A world-renowned guitarist, songwriter, producer and performer and founding member of Queen—Brian is truly a legend in his own time. He penned 22 of Queen’s top hits, including “We Will Rock You,” today the most-played song at American sporting events and reportedly played over 550,000 times during the 2012 Olympic Games.

What is not as well known is Brian’s expertise and passion for astrophysics. Already the recipient of honorary degrees from the Universities of Hertfordshire, Exeter and Liverpool John Moores, Brian earned his PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College in 2007, upon submission of his thesis on the Motions of Interplanetary Dust. Following a five-year post as Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores, he now holds the honorary position of Chancellor Emeritus. Bang! The Complete History of the Universe, an astrophysics book Brian May co-authored with Sir Patrick Moore and Dr Chris Lintott, has been published in 20 languages and was followed in 2012 with the release of its sequel, The Cosmic Tourist. For ‘services to the Music Industry’ and for his work for numerous charities, Brian was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire.