Queen | Brian May | Oxford Union

Brian May answers audience questions on his career (QUESTIONS BELOW)
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Band Questions:
1. What musicians have inspired and impressed you?
2. 2:28 -- What was your favourite queen concert to perform?
3. 4:06 -- Will we ever find out what actually happened at those legendary Queen parties?
4. 4:37 -- How did you decide which songs to sing yourself and which songs to give to Freddie to sing?
5. 6:18 -- What moment in your musical career have you been most proud of?
6. 10:40 -- Are there any instruments that you'd like to play?
7. 13:09 -- If you were to collaborate with any artist who would it be?
8. 14:50 -- How have you stayed down to Earth since you are a legend?
ABOUT BRIAN MAY:
Brian May, musician and astrophysicist, is most widely known as the guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer of the rock band Queen.
He was appointed a CBE in 2005 for services to the music industry and for his charity work. He earned a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College in 2007 and is currently serving as the 4th Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University. Planet Rock voted May the 7th greatest guitarist of all time, and he was ranked at No. 26 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. In 2012, May was ranked the 2nd greatest guitarist of all time by a Guitar World magazine readers poll.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@OxfordUnion]

Watch the rest of Brian May's talk here: kzbin.info/aero/PLOAFgXcJkZ2y7Low7Tnc6NrR9yUMcsRyt

[@lisareed5669]

Thank you.

[@RandomDudeFromSomewhere]

Thanks!

[@gonzvelaz3892]

This man is real polite gentleman, he always stands up to answer the questions. Taking to account that he's almost seventy years old.

[@marilyncatalano9910]

gonz velaz seventy is the new sixty and sixty is not old!!

[@tedstranix7703]

Dr. May is from the "old school" --- a refined British gentleman who exudes an air of confidence and superior intellect

[@kderinoglu]

I came here to write exactly the same comment.

[@palomawilliams1982]

@@SoundDrout he's not 69 dude he is 71 lol

[@wandajames143]

Ridiculous! Should he be in a wheelchair and join an old folks home?

[@sabo7295]

is it just me or does he have the most peaceful voice, he evokes so much love and humility it seems like genuine love comes out of his pores. he’s one of the most civilised and gentlemen-like, and I’m so happy that he’s carried it for so long throughout his career.

[@strawbrryfld1]

Its genuine. I think that's what comes through the most. His voice has a gentle quality.

[@happyclam1266]

I know. He could always do ASMR although I don't think he would have any desire/need to do that!

[@kathleencook6939]

He does have a lovely voice, I could listen to him all day

[@strawbrryfld1]

Happy Clam ☺️

[@strawbrryfld1]

Kathleen Cook 😊

[@andrewread2124]

I love how he waves when the guy says "Hi Brian"

[@aywu5451]

andrew read same here !!!

[@bootlegmegz]

I want to hug Brian May. He seems so cuddly and warm and sweet.

[@vickiejean2001]

I met Brian May in July in Phoenix. I presented him with one of my paintings. He hugged me twice and I’ll tell you it was a day I’ll never forget. What a beautiful gentleman.

[@andyallen4492]

Megha Rethinasamy I thought women only liked shitty men. bad boys

[@paarmemesterdiesdas7071]

Victoria Jones Ok i‘m jealous af 😂

[@vickiejean2001]

Mein Ruf geht kaputt net deina I adored him. Anything beautiful that you think about that man he is that and more.

[@moonbeam2742]

@@vickiejean2001 How did you meet him, if you don't mind me asking? I mean every word when I say this, that I will give my own arms and legs just for one hug from that darling pumpkin pie of a man...

[@mitchmarq428]

I really want to see Brian May live. Not even necessarily in a concert, just to hear him talk.

[@melysanchez2518]

Me too

[@royrowland5763]

I met him four times in the early 1990s. Two of those times, he went completely out of his way to talk to me and a few other people who were there for him. Outside a radio station in L.A. where he had just done an interview, he saw a few of us in the parking lot, and he had his limo driver stop so he could get out and talk to us. Most celebrities would not have done that. Another amazing moment is after he performed on the Tonight Show in Burbank (Los Angeles). As soon as the TV show is finished taping, the staff hurries the audience out, and the guests on the show also leave the stage immediately. A few of us stayed for as long as we could to get Brian's attention, and he noticed. Despite the protocol of staff clearing the studio and not allowing time for autographs, Brian (and Slash) came over to us anyway.

[@anainsanidades]

7:34 "and i was fAacking terrified" what a legend

[@candiemerald]

He is such a beautiful, humble, intelligent human being. I love that in interviews and in answering questions he is always very personal and one-on-one with the other person. As the lady says, very down to earth.

[@krisbowditch827]

What guy, great human and interesting well spoken legend 👍👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@biancagoyenechea]

very polite, too. a true english gentleman.

[@jennykim9643]

That's right.

[@dankahlavata]

you say exactly what I think

[@artisanaromatics]

yes - he's such a beautiful, honest, kind and talented man. Just brilliant.

[@armiddie]

he probably old and lack of energy but this the first ever i saw a person standing up again and again when answering questions. what a humble civilized human being and fine gentleman he is.

[@StefanGBucher]

In terms of his energy, he does still play two hour concerts. :) But agreed: What a lovely man!

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

His energy is just fine. Hes still spunky and "youthful"

[@marilyncatalano9910]

Heddi Lee again people, stop speaking like he's old and has no energy, he's far from elderly God damnit!!!! He's far from "frail". He's just a good, kind, regular person who had a lot of wisdom. We should listen to people like him more. Maybe this world would be a better place.

[@manuelkong10]

I don't know how I could ask a question of this humble and great man Without standing up myself

[@kimbitar2007]

@@manuelkong10 I feel the same way! What a wonderful man he is

[@anainsanidades]

10:25 "my dad used to say: you can only do your best and your best will be good enough". 💗

[@ej3016]

“I asked to be successful I didn’t ask to be famous” something we should all take to heart no matter what business we’re in

[@Heopful]

Not really sure what that meant, neither if it is worth living by.

[@RobKL2008]

I met Brian on board a KLM flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles. I came to talk to him and shared personal things we edured together at that time. He is such a gentle man. Love him

[@RobKL2008]

Oh well thank you , we spoke even about Freddy who was very ill by then. Still have such fine memories of that moments in the plain.

[@oliwiakotula9477]

Lucky

[@JamesBond-ul7bi]

Lucky you

[@Bringiton513]

This man has a beautiful soul. I'm glad that I have seen this side to him.

[@clacicle]

When we have politicians and people running around acting like spoiled little brats, spewing hate towards others, destroying the environment and not caring at all about anyone but themselves, it’s so inspiring to hear someone like Brian May. What a wonderful person and I hope young people will look to him and others like him for inspiration. If we do, then we stand a chance.

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

Calling Roger Taylor a "good" singer is an understatement. I have said this many times and will continue to do so until I die: if you give Roger Taylor a mic and you put him in front of a rock band, you have one of the 5 greatest lead singers in the history of rock n' roll, period. Now he may have not been one of the best showmen (like Elvis or whatever), but in terms of pure singing ability, very few singers in rock music have Roger's range and facility - especially in the upper registers. He's essentially a better version of Rod Stewart. He has that perfect rasp, but Rod has nowhere near the range that Roger does. What is even more amazing about Roger is that he had to sing in unison or sing vocal harmonies with Freddie Mercury while he was often drumming in 6/8 and 5/4 time at a fast tempo. I have no idea how he was ever able to pull that off.

[@laurenmcleod7055]

Matt Smith YES! That incredible falsetto!!

[@BoutYoungAnnaLee]

You're having a laugh buddy! He's an alright singer, but calling him 'one of the greatest in history of rock n' roll is a bit of a fucking stretch!

[@AntonioSaracino7]

You said it right.

[@kousseye155]

Because hes fucking Rogah Taylahhh

[@Fitzroyfallz]

trf12567 he's not really as promiscuous as his reputation suggests. He never cheated on anyone and was very genuine with the women he was with!

[@unetfg]

Brian will always be my guitar hero.He always makes me shiver every time he makes those short melodic runs that register on my mind,

[@brianmay0000]

Thanks for the love and support for my career. May God continue to bless you

[@ArtiVerma-xj7ki]

Love that he stands up every time he answers...

[@campbellswan2517]

Presumably that's a convention of these union meetings. He fits right in, certainly.

[@vickiejean2001]

What a gentleman

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

You get the impression that Brian could have been anything in his life, such are the abundance of gifts he possesses. His humility is palpable and yes, he is a gentleman in the true sense - a gentle man, much beloved all over the world.

[@veronicahislop8363]

He looks so much like Isaac Newton with his hair

[@nextoliver]

Always thought he gave Queen the proper regal look, with his big, Louis XIV hair. The guitar sound, the hair, everything so unique and kingly. Perfect match, just perfect

[@andyisdead]

...and he's a physicist as well

[@flipshroomz9379]

..and so humble..considering the gravity of his situation..

[@Rocket-qg5jw]

He’s brighter than Newton. Newton was just a scientist and mathematician, basically only using his left brain whereas Brian did all of those which Newton did plus he was an artist and a very humble, polite man which intelligent people tend to lack

[@strawbrryfld1]

I know right ?!!!!

[@muskokagirl5711]

RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT!!!! Biggest Crush since I was 7, my family still laughs about it...

[@strawbrryfld1]

😉 I totally crush on guitarists guess that why I wound up married to one.

[@barbtullos3909]

I have a crush on him and I'm 72!!

[@stella82003]

Brian May is such a good soul and amazing human,you can see it in his eyes.He is not the typical arrogant rockstar who´s full of himself.He played in a band that created history and should be proud.

[@user-kl5lz5qo3f]

Sir Brian Harold May is one of the most sincere and intelligent man I know. His interviews are always sincere, straight from the heart. He is indeed a wonderful person, a gentleman and a great musician.

[@FunkyDisco79]

LOL @ 6:17 Brian unintentionally hits his hand against the table edge really hard.

[@andyisdead]

LMAO

[@nance1681]

awww poor Bri hahahaha

[@Liam-Carlson]

that must have hurt a lot.

[@bananejaune3165]

HAHAHAHA

[@QueenInItaliano]

I'M DYING AHAHHAHA

[@DogDoc1991]

For a guy who was (and is) one of the greatest rock guitarists ever, Brian is an incredibly real person. This is just a pleasure to watch.

[@fjkxxx1204]

He's the first person I've ever seen who stand up again and again when he answers questions... such a wonderful gentleman. We love you Dr. Brian May

[@davexjs5889]

This Man is essentially a Man what should be a Man. He's a Millionaire But would open the door for a Lady he would help an elderly person across the road he would spend time with children who ask Questions And he and his Beautiful wife Would care and help Animals Brian May Thank You.

[@stewyhosseini]

Dave xjs he is an elderly person SKDJDJS

[@davexjs5889]

@@stewyhosseini Love us all we have respect and still have respect we are old love you Dave x

[@clarlaabmayr]

You are nor excused from being a human being just because you are famous. I love that line from Brian May. He is just a wonderful person

[@HannahWalshaw]

14:57 Brian saying “aww I love you”

[@user-pc4bq1ov6c]

What a gentleman. What a lovely man. What a musician... Great guitarist, great talent, very humble, very iconic, very intelligent and just a sweet guy. He is a Doctor Brian May. God bless you!!!

[@kcmoonlight]

14:58 my heart is melting 💗💗

[@FreddieMfan45]

I love the last question she asked. When Bri said 'I love you' in a joking yet serious way,I died...

[@timotot123]

It's overwhelming how very modest Brian May is. He could without question have been living the absolute celebrity lifestyle but he doesn't.

[@braden2112]

Brian May will always be my favorite guitarist

[@JamesBond-ul7bi]

He’s my favourite Queen member

[@barbtullos3909]

I'm so glad he kept his hair the same way !!! Love it.

[@KiRiMa64]

When Brian plays he sounds like no one else and no one else sounds like him!

[@hieurlkn]

He is a true gentleman

[@joyce5975]

6:18 awh he smacked his hand on the table trying to wave at the guy

[@jasonwhite7452]

Imagine if everyone in the world had this mans character.

[@sdsures]

Brian May would make the best PM!

[@rajeshkhanna5161]

Exceptional artist. Freddie was the star but Brian and Roger were the rock behind him.

[@Fitzroyfallz]

Rajesh Khanna don't forget John! He wrote half their biggest hits

[@littlemissblackdress7587]

Brian is a fucking star too! Not just Freddie. I'm sick to death of people thinking that!

[@Nina-oi1qk]

and Deaky.

[@sct4040]

Rajesh Khanna And John, please don't forget John.

[@musiclove4635]

Watching this makes me love and respect him even more. Brian's humility, intelligence, and grace is something rare, especially in a musician. Glad he's made a choice to stay grounded.

[@jazzdad24]

He hasn't aged, looks Incredible for over 70 years old. And he's still playing 2 hour shows!

[@manuelkong10]

Is this THE most genteel, insightful, cultured, kind soul ever?

[@ewdavid1164]

manuelkong10 yes

[@dzugaty]

If you're looking for just one word for this definition - it's "angel". And that's exactly what I think of Brian May.

[@Joakin93]

Don't forget about Paul

[@Who63]

God exists. Freddy is with him in peace. We love you Freddy! We love you QUEEN! Thank you Brian for all you've done.

[@KelliViti]

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can, & the wisdom to know the difference.

[@annadeinyan890]

Amen.

[@lunasari9800]

Amen

[@remohead1066]

i been in AA too

[@freethrice]

Live by it.

[@kmichaelp4508]

KelliViti amen

[@melissacurtis7216]

Every time I hear him in an interview, his voice is always calming, and pleasant

[@sarahkofman1921]

Bryan has always been such a very faithful friend to Freddie A great example to all of us

[@bridgetc5263]

Sarah Kofman brian**

[@biker7028]

So faithful that he makes Freddie look like a jerk and himself like a saint in this crap Queen movie

[@TOADS_127]

@@biker7028 hey watch it bud

[@Fitzroyfallz]

biker 70 they had very little control over the film. And if the scrapped scripts I've seen floating around are real, then what we got was a masterpiece compared to what we could have gotten.

[@Nina-oi1qk]

@@biker7028 lol...its true

[@Sylvia495862]

Brian is perfect in every way.

[@ezluce3305]

I don’t think anybody could imagine such an intelligent, down to earth individual could also be so musically talented and famous...

[@sdingeswho]

Brian is just so incredibly articulate and sensitive that I’ve gotten to where I enjoy his discussions nearly as much as the guitar-playing, which is saying quite a lot 🙂.

[@M3RKSYNDICATE]

6:16 H-Hi Brian. **THUMP.** OMG I'M DYING XD

[@forrest_ation]

Wow, what an incredible being. I’m totally moved beyond words at his presence. The members of Queen were chosen from a higher power, of truth and beauty, to send a message to the people, Brian is a teacher, a messenger. I’m so grateful to have discovered his and their greatness

[@wellrideuponanomnibus2536]

He's one of the best people ever, I think I don't exaggerate ..

[@danakelley532]

Gentleman, songwriter, musician, performer, astrophysicist and fabulous human being....Brian May. You are loved.

[@davidshattock9522]

One in the eye for people that.are of the opinion that if you are a successful in rock music you are1 thick2incapable of other things,3uneducated

[@ext1013]

Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon see the genius of Freddie Mercury. They let him show his genius unconditionally and it pays off...They are good musician. Roger Brian is right, Freddie is a vehicle and the three of them, ride along with him. Pay attention to Roger Taylor, he sings with Freddie doing the voices all the time. These guys are real musicians. .. I think, Queen got the young people of the 21st century.....Thank you.

[@RadioDarioBerlinRome]

Such a wise, polite and kind man. Love how such a brilliant musician and a living legend can deal peacefully with his ego. Thanks for this video, OxfordUnion

[@clareb8015]

Love how humble and articulate he is in addition to the fact he cares about animals.

[@tedstranix7703]

Freddie loved cats

[@victoria8319]

He’s so respectful and polite! Standing up for every answer, so humble 💖

[@Chopin1995]

As a pianist, It's really nice to hear what Dr May says about a piano :)

[@coffeeindamornin1335]

he plays piano too

[@Chopin1995]

@@coffeeindamornin1335 Of course I know :) Thanks for reminding me about my old comment!

[@marccosta7376]

His solo on You don't fool me is beyond celestial..so charismatic as well as intelligent and talented.

[@Gingergryphon]

9:41 "YES WE CAN!!!" :D

[@moonxsolitaire]

God I love him 😂

[@meb6140]

I love this man. He has a beautiful soul

[@vickygoodrich4761]

I really love this man! I think he is great! Not because he is a famous or an awesome musician and entertainer, but because he seems so humble and so real. He speaks with so much heart and wisdom. He is just so genuine!

[@carlstevenwilletts]

As a lifelong Queen fan, and I am now 47, I would have had many questions for Brian. However, I would have just thanked him (as well as Roger and John) for standing by Freddie until the end and giving us some amazing music until no more was possible.

[@Scapergal]

It's never easier to love Brian than when he bares his soul. His honesty and genuineness is so refreshing in a day and age where everything is given the "reality TV" hype.

[@claudiawhite9772]

Brian May is my second favourite Queen member because he never changed being himself, easy going, down to earth, steady serious personality!! Queen needed him to balance the group to get the unity and order to workout well and then bring about the bonding process of these individuals to get their order and become more than a band But become friends and brothers basically family unity!!! That’s why they were so tightly together even sometimes on their own still together!! A true gentleman humble and kind and mostly genuine levelheaded . Respect! 👏👏👏👏 👍👍👏😍🥂

[@mojopin70]

I think Brian teaches a great lesson in that being a rockstar doesn't necessarily mean you have to have a huge ego and treat others like shit.....

[@RandomDudeFromSomewhere]

Brian May is someone I very much wish I could meet, not only to ask him questions, but to tell him how much Queen's music has been, more than any other artist, the soundtrack to my life.

[@rogerniaizmythotlennonstin5727]

13:19 wow Bri go ahead a just make me CRY why don’t you 😭😭😭

[@JessicaRivera-ju1rp]

We sure don't deserve this amazing human being! Gotta love how humble this man is

[@chrispools]

"Thankyou for saying I am down to earth" Not bothered one bit about about being a legend, what a lovely man

[@caraliiina8453]

OMG I need to get a poodle in the future and name him Dr. May That is my new goal in life

[@thebeatlequeen911]

Only Brian May will get applause for saying no to a question

[@franknguitars7671]

If I have ever heard a class act speak his mind, Brian May is it. What a wonderfully warm and sympathetic person he is.

[@mariannangarano2694]

Dr. May is UTTERLY AMAZING!!! His KNOWLEDGE, his SENSE OF HUMOR, HIS OVERALL DEMINOR.....JUST ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!!🌹💖🎸

[@zxingzxing]

Nice, honest guy is Brian May.

[@martinnevey7258]

You are a first class human being Brian. ...I'm glad Freddie had you as a friend

[@lionheart11381]

Queen are the greatest band ever. All 4 are masters at what they do. Freddie at the front: no competition. Couple all that with internal respect, friendship and loyalty and it's just amazing. All of them gentleman.

[@ferncessma2011]

Oh, wow...!!! Quality of the Queen shows! We Queen fans never wronged in loving them, up to this time 😍

[@vesta2606]

How much intelligence, respect and etiquette that BRIAN🌹 stands up to answer a question. What can not be said about some interviewers🤦🏼‍♀️

[@JoseAlvarez-dp8fz]

4 artists 1 Band!Brian May did an incredible and honest interview.The answer saying Roger and him let FM sing their songs because they now he would do it in wonderfull way touches me really.

[@JudgeJulieLit]

Dr. Brian May, down to Earth astrophysicist

[@justlikeu2]

I love this man.

[@merlinthomi]

justlikeu2 yeah me too

[@loose.gravel.]

Same

[@melysanchez2518]

Me too 💕

[@jetranger47]

He is the very definition of a Gentleman and a Scholar.

[@marcelorosas3540]

What a tremendous humility this man has!

[@LordGreystoke]

Brian May is such a class act. And so humble! Playing with Jimi Hendrix? Brian would be surprised at how humble Jimi would be in wanting to play bass while watching Brian lay down the guitar chops.

[@KowankoMusic]

He is just the best.

[@reneedonovan2872]

He's such a gentleman and has such a pure heart! I also love how nervous he seems and is so well spoken but the most relaxed he looks is saying he was "fucking terrified" with Buckingham Palace

[@carl_anderson9315]

An astrophysicist who happens to be a rock legend and one of the greatest electric guitars in the world. This man cannot get any more cooler.

[@jrusovich]

Such dignity and focus. This is an extraordinary back and forth with a young audience who learn so much about a man and band that reigned long before most of them were born. I wish he were my college professor. The British "Oxford" vibe adds so much to the experience.

[@davegoodo3603]

It has been a genuine pleasure to listen to this wonderful man share about his life with Queen.

[@jameshodgson5644]

A true gentleman and genius with the guitar, so humble despite his success, also incredibly intelligent and highly educated - I would love to meet him one day

[@Kimllg88]

Ever a crush on the divine mind of Dr. May.

[@jr-xs9tf]

Class act in a world with very little of it.

[@Marroccoful]

My one eyed cat Munchie loves Queen, she was me and my wifes first rescued cat and Mr. May inspired our kitty saving.

[@bonniecat2918]

paul marrocco May your lives and Munchie’s be blessed. This very special kitty will know she is cherished.

[@sheilavoorhees470]

He is a legend , he is Queen too . And he's a family man , a doctor and on and on . He's a beautiful person!

[@nayeemrahman9312]

What a lovely man! May you live a thousand years :)

[@kennydo369]

He is such a gentleman and virtuoso.

[@kahoumma]

He is true gentle man! So humble, polite, honest person I can feel.

[@erikacruz6059]

I love him so much..He is so humble and kind you can see it in his eyes.. 💖❤

[@brianmay0000]

Thanks for the love and support for my career. May God continue to bless you

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Brian shows his humility and gentlemanly manner by standing when answering questions and in a subtle, mild-mannered way

[@nnoy8]

What an upright, good man!!! so much respect for this gentleman

[@KennyEvansUK]

He's such a humble guy and truly honest and frank. Totally loved this talk.