Chris Shiflett’s Jaw-Dropping Experience Sharing the Stage with Guitar Legend Brian May

For Chris Shiflett, life in the Foo Fighters quickly became a fast-paced adventure. After joining the iconic rock band in 1999, Shiflett was thrust into the whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll stardom almost immediately. Within 48 hours of becoming the band’s second guitarist, he found himself guitar shopping with Dave Grohl’s American Express card. But this was just the beginning of an unforgettable journey that would bring him face to face with some of the greatest legends in rock music, including the one and only Brian May.

May, best known as the legendary guitarist of Queen, left an indelible mark on Shiflett’s musical journey. In a recent interview with Guitar World, Shiflett opened up about the incredible experience of sharing the stage with May, revealing just how transformative that moment was for him.

“I can’t overstate how impactful that moment was,” Shiflett shared. “Guitar-wise, Brian May would be a big one. That was when I first joined Foo Fighters, and we played Brixton Academy not too long after that. And that was the first time I experienced Brian coming out and playing a song with us.”

It was an evening that would go down in Shiflett’s memory as one of the highlights of his career. During the encore, none other than Brian May joined Foo Fighters on stage for two Queen classics, We Will Rock You and Now I’m Here. With Roger Taylor, Queen’s legendary drummer, also sitting in behind the kit, the show became a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration that brought together the iconic sounds of Queen with the raw energy of Foo Fighters.

For Shiflett, it was a surreal experience, one that had him momentarily stunned by the sheer presence of the guitar legend standing beside him. “All of a sudden you’re standing next to that dude, and you’re like, ‘It’s Brian May! That sounds like Brian May!’” Shiflett recalled.

What struck him the most, however, wasn’t just the sound of May’s legendary Red Special guitar. It was the feeling that came with playing alongside a musician who had a deep, unmistakable signature sound—a sound that was clearly shaped by May’s unique playing style and tone.

“I love when you play with some of these folks and it reminds you of how much of it is in the hands,” Shiflett said. “It’s who they are, it’s how they play and it’s that tone.”

This moment with Brian May left Shiflett with a valuable lesson that would stay with him throughout his career: the undeniable truth that the essence of a guitarist’s sound comes from their hands. It’s not just about the gear or the technique; it’s about the personal touch, the fingerprint that each guitarist leaves on their instrument. That is what makes Brian May’s sound so instantly recognizable—and what made that night at Brixton Academy so unforgettable for Chris Shiflett.

For any musician, sharing the stage with a legend like Brian May is a dream come true, but for Shiflett, it was more than just a career highlight—it was a powerful reminder of why he fell in love with music in the first place. The experience of witnessing May’s artistry up close would go on to inspire Shiflett in his own musical journey, continuing to fuel his passion for guitar and his drive to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

As Foo Fighters continue their legacy of unforgettable performances, Shiflett’s moment with Brian May remains a shining example of the magic that happens when rock legends collide. It’s a reminder that music is not just about notes and chords; it’s about the soul behind the instrument—and when two greats like May and Shiflett share a stage, the result is pure musical alchemy.