Guitar Genius Brian May Says He Hasn’t Improved Much Since the ’70s—Here’s Why!

When it comes to rock legends, few are as iconic as Queen’s Brian May. From his innovative guitar techniques to his contributions to Queen’s groundbreaking sound, May is considered a musical genius. Yet, in a candid interview with Guitar World, the guitarist revealed something surprising: he believes he hasn’t improved much as a player since the 1970s. And the reason why is both fascinating and humbling.

In the early ’70s, Queen was still a relatively unknown band, hustling to make a name for themselves. But one pivotal night at Imperial College in London in 1973 marked a turning point. It was there, after the release of their debut album Queen, that May first felt the exhilarating rush of being a rock star.

“It was that first Imperial College gig after the album [‘Queen’] was released,” May recalled. “I’d been on the entertainments committee at Imperial College. We booked Hendrix to play in that big Union Hall, and I remember thinking, if we ever did anything like that, it would be incredible.”

Three years later, Queen had not only booked the venue but filled it with eager fans who wanted to hear their original songs—songs that, in the past, people would have grudgingly tolerated while waiting for the band to play covers. This shift was profound for May, who remembers the moment fondly.

“Instead of people who grudgingly listened, they were shouting out for our songs. That was an extraordinary moment. I remember that thought in my head: ‘There is a boulder rolling here…'”

But while Queen’s fame skyrocketed after that night, May insists that he hasn’t drastically evolved as a guitarist since those early days. Despite the fame, fortune, and accolades that followed, the 76-year-old musician believes his musical growth plateaued long ago.

“I’m surprised, looking back, how complete I was,” he said. “I don’t think I can play that much better now than I could then. It had all happened in the teenage years.”

Growing up in Richmond and Twickenham, two areas steeped in musical history where the likes of The Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones honed their craft, May had the perfect environment to nurture his talent. Surrounded by friends and fierce competition, he pushed himself to develop his guitar skills, driven by a deep passion and hunger to be the best.

“I had lots of mates to play with and there was fierce competition,” he explained. “You know, ‘Have you heard this latest solo? How did Hank Marvin do that? Can you do that?’ So I learned quickly, and maybe you do when you’ve got that amount of passion and hunger in your body.”

May’s perspective offers a unique insight into the evolution of a musician. While many would assume that years of experience would lead to continual improvement, May feels that the foundation of his playing was solidified during those formative years. The fire that drove him then continues to burn today, but it’s not so much about pushing technical boundaries as it is about maintaining the spirit of the music.

And it’s clear that spirit continues to resonate with audiences. Queen’s legacy remains as strong as ever, with their music transcending generations. As for May, his commitment to his craft and the passion that defined his youth remain just as powerful today, even as his status as one of rock’s greatest guitarists is now solidified in history.