this day it was either Brian or Freddie that gave us some extra money out of their own pockets. I love the time I spent working for these guys. Best bosses and best job I ever had hands down.
I have no clue about instruments and I could sit here and listen to him talk on n on about it he makes learning fascinating about subjects I could go without but this man got a gift for teaching playing and over all a great personality
Brian....YOU ARE a WONDERFUL PERSON & a GUITAR GENIUS !!! Absolutely great film of you doing what you love the most....so privileged to have seen this on YT. Much love Nicola x Keep on Rockin !
What can I say... It’s just a joy to watch a sincere heartfelt man who lives creating something great phisically and also emotionally for himself and for world🙏😇🎶
I keep hoping that he will do an album of just him jamming on his guitar.. one long instrumental thing.. would be great. I'd listen to it everyyyyyy day
Such a wonderful influence for our young,, being kind, being creative, being educated and technical while have the rebel in you not to do harm to yourself or others but to motivate greatness or in Brian May's way is pure genus. what a sweet caring man. God Bless You Brian
True Legend. Would never drop off during a lecture conducted by him! I felt Brighton Rock waiting round the corner and the excerpts chilled my back. Well done to Brian and Fuzz Fire Fender...Rock On!
I luv the voice of the red special. Everytime when i hear this sounds, i got goosebumps. I don`t know why, but this is since the 80th when i hear this guitar the first time in my life. At this time, i was 6 years young. This was the time where my love to Queen has begun.
I'm the same age as Brian & have been playing since I was fifteen, I have several high end guitars & also one of his Korean repros, I've got to say it's quite amazing, but to the point he is so original in all he does, from the making of the guitar to the way he plays, so distinctive, a one off, love the guy
I agree. Its a little odd for younger people to enjoy talking with elderly people and listening to their stories, but I love it, and listening to Brian may is something even better
people talk about loving their guitars, basses, etc.... this man loves his guitar.. completely awesome!!! Brian is such an inspiration to millions of people!
I'm not a musician just a lover of music. Brian is an absolute natural in telling the story in such a way everyone understands completely what he is talking about and makes it interesting.
