A Legacy of Rock and Roll: Brian May's Musical Inspirations
Brian May, a name synonymous with rock and roll, has carved out an indelible mark as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Queen. His contributions to the band have not only shaped its iconic sound but also influenced generations of musicians worldwide. As he celebrates his 78th birthday today, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the musical influences that helped mold his legendary style.
May's role in Queen extended beyond just playing guitar; he was a vital force behind many of the band's most memorable tracks. From the electrifying riffs of "Don't Stop Me Now" to the powerful melodies of "Brighton Rock," his work has left an enduring legacy. Fans often find themselves mesmerized by his unique approach to the instrument, which blends technical mastery with emotional depth.
In a 2013 interview, journalist Liz Barnes from My Planet Rock asked May to share some of his favorite tracks that have influenced his career. One of the songs he highlighted was Rainbow's "Since You've Been Gone." He described it as "quintessential" and praised the song's blend of pop rock elements with a strong rock foundation. May also commended Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work, calling him a trailblazer and technically incredible musician.
"It's uncompromising, it's a great song, and it's brilliantly played," May said. "People don't talk about Ritchie Blackmore enough. I don't know why. But he was such a trailblazer and technically incredible, unpredictable in every possible way, which is great."
May's admiration for Blackmore was mutual, as evidenced by a video where he shared his initial impressions of Queen. He recalled hearing them perform a song about a train around 1974 or 1975, which left a lasting impression on him. He was particularly struck by Freddie Mercury's vocal talent, noting that Mercury had a voice that combined the power of Ronnie James Dio with an operatic flair.
"I've noticed that Freddie Mercury has a cross between Ronnie (James) Dio and almost like an operatic type of voice. To me, he was a true star; he knew exactly how to milk an audience. What a musician," May remarked.
He also praised Queen's other members, especially Brian May himself. "Some of the stuff they put down all those four-part harmonies... very, very clever stuff. Of course there's Brian, who is probably one of the nicest guys in the business. A brilliant guitar player to boot."
Reflecting on their collaboration, May added, "I've worked with Brian on other stuff, and he is such a nice man. He is a bit too tall, but he can't help that. They are a wonderful band, an excellent band, and I was very surprised that they did so well in America."
Beyond "Since You've Been Gone," May's list of favorite tracks includes Queen's "Made in Heaven" and "I Want It All," as well as Black Sabbath's "Paranoid," Buddy Holly's "Maybe Baby," and his work with Kerry Ellis, "Anthem." These selections highlight the diverse range of influences that have shaped his musical journey.
As fans continue to celebrate Brian May's contributions to music, it's clear that his passion for rock and roll remains as strong as ever. His legacy is not just in the songs he played but in the inspiration he continues to provide to aspiring musicians around the world.