Brian May Reflects on “Not Proud” Career Choice: Turning Down Prestigious Astronomy Post
Queen guitarist Brian May has spoken candidly about a pivotal life decision he regrets, confessing he is “not proud of it.” The 77-year-old rock icon revealed he declined a prestigious position after graduating university in 1968 because he “didn’t want to leave his friends.” May received his physics degree from the Queen Mother at the Royal Albert Hall on October 24, 1968. Just two days after this academic milestone, his band Smile, his pre-Queen project, served as the opening act for Pink Floyd.
Jodrell Bank Offer: A “Dream” Opportunity Declined
Despite his burgeoning music career, May was not yet earning a living from it. He applied for several academic roles and received an offer from the renowned Jodrell Bank Observatory. “I was offered a job in Jodrell Bank, which was just starting to emerge as a significant radio astronomy center in England. Sir Bernard Lovell, a leading figure in the field, was present. It truly was a dream opportunity, but – as a young man – I was deeply immersed in the music scene in London and didn’t want to be separated from my friends. Consequently, I turned down the position. I’m not proud of that choice, as I question whether it was the correct decision,” he stated in a 2012 interview with Astronomy Magazine.
Working-Class Background Added Pressure to Decision
The difficulty of this decision was compounded by May’s background. By his own admission, he came from a working-class family with “modest means” during his upbringing.
Imperial College PhD: Balancing Academia and Music
Instead of pursuing the Jodrell Bank role, May accepted an offer to undertake a PhD at Imperial College London. This choice allowed him to remain in London, fostering his musical aspirations while continuing his academic pursuits.
1972: Music Takes Center Stage
In 1972, May ultimately departed academia to fully commit to his music career. This decision came even though his PhD was nearing completion.
“After four years, my thesis was essentially ready for binding,” he explained to The Independent in 2006. “However, I had ongoing discussions with my supervisor, who felt I should be doing more, and my enthusiasm waned…
“Abandoning it for music in 1972 was a significant gamble, but when a unique opportunity presents itself, you must seize it. It’s unlikely to reappear,” he reflected.
Returning to Academia: Dr. Brian May
After a 33-year hiatus, during which he achieved global success with Queen, May re-enrolled for his PhD in 2006. He successfully defended his thesis in 2007, earning him the title of Dr. Brian May.
Dual Passions: Music and Science Converge
Despite rejecting an academic position decades prior, May now successfully navigates both the music and scientific realms.
HERA Mission: Mars and Deimos Exploration
Recently, May participated in the HERA mission’s fly-by of Mars and its moon Deimos as part of the science team. Deimos is the smaller of Mars’ two moons.
May enthusiastically shared videos and images on his Instagram, celebrating the successful capture of images of Deimos.