Queen's Brian May rhapsodic about doctorate in astrophysics
Last Updated: Friday, August 24, 2007 | 11:17 AM ET
CBC Arts
Brian May, the guitarist for iconic rock band Queen, has been awarded a doctorate in astrophysics, more than 30 years after he began his studies.
"I'm feeling rather joyful. I cannot tell you how much of a weight off the mind it is," May said on Thursday after passing a three-hour interrogation about his 48,000-word doctoral thesis, Radial Velocities in the Zodiacal Dust Cloud.
Brian May, seen here performing last spring, says 'You can call me Dr. May!' after passing a three-hour interrogation interrogation about his doctoral thesis.
(Jae C. Hong/Associated Press)
"You can call me Dr. May!"
The guitarist started his thesis in 1974 at Imperial College in London, but abandoned it after the band's popularity soared with hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Somebody to Love and We Will Rock You.
The 60-year-old musician decided to unearth his old notes last year and work towards the thesis.
"I'm going to be proud to call myself 'doctor' from now on," May told BBC News.
May called his oral examination "very, very tough.
"It's a bit like an album — you've got to live with it for the rest of your life, so you want it to be perfect," said the rock star.
May plans to celebrate his new title by having a private meal with friends and family.
He will formally be presented with his doctorate at a ceremony next May at London's Royal Albert Hall.
May said he is "very keen" to carry out further research.
The guitarist recently co-wrote a children's science book with astronomer Sir Patrick Moore.
