Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brian May’s Net Worth?
Sir Brian May CBE, renowned as the lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Queen, boasts a net worth of $260 million. This substantial wealth reflects not only his contributions to music but also his diverse accomplishments as an astrophysicist, author, and animal rights advocate.
Sources of Brian May’s Net Worth
Brian May’s net worth is primarily derived from his musical career with Queen, a band that has sold an estimated 170 to 300 million records worldwide. Queen’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 solidified their place in music history and further enhanced the value of their catalog.
May’s contributions as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist within Queen have generated significant royalties and performance income. He penned some of Queen’s most enduring hits, including “We Will Rock You,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “I Want It All.” The enduring popularity of these songs continues to generate substantial revenue through sales, streaming, and licensing.
Since Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen’s music catalog has continued to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly to May’s net worth. The band’s recordings and publishing rights are a major source of ongoing revenue, with streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music providing a consistent stream of royalties.
Queen’s live performances, particularly those with Adam Lambert, have also contributed significantly to May’s earnings. The Queen + Adam Lambert tours have consistently sold out arenas and stadiums worldwide, generating substantial ticket revenue. In September 2018, the group held a residency at the MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas, further boosting their income. Although specific financial details of these tours and residencies are not publicly available, industry estimates suggest they have been highly lucrative.
May’s solo work, including his album “Back to the Light,” has also contributed to his net worth. While the commercial success of his solo career doesn’t match that of Queen, it still represents a significant income stream. Additionally, his collaborations with other artists, such as his contributions to Black Sabbath’s album “Headless Cross,” have added to his overall earnings.
Beyond music, May’s academic pursuits have also played a role in his financial standing, although indirectly. His PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London, while not a direct source of income, has enhanced his public profile and credibility, potentially opening doors to other opportunities. His work in stereoscopy, documented in his books, has also added to his income.
May’s role as a co-founder of Asteroid Day further solidifies his credibility within the scientific community. His contributions to this field, including his publications and advocacy, enhance his overall image and can indirectly contribute to his net worth.
His activism, particularly through the “Save Me Trust,” also enhances his public profile. Though the trust itself is a non-profit, May’s commitment to animal rights further endears him to a broad audience, potentially boosting his appeal and public image.
In 2005, Brian May was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), and in 2023, he was knighted. These honors recognize his contributions to music and charity and further elevate his public standing, which can positively influence his earning potential.
Brian May’s Career Milestones and Earnings
Queen’s breakthrough in 1974 with their second album, “Queen II,” marked a significant milestone in May’s career. “Sheer Heart Attack” and “A Night at the Opera” further solidified their international success, with “Bohemian Rhapsody” topping the UK charts for nine weeks. These early successes laid the foundation for the band’s future earnings.
The 1977 album “News of the World,” featuring the anthems “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” propelled Queen to even greater heights. These songs have become staples at sporting events and in popular culture, generating substantial royalties for May and the other band members.
Queen’s performance at the 1985 Live Aid concert is widely regarded as one of the greatest live performances in rock history. This event not only boosted the band’s popularity but also led to increased record sales and touring opportunities, ultimately contributing to May’s wealth.
While specific details of May’s individual earnings from these events are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has earned millions of dollars from royalties, performance fees, and record sales throughout his career.
In May 2011, May and Taylor performed with Adam Lambert at the MTV Europe Music Awards, leading to a successful Queen + Adam Lambert tour in 2012. This collaboration has proven to be a lucrative venture, with subsequent tours and residencies generating substantial income for May and the other band members.
While precise figures are not disclosed, industry experts estimate that Queen’s catalog generates millions of dollars in annual revenue, with a significant portion accruing to May as a key songwriter and performer.
In October 2006, May re-registered for his Ph.D. at Imperial College. He submitted his thesis in August 2007, and finally earned a Ph.D in astrophysics from Imperial College in 2007, graduating at the awards ceremony the college held at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2008. While this does not directly add to his financial earnings, it contributes to his multifaceted image and reputation.
Personal Life
May was married to Christine Mullen from 1976 to 1988, and they have three children: James, Louisa, and Emily Ruth. Financial details related to his divorce settlement are not publicly available.
May’s marriage to actress Anita Dobson in 2000 has also brought him personal happiness. His work with Dobson on her first album, including the tune “Anyone Can Fall in Love,” demonstrates his continued involvement in the music industry beyond Queen.
In May 2020, May suffered a heart attack that required the insertion of three stents. This health scare highlights the importance of his well-being and underscores the need for sound financial planning to ensure his long-term security.
