Queen Guitarist Brian May - Bang The Complete History of the Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around Brian May, the guitarist of Queen, and his dual career as a rock musician and an astrophysicist. Participants explore his academic achievements, particularly his recent doctorate and co-authored book, "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe," while reflecting on the intersection of music and science.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for Brian May's ability to balance a successful music career with his academic pursuits in astrophysics.
  • One participant questions the sincerity of May's academic achievements, suggesting they may have been motivated by commercial interests.
  • Another participant shares a personal connection to Queen's music, noting its enduring appeal across generations.
  • There is a mention of nostalgia for Freddie Mercury, highlighting his unique status among rock stars.
  • A participant contrasts May's achievements with those of another rock musician, Jimmy Page, implying a different level of respect or recognition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express admiration for Brian May, but there are differing opinions on the motivations behind his academic pursuits and the impact of his music compared to other artists.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect personal opinions and emotional responses rather than objective evaluations of May's work or contributions.

Who May Find This Useful

Fans of Queen, individuals interested in the intersection of music and science, and those curious about notable figures in astrophysics may find this discussion engaging.

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Queen's Brian May Rocks an Astrophysics Rhapsody
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90273890&ps=bb5


. . .
Just as his band was starting to make some noise 35 years ago, May was studying astrophysics. Though he put off his studies to live the life of a rock god, he maintained his interest in the mysteries of the universe. Just last year, he completed a dissertation on interplanetary dust, earning a doctorate from Imperial College in London.

Since then, he's co-authored a book with a title that could pass for a Queen song: Bang! The Complete History of the Universe.
. . . .
May enjoys dividing his time between the observatory and the recording studio these days, he says. But regardless of whether he's inspecting stars or working on his new album, he likes being called "Dr. May."
 
Science news on Phys.org
Never was a big Queen fan. I liked some songs. Didn't care for the glitter-metal scene.

Yet, I envy that guy! Rock-star AND Astrophysicist. Two unobtained goals in my life...

...
............
 
Hah, see, the Ph.D. was really just a ploy for a book deal. Never trust a rock star!

Really, I loved Queen and heartily applaud Dr. May.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Really, I loved Queen and heartily applaud Dr. May.

Hear, hear! I still listen to them all the time...even my teenage daughter and her friends love them.

Kudos to Brian May. Too bad Freddy's gone...of all the bisexual Zoroastrian rock stars, he was my favorite!
 
Now if we could say the same about Jimmy Page.
 

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