Editing Brian May (section)

==Musical career==
===1968–1970: Smile===
{{Main|Smile (band)}}
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May formed the band Smile in 1968. The group included [[Tim Staffell]] as the lead singer and bassist, and later, drummer [[Roger Taylor (Queen drummer)|Roger Taylor]], who also went on to play for Queen. The band lasted for only two years, from 1968 to 1970, as Staffell departed in 1970, leaving the band with a catalogue of nine songs. Smile would reunite for several songs on 22 December 1992. Taylor's band [[The Cross (band)|The Cross]] were headliners, and he brought May and Staffell on to play "Earth" and "[[If I Were a Carpenter (song)|If I Were a Carpenter]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?Q=11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930145625/http://www.queenzone.com/queenzone/article_show.aspx?Q=11|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2011|title=Tim Staffell Biography|date=30 September 2011|access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref> May also performed several other songs that night.

===1970–1995: Queen===
{{Main|Queen (band)}}
[[File:Hannover7907.jpg|thumb|May (right) on stage with Queen in Hannover, Germany, 1979]]
In Queen's three-part vocal harmonies, May was generally the lower-range backing vocalist. On some of his songs, he sings the lead vocals, most notably the first verse of "Who Wants to Live Forever", the final verse of "[[Made in Heaven#"Mother Love"|Mother Love]]", the [[middle eight]] on "[[I Want It All (Queen song)|I Want It All]]" and "[[Flash (Queen song)|Flash's Theme]]", and full lead vocals on "[[Some Day One Day]]", "[[Sheer Heart Attack (album)#"She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettoes)"|She Makes Me (Stormtrooper in Stilettoes)]]", "[['39 (Queen song)|'39]]", "[[Good Company (Queen song)|Good Company]]", "[[A Day at the Races (album)#Long Away|Long Away]]", "[[All Dead, All Dead]]", "[[Sleeping on the Sidewalk]]", "[[Jazz (Queen album)#"Leaving Home Ain't Easy"|Leaving Home Ain't Easy]]" and "[[Sail Away Sweet Sister]]" .<ref>{{cite news |title=The 10 best Queen songs Freddie Mercury didn't sing |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-queen-songs-freddie-didn-t-sing |access-date=19 November 2018 |work=Louder |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120095448/https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-queen-songs-freddie-didn-t-sing |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

May frequently wrote songs for the band and has composed many hits such as "[[We Will Rock You]]", "[[Tie Your Mother Down]]", "I Want It All", "[[Fat Bottomed Girls]]", "Who Wants to Live Forever" and "[[The Show Must Go On (Queen song)|The Show Must Go On]]" as well as "[[Hammer to Fall]]", "Flash", "[[Now I'm Here]]", "[[Sheer Heart Attack#"Brighton Rock"|Brighton Rock]]", "[[The Prophet's Song]]", "[[Las Palabras de Amor]]", "[[No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)]]" and "[[Save Me (Queen song)|Save Me]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 10 Brian May Queen songs |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-may-queen-songs/ |access-date=19 November 2018 |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015055/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/brian-may-queen-songs/ |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Brian may mdp.jpg|thumb|left|200px|May with Queen arriving in Argentina, 1981]]
After the [[Live Aid]] concert in 1985, Mercury rang his band members and proposed writing a song together. The result was "[[One Vision]]", which was basically May on music (the ''Magic Years'' documentary shows how he came up with the opening section and the basic guitar riff); the lyrics were co-written by the four band members.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web|url=https://allmusic.com/song/one-vision-t1543719|title=Queen – One Vision|work=AllMusic|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407204829/http://allmusic.com/song/one-vision-t1543719|archive-date=7 April 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

For their 1989 release album, ''[[The Miracle (album)|The Miracle]]'', the band had decided that all of the tracks would be credited to the entire band, no matter who had been the main writer.<ref name="qcw">{{Cite book|last=Purvis|first=Georg|year=2007|title=Queen Complete Works|publisher=Richmond: Reynolds & Hearn}} p. 67</ref> Interviews and musical analyses tend to help identify the input of each member on each track. May composed "I Want It All" for that album, as well as "[[Scandal (song)|Scandal]]" (based on his problems with the British press). For the rest of the album, he did not contribute much creatively. However, he helped in building the basis of "Party" and "Was It All Worth It" (both being predominantly Mercury's pieces) and created the "Chinese Torture" guitar riff.<ref name="qcw"/>

Queen's subsequent album was ''[[Innuendo (album)|Innuendo]]''. May's contributions increased, although more in terms of arranging than actual writing in most cases. He did some of the arrangement for the heavy solo on the [[Innuendo (song)|title track]]. He added vocal harmonies to "[[I'm Going Slightly Mad]]" and composed the solo for "[[These Are the Days of Our Lives]]", a song for which the four of them decided the keyboard parts together.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prato |first1=Greg |title=Innuendo overview |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/innuendo-mw0000311477 |website=AllMusic |access-date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117160217/https://www.allmusic.com/album/innuendo-mw0000311477 |archive-date=17 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two songs May had composed for his first solo album, "[[Headlong (song)|Headlong]]" and "[[I Can't Live With You]]", eventually ended up on the Queen project. His other composition was "The Show Must Go On", which he coordinated and was the primary composer.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Readers' Poll: 10 Greatest Queen Songs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-10-greatest-queen-songs-17639/8-the-show-must-go-on-86409/ |access-date=19 November 2018 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015112/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-10-greatest-queen-songs-17639/8-the-show-must-go-on-86409/ |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In recent years, he has supervised the remastering of Queen albums and various DVD and greatest hits releases. In 2004, he announced that he and drummer Roger Taylor were going on tour for the first time in 18&nbsp;years as "Queen", along with [[Free (band)|Free]]/[[Bad Company]] vocalist [[Paul Rodgers]]. Billed as "[[Queen + Paul Rodgers]]", the band played throughout 2005 and 2006 in South Africa, Europe, Aruba, Japan, and North America and released a new album with Rodgers in 2008, titled ''The Cosmos Rocks''. This album was supported by a major tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/queenpr.htm#2008cosmos|title=2008 The Cosmos Rocks Tour|publisher=Ultimatequeen.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928215806/http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/queenpr.htm#2008cosmos|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Paul Rodgers left the band<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/paul-rodgers-queen-split-it-was-never-a-permanent-arrangement-20090513|title=Paul Rodgers, Queen Split: "It Was Never a Permanent Arrangement"|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=6 April 2018|date=13 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215001028/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/paul-rodgers-queen-split-it-was-never-a-permanent-arrangement-20090513|archive-date=15 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> in May 2009. It was not until 2011 that another vocalist, [[Adam Lambert]], was recruited.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/feb/21/queen-adam-lambert-freddie-mercury| title=Queen's show goes on as Adam Lambert replaces Freddie Mercury| date=21 February 2012| author=Sean Michaels| work=[[The Guardian]]| access-date=14 December 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015714/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/feb/21/queen-adam-lambert-freddie-mercury| archive-date=10 December 2017| url-status=live}}</ref> Queen + Adam Lambert [[Queen + Adam Lambert Tour 2012|toured Europe in 2012]] and [[Queen + Adam Lambert Tour 2014–2015|toured the world tour over 2014 and 2015]]. Their most recent outing was the [[Queen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour|2016 Festival Tour]]. They also played the [[Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live|Big Ben New Year concert]] on New Year's Eve 2014 and New Year's Day 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/queen-adam-lambert|title=Queen and Adam Lambert to perform New Year's Eve concert broadcast on BBC One|publisher=BBC|language=en-GB|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023200247/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/queen-adam-lambert|archive-date=23 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===1983–1999: Side projects and solo works===
During 1983, several members of Queen explored side projects. On 21 and 22 April in Los Angeles, May was in a studio with [[Eddie Van Halen]], with no intention of recording anything. The result of the two-day session was a mini album titled ''[[Star Fleet Project]]'', which was not originally going to be released.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vhnd.com/2013/10/31/brian-may-and-friends-star-fleet-project/ |title='Brian May and Friends: Star Fleet Project' with EddieVvan Halen |last=VHND |date=31 October 2013 |website=vhnd.com |url-status=live |access-date=9 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411123650/http://www.vhnd.com/2013/10/31/brian-may-and-friends-star-fleet-project/ |archive-date=11 April 2019 }}</ref> In 1986, May contributed to former [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]] guitarist [[Steve Hackett]]'s album ''[[Feedback 86]]'', playing guitar on the track "Cassandra" and providing guitar and vocals for "Slot Machine", which May co-wrote. Although produced in 1986, the album was not released commercially until 2000. Another song co-written by May and Hackett during this period, "Don't Fall Away from Me", was eventually recorded by Hackett in 1992 for release on his ''The Unauthorised Biography'' compilation album. Also in 1986, May worked with actress [[Anita Dobson]] on her first album, most noted for the song "Anyone Can Fall in Love", which added lyrics to the ''[[EastEnders]]'' theme tune and reached number four on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in August 1986. May and Dobson married in 2000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smoothradio.com/features/brian-may-facts-wife-age-songs/ |title=Brian May: 9 interesting facts about the Queen guitarist |last=Eames |first=Tom |date=26 April 2019 |website=smoothradio.com |url-status=live |access-date=9 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222042432/https://www.smoothradio.com/features/brian-may-facts-wife-age-songs/ |archive-date=22 December 2019 }}</ref> In 1988, May contributed guitar solos to the song "When Death Calls" on [[Black Sabbath]]'s 14th album ''[[Headless Cross (album)|Headless Cross]]'', and the [[Living in a Box]] track "Blow The House Down" on the album ''[[Gatecrashing (album)|Gatecrashing]]''.<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=mw0000200136|pure_url=yes}} "''Gatecrashing'' credits"]. AllMusic. Retrieved 27 October 2019</ref> Both albums were released in 1989.

{{Quote box
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 | source =&nbsp;—[[Joe Satriani]]<ref name="Jackson2011">Jackson, Laura (2011). [https://books.google.com/books?id=9bMW7YFSiuoC&pg=PT84 "Brian May: The Definitive Biography"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210170239/https://books.google.com/books?id=9bMW7YFSiuoC&pg=PT84 |date=10 February 2017 }}. Hachette. Retrieved 26 April 2012</ref>
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In the aftermath of the November 1991 [[Death of Freddie Mercury|death of Mercury]], May chose to deal with his grief by committing himself as fully as possible to work, first by finishing his solo album, ''[[Back to the Light]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-to-the-light-mw0000093065|title=Back to the Light – Brian May {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits {{!}} AllMusic|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208123940/https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-to-the-light-mw0000093065|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and then touring worldwide to promote it. He frequently remarked in press interviews that this was the only form of self-prescribed therapy he could think of.<ref>{{cite web |last=Horne |first=Nicky |url=http://queen.musichall.cz/en/interviews/brian-may-talk-radio-98.html |title=Queen – Royal Legend: Interviews: Brian May: Talk Radio '98 |work=Queen.musichall.cz |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928205737/http://queen.musichall.cz/en/interviews/brian-may-talk-radio-98.html |archive-date=28 September 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Def Leppard]] lead singer [[Joe Elliott]], "It was undoubtedly an enormous and terrible blow to lose someone he was so close to. Personally, I know it ripped the heart out of Brian, but having said that, he was in great spirits after the album was finished."<ref name="Jackson2011"/> ''Back to the Light'' featured the single "[[Too Much Love Will Kill You]]", on which he collaborated as a songwriter with [[Frank Musker]] and Elizabeth Lamers. A version with Freddie Mercury's vocals was later released on the Queen album ''[[Made in Heaven]]'' and won the [[Ivor Novello Award]] for Best Song Musically & Lyrically in 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Nigel Hunter|title=Anniversaries Abound at Novello Awards|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KBAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA48|date=21 June 1997|page=48|access-date=12 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313145121/https://books.google.com/books?id=KBAEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA48|archive-date=13 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In late 1992, [[the Brian May Band]] was officially formed. May had loosely formed an earlier version of the band for 19&nbsp;October 1991, when May took part in the Guitar Legends guitar festival in [[Seville]], Spain. The line-up for his performance was May on vocals and lead guitar, [[Cozy Powell]] on drums and percussion, [[Mike Moran (music producer)|Mike Moran]] and [[Rick Wakeman]] on keyboards, and [[Maggie Ryder]], [[Miriam Stockley]] and [[Chris Thompson (English musician)|Chris Thompson]] on backing vocals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jazzbluesrock.online/2018/12/guitar-legends-expo-92-sevilla/ |title=Guitar Legends – Expo '92 Sevilla |website=jazzbluesrock.online |url-status=live |access-date=9 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929111419/http://jazzbluesrock.online/2018/12/guitar-legends-expo-92-sevilla/ |archive-date=29 September 2019 }}</ref> The original line-up was May on vocals and lead guitar, Powell on drums and percussion, [[Michael Casswell]] on guitar, [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] on bass, and Ryder, Stockley and Thompson on backing vocals. This version of the band was together only during the South American support tour (supporting [[The B-52's]] and [[Joe Cocker]]) on five dates.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lemieux|first1=Patrick|title=The Queen Chronology|date=2018|publisher=Lulu|page=137|edition=2nd}}</ref>

May later made significant changes, feeling the group never quite gelled. May brought guitarist [[Jamie Moses]] on board to replace Mike Caswell. The backing vocalists, Ryder, Stockley and Thompson, were replaced by [[Catherine Porter]] and [[Shelley Preston]]. On 23&nbsp;February 1993, this new line-up of The Brian May Band began its world tour in the US, supporting [[Guns N' Roses]] and headlining a few dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/brian.htm#1993bttlnorthamerica1|title=1993 Back To The Light North American Tour (1st leg)|publisher=Ultimatequeen.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928215832/http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/brian.htm#1993bttlnorthamerica1|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour included dates in North America, Europe (support act: Valentine) and Japan. On 15 June 1993, the band did a show in London that would end up as [[The Brian May Band]]'s only release as a collective, namely [[Live at the Brixton Academy (Brian May album)|Live at the Brixton Academy]]. At the show, May would sing a few lines of [[Love of My Life (Queen song)|"Love of My Life"]], and then, as Mercury used to, let the audience join in.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UIP2XTztUI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/7UIP2XTztUI| archive-date=11 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Brian May-Love Of My Life Live At The Brixton Academy 1993|date=22 March 2011 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> After the tour ended on 18&nbsp;December 1993, May returned to the studio with fellow surviving Queen band members Roger Taylor and [[John Deacon]] to work on tracks that became ''Made in Heaven'', the final Queen studio album.<ref name="Buckley">Buckley, Peter (2003). "The Rough Guide to Rock". p.837. Rough Guides, 2003</ref> The band took Mercury's solo album demos and last recordings, which he managed to perform in the studio after the album ''Innuendo'' was finished, and completed them with their additions both musically and vocally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/the-band/discography/made-heaven/|title=Made in Heaven|publisher=Queenonline.com|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705100644/http://www.queenonline.com/en/the-band/discography/made-heaven/|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> After Mercury's death, work on the album by Deacon and May began originally in 1992 but was left until a later date due to other commitments.<ref name="Buckley"/>

In 1995, May began working on a new solo album of covers tentatively titled ''Heroes'', in addition to working on various film and television projects<ref>{{IMDb name|id=0006190|name=Brian May}}</ref> and other collaborations. May subsequently changed the approach from covers to focus on those collaborations and new material. The songs included ''[[Another World (Brian May album)|Another World]]'', and featured mainly [[Spike Edney]], Cozy Powell, Neil Murray and Jamie Moses. On 5&nbsp;April 1998, Cozy Powell was killed in a car accident on the [[M4 motorway]] near [[Bristol]], England. This incident caused an unexpected disruption to the upcoming tour for the Brian May Band, which now needed a new drummer on short notice. [[Steve Ferrone]] was brought on to help May finish recording the drum tracks and join the band for the early stage promotional tour of five dates in Europe before the world tour. Following the early promotional tour, [[Eric Singer]] replaced him on the 1998 world tour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Brian May Band {{!}} TheAudioDB.com |url=https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/139389-The-Brian-May-Band |access-date=7 June 2024 |website=www.theaudiodb.com}}</ref>

The 1998 tour saw the brief introduction of a 'support act' known as T. E. Conway.  Conway (Brian May in a wig and colourful suit playing the part of a [[teddy boy]] crooner) would play several 1950s [[rock and roll]] standards before May's 'arrival'.  A bonus T. E. Conway EP titled ''Retro Rock Special'' was attached to some pressings of the ''Another World'' album.  The Conway character was retired at the end of the tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/brian-may-guide-queen-guitarists-eccentricities-obessions/|first=Adam|last=White|title=From badgers to flamboyant alter egos: a guide to the strange obsessions of Queen's Brian May|date=19 July 2017|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121165845/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/brian-may-guide-queen-guitarists-eccentricities-obessions/|archive-date=21 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 1999, May recorded lead guitars for the Guns N' Roses song "Catcher in the Rye" on ''[[Chinese Democracy]]'', but his performance was removed from the album by the time it was released in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/07/brian-may-chinese-democracy|title=Brian May dropped from Guns N' Roses album|last=Anthony|first=James|date=7 November 2008|website=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=4 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625022027/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/07/brian-may-chinese-democracy|archive-date=25 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000–2010===
[[File:Queen 2005 1010016.JPG|thumb|May performing in Frankfurt in 2005]]
From his last solo release in 1998, May has been performing as a solo artist, as part of an ensemble, and infrequently as Queen with Roger Taylor. On 22&nbsp;October 2000, he made a guest appearance at the [[Motörhead]] 25th Anniversary show at [[Brixton Academy]] along with [[Eddie Clarke (musician)|Eddie Clarke]] (former Motörhead guitarist) for the encore song "[[Overkill (Motörhead song)|Overkill]]". As part of the [[Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II]] celebrations on 3&nbsp;June 2002, May performed a [[guitar solo]] of "[[God Save the Queen]]" from the roof of [[Buckingham Palace]], with the performance appearing on the 30th Anniversary DVD edition of ''A Night at the Opera''.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/2024971.stm "Palace party draws 15m viewers"]. BBC. Retrieved 27 September 2016</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-night-at-the-opera-30th-anniversary-cddvd-r811132|title=A Night at the Opera, 30th Anniversary CD/DVD|work=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327103207/http://www.allmusic.com/album/a-night-at-the-opera-30th-anniversary-cddvd-r811132|archive-date=27 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> May played guitar on the song "Someone to Die For" on the ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'' [[Spider-Man 2 (soundtrack)|soundtrack]] in 2004.<ref>{{cite web| url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r694754|pure_url=yes}}| title= Billboard Albums: Spider-Man 2| website=[[AllMusic]]| access-date=27 September 2016}}</ref>

On the Queen's birthday honours list of 2005, he was made a [[Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire]] "for services to the music industry and for charity work".<ref name=gazette>{{London Gazette|issue=57665 |date=11 June 2005 |page=8 |supp=y }}</ref> In the same year he played the guitar on the song ''Il mare...'' for Italian singer [[Zucchero Fornaciari]], on his album ''[[Zu & Co.]]'', and he took part in the concert at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London held in May 2004, with the other guests of the Italian bluesman. May was a celebrity guest at the Genesis reunion concert at [[Twickenham Stadium]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://worldofgenesis.com/TheMusic-MichaelHobson-Interview2007.htm | title= A Conversation With Michael Hobson From The Music.Com | publisher= World of Genesis | first= David | last= Negrin | access-date= 29 July 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110354/http://worldofgenesis.com/TheMusic-MichaelHobson-Interview2007.htm | archive-date= 4 March 2016 | url-status= live }}</ref> May and Genesis frontman [[Phil Collins]] worked together on two previous occasions, at [[The Prince's Trust]] Rock Gala in 1988 and the [[Party at the Palace]] in 2002, when Collins had played drums with Queen. In 2011 he contributed to a feature about Collins for ''[[FHM]]'', praising him as "a great guy and an amazing drummer".<ref>Fitzpatrick, Rob. "'I'm The Antichrist of Music' Immensely popular for decades, yet a permanent resident on music's outermost fringes of fashionability, Phil Collins would like to apologise. Are you ready to forgive?". ''[[FHM]]''. April 2011.</ref>

During the late 1960s, May became an enthusiast of stereoscope photographs, as a child, and first encountered the work of [[Thomas Richard Williams]]. In 2003, May announced a search to identify the actual location of the ''Scenes in Our Village'' images. In 2004 May reported that he had identified the location as the village of [[Hinton Waldrist]] in Oxfordshire.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brianmay.com/brian/magsandpress/SWvol30no1_04/villagefound.html |title=New light on T.R. Williams: "Our Village" found at last! |author=Brian May |date=1 April 2004 |work=Stereoworld magazine |access-date=23 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802162459/https://www.brianmay.com/brian/magsandpress/SWvol30no1_04/villagefound.html |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> Along with [[Elena Vidal]], May released a historical book in 2009 titled ''[[A Village Lost and Found|A Village Lost and Found: Scenes in Our Village]]''.<ref name=lostandfound>{{cite book |last1=May |first1=Brian |author-link1=Brian May |last2=Vidal |first2=Elena |title=A Village Lost and Found |url=http://www.londonstereo.com/book.html |format=book with stereoscopic viewer |publisher=[[Frances Lincoln Publishers|Frances Lincoln]] |isbn=978-0-7112-3039-2 |date=22 December 2009 |access-date=15 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823094230/http://www.londonstereo.com/book.html |archive-date=23 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The book is an annotated collection of [[stereoscopic photograph]]s taken by the [[Victorian era]] photographer [[Thomas Richard Williams|T. R. Williams]]. It included a focusing [[stereoscope]].<ref name="youtube=EqdysAwevrc">{{cite web |author1=Brian May Official |title=BRIAN MAY ON HIS LATEST STEREOSCOPIC CREATION: THE STEAMPUNK OWL |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqdysAwevrc |via=YouTube  |date=18 November 2020 |access-date=24 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="arstechnica/2016/12/may-owl-vr">{{cite web |last1=Anthony |first1=Sebastian |title=Queen's Brian May unveils Owl VR: His Victorian take on Google Cardboard |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/12/brian-may-owl-vr-details-price-bohemian-rhapsody/ |website=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=24 March 2023 |language=en-us |date=26 December 2016}}</ref> May used a 3D camera to document the history of Queen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Experience life in 3D with the Owl Sterescopic viewer |url=https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/01/24/experience-life-in-3d-with-the-owl-sterescopic-viewer/ |website=The Gadgeteer |access-date=24 March 2023 |date=24 January 2018}}</ref>

[[File:Brian May.JPG|thumb|left|180px|May performing in Chile, November 2008]]
May worked extensively with stage actress and singer [[Kerry Ellis]] after he cast her in the musical ''[[We Will Rock You (musical)|We Will Rock You]]''. He produced and arranged her debut studio album ''[[Anthems (Kerry Ellis album)|Anthems]]'' (2010), a follow-up to her extended play ''[[Wicked in Rock]]'' (2008), as well as appearing with Ellis at many public performances—playing guitar alongside her. He also contributed a guitar solo to [[Meat Loaf]]'s ''[[Hang Cool, Teddy Bear]]'' album in exchange for the use of drummer [[John Miceli]].

On 20&nbsp;May 2009, May and Queen bandmate Roger Taylor performed "We Are the Champions" live on the season finale of ''[[American Idol]]'' with winner [[Kris Allen]] and runner-up Adam Lambert providing a vocal duet.<ref name="AIdol">{{cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1611896/20090520/queen.jhtml |title=Kris Allen, Adam Lambert Tear Up Queen's 'We Are The Champions' |publisher=[[MTV]] |date=20 May 2009 |access-date=26 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401155919/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1611896/20090520/queen.jhtml |archive-date=1 April 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In November 2009, May appeared with Taylor on ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'', with Queen mentoring the contestants, then later performed "Bohemian Rhapsody". In April 2010, May founded the "Save Me" 2010 project to work against any proposed repeal of the British fox-hunting ban, and to promote animal welfare in Britain.<ref name="save-me.org.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.save-me.org.uk/ |title=Save Me 2010 &#124; Home – Welcome |work=Save-me.org.uk |publisher=Duck Productions |access-date=24 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102000931/http://www.save-me.org.uk/ |archive-date=2 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2011, it was announced that May would tour with Kerry Ellis, playing 12 dates across the UK in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/brian.htm#2011kerryellistour|title=2011 Brian May Concertography: Kerry Ellis 'Anthems' Tour|publisher=Ultimatequeen.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928215832/http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/brian.htm#2011kerryellistour|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2004–2009: Queen + Paul Rodgers===
{{Main|Queen + Paul Rodgers}}
[[File:2005 Queen + Paul Rodgers.jpg|thumb|2005 [[Queen + Paul Rodgers Tour]].|right]]

At the end of 2004, May and Taylor announced that they would reunite and return to touring in 2005, with Paul Rodgers, the founder and former lead singer of Free and Bad Company. Brian May's website also stated that Rodgers would be "featured with" Queen as Queen + Paul Rodgers, not replacing the late Freddie Mercury. The retired John Deacon would not be participating.<ref name="bmcom_jdr">{{cite web |title=Queen News March&nbsp;2006 |publisher=brianmay.com |url=http://brianmay.com/queen/queennews/queennewsmar06c.html |access-date=19 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829024507/http://brianmay.com/queen/queennews/queennewsmar06c.html |archive-date=29 August 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Between 2005 and 2006 Queen and Paul Rodgers embarked on a [[Queen + Paul Rodgers Tour|world tour]], the first leg being Europe and the second, Japan and the US in 2006.<ref name="Queen2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/queenpr.htm|title=Queen + Paul Rodgers Concertography|publisher=Ultimatequeen.co.uk|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928215806/http://www.ultimatequeen.co.uk/live/queenpr.htm|archive-date=28 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> On 25&nbsp;May 2006, Queen received the inaugural [[VH1 Rock Honors]] at the [[Mandalay Bay Events Center]] in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], Nevada, and May and Taylor were joined on stage with the [[Foo Fighters]] to perform a selection of Queen songs.<ref name="Queen2006"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/89881/queen-foo-fighters-we-will-rock-you-we-are-the-champions-live-at-rock-honors-2006.jhtml|title=Queen & Foo Fighters "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions" Live at Rock Honors 2006|publisher=VH1|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701142745/http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/89881/queen-foo-fighters-we-will-rock-you-we-are-the-champions-live-at-rock-honors-2006.jhtml|archive-date=1 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 15&nbsp;August 2006, May confirmed through his website and fan club that Queen + Paul Rodgers would begin producing their first studio album in October, to be recorded at a "secret location".<ref>{{cite web |last=May |first=Brian |date=15 August 2006 |title=USA Convention Story and Queen and Paul Rodgers Heading Towards a Studio Assignation |url=http://brianmay.com/brian/brianssb/brianssbaug06a.html#06 |access-date=19 December 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524213012/http://brianmay.com/brian/brianssb/brianssbaug06a.html%2306 |archive-date=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The album, titled ''[[The Cosmos Rocks]]'', was released in Europe on 12&nbsp;September 2008 and in the United States on 28&nbsp;October 2008. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a tour through Europe and parts of the US, opening on [[Freedom Square, Kharkiv|Kharkiv's freedom square]] in front of 350,000 Ukrainian fans.<ref name="Kharkiv">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/competitions/2009/06/18/win-queen-paul-rodgers-live-in-ukraine-dvds-86908-21450854/|title=Queen & Paul Rodgers – Live In Ukraine DVDs!|work=Daily Record|location=Scotland|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305075556/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/competitions/2009/06/18/win-queen-paul-rodgers-live-in-ukraine-dvds-86908-21450854/|archive-date=5 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The show in Ukraine was later [[Live in Ukraine|released on DVD]].<ref name="Kharkiv"/> Queen and Paul Rodgers officially split up on 12&nbsp;May 2009. Rodgers did not rule out the possibility of working together again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/81670/queen |title=Paul Rodgers, Queen Split: "It Was Never a Permanent Arrangement" |access-date=14 May 2009 |date=13 May 2009 |publisher=[[idiomag]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529234943/http://www.idiomag.com/peek/81670/queen |archive-date=29 May 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/81817/queen |title=Queen and Paul Rodgers split |access-date=14 May 2009 |date=14 May 2009 |publisher=[[idiomag]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529234652/http://www.idiomag.com/peek/81817/queen |archive-date=29 May 2009 }}</ref>

===2011–present===

On 18&nbsp; April 2011, [[Lady Gaga]] confirmed that May would play guitar on her track "[[You and I (Lady Gaga song)|You and I]]" from her latest album ''[[Born This Way (album)|Born This Way]]'', released on 23&nbsp;May 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lady Gaga Confirms new single to be Yoü and I |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a331215/lady-gaga-confirms-new-single-you-and-i.html |first=Lewis |last=Corner |date=22 July 2011 |access-date=19 November 2018 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024195208/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a331215/lady-gaga-confirms-new-single-you-and-i.html |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> May joined Gaga on stage during the performance of "You and I" at the [[2011 MTV Video Music Awards]] held at [[Microsoft Theater|Nokia Theatre]] in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669859/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-video-music-awards.jhtml|title=Lady Gaga Bends Gender, Minds With VMA Monologue|date=5 May 2011|access-date=9 May 2011|publisher=MTV (MTV Networks)|first=James|last=Dinh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018133609/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669859/lady-gaga-jo-calderone-video-music-awards.jhtml|archive-date=18 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> May performed with [[Tangerine Dream]] at the [[Starmus Festival]] on [[Tenerife]] in June 2011, celebrating the 50th anniversary of [[Yuri Gagarin]]'s first spaceflight.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Sonic Universe featuring Brian May on 25th April |url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-tangerine-dream-release-starmus-sonic-universe-featuring-brian-may-on-25th-april/ |work=The Official Queen Website |access-date=6 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703121838/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-tangerine-dream-release-starmus-sonic-universe-featuring-brian-may-on-25th-april/ |archive-date=3 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

May performed "We Will Rock You" and "[[Welcome to the Black Parade]]" with the rock band [[My Chemical Romance]] at the [[Reading Festival]] on 26&nbsp;August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/my-chemical-romance/58869|title=My Chemical Romance joined by Queen's Brian May at Reading Festival|date=26 August 2011|work=NME|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141113132827/http://www.nme.com/news/my-chemical-romance/58869|archive-date=13 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 October, May made an appearance to celebrate the reunion of rock band [[The Darkness (band)|The Darkness]] at an "intimate" [[100 Club]] show with support from [[Dark Stares]].<ref name="The Darkness Wow The 100 Club At Intimate Show">{{cite web |url= http://www.justinhawkinsrocks.co.uk/index.php?start_from=308&ucat=&archive=&subaction=&id=& |title= The Darkness Wow The 100 Club At Intimate Show |date= 11 October 2011 |publisher= [[Justin Hawkins|JustinHawkinsRocks.co.uk]] |access-date= 12 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140222143856/http://www.justinhawkinsrocks.co.uk/index.php?start_from=308&ucat=&archive=&subaction=&id=& |archive-date= 22 February 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="The Darkness @ 100 Club 10 October 2011">{{cite web |url= http://planetmusicreviews.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/the-darkness-100-club-10th-october-2011/ |title= The Darkness @ 100 Club 10th October 2011 |date= 13 October 2011 |publisher= Planet Music Reviews |access-date= 12 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150225231249/https://planetmusicreviews.wordpress.com/2011/10/13/the-darkness-100-club-10th-october-2011/ |archive-date= 25 February 2015 |url-status= live }}</ref> A long-time fan of the group, May performed three songs onstage with The Darkness, including Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down", at the [[Hammersmith Apollo]] on their subsequent "comeback" tour.<ref name="Queen Guitarist Brian May Joins The Darkness On Stage">{{cite web |url= http://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-guitarist-brian-may-joins-the-darkness-on-stage/ |title= Queen Guitarist Brian May Joins The Darkness On Stage |date= 26 December 2011 |publisher= [[Ultimate Classic Rock]] |access-date= 12 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140912170303/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-guitarist-brian-may-joins-the-darkness-on-stage/ |archive-date= 12 September 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref><ref name="Queen's Brian May Performs With The Darkness In London">{{cite web |url= http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/queen-s-brian-may-performs-with-the-darkness-in-london-pro-shot-video-available/ |title= Queen's Brian May Performs with the Darkness In London |date= 26 December 2011 |publisher= Blabber Mouth |access-date= 12 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140912164641/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/queen-s-brian-may-performs-with-the-darkness-in-london-pro-shot-video-available/ |archive-date= 12 September 2014 |url-status= live }}</ref>

At the [[2011 MTV Europe Music Awards]] on 6&nbsp;November, Queen received the [[MTV Europe Music Award for Global Icon|Global Icon Award]], which [[Katy Perry]] presented to Brian May.<ref name="EMA"/> Queen closed the awards ceremony, with Adam Lambert on vocals, performing "The Show Must Go On", "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions".<ref name="EMA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/news/61c139e8-katy-perry-adam-lambert-honour-queen/|title=Katy and Adam Honour Queen|work=MTV Australia|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912235351/http://www.mtv.com.au/news/61c139e8-katy-perry-adam-lambert-honour-queen/|archive-date=12 September 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The collaboration garnered a positive response from both fans and critics, resulting in speculation about future projects together.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/17100301|title=Adam Lambert to perform with Queen at Sonisphere|work=BBC News|access-date=27 September 2014|date=20 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724202732/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/17100301|archive-date=24 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Queen + Adam Lambert]] played two shows at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, on 11 and 12 July 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-play-hammersmith/|title=Press Release: Queen To Play Hammersmith|date=12 April 2012|access-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414172737/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-play-hammersmith/|archive-date=14 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/497064/queen-adam-lambert-playing-four-shows-this-summer|title=Queen + Adam Lambert Playing Four Shows This Summer|date=9 April 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703083808/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/497064/queen-adam-lambert-playing-four-shows-this-summer|archive-date=3 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Both shows sold out within 24 hours of tickets going on open sale.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/queen-adam-lambert-hammersmith-shows-general-sale-now/|title=Queen + Adam Lambert Hammersmith Shows – Sold Out|date=19 April 2012|access-date=19 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420211545/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/queen-adam-lambert-hammersmith-shows-general-sale-now/|archive-date=20 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> A third London date was added for 14&nbsp;July.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/instant-sell-queen-adam-lambert-060000198.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708160118/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/instant-sell-queen-adam-lambert-060000198.html|url-status=dead|title=After 'Instant' Sell-out, Queen and Adam Lambert Add Third London Dat...|date=8 July 2012|archive-date=8 July 2012|website=Archive.today|access-date=6 April 2018}}</ref> On 30&nbsp;June, Queen + Lambert performed in [[Kyiv]], Ukraine at a joint concert with [[Elton John]] for the Elena Pinchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-rock-kiev-with-adam-lambert/|title=Queen Rock Kiev With Adam Lambert|work=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|date=July 2012 |access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115014056/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-rock-kiev-with-adam-lambert/|archive-date=15 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Queen also performed with Lambert on 3&nbsp;July 2012 at Moscow's [[Olympic Stadium (Moscow)|Olympic Stadium]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-will-rock-moscow/|title=Press Release: Queen + Adam Lambert Will Rock Moscow|date=28 February 2012|access-date=6 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530215425/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-will-rock-moscow/|archive-date=30 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/02/adam-lambert-has-second-show-with-queen/1|title=Adam Lambert has second show with Queen|work=USA Today|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430055508/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/02/adam-lambert-has-second-show-with-queen/1|archive-date=30 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and on 7&nbsp;July 2012 at the [[Stadion Miejski (Wrocław)|Municipal Stadium]] in Wroclaw, Poland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-announce-poland-show/|title=Press Release: Queen + Adam Lambert Announce Poland Show|date=27 April 2012|access-date=6 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724133952/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-announce-poland-show/|archive-date=24 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Brian May & Roger Taylor @ London - 2012 (36082808132).jpg|thumb|upright|May with Taylor (right) and [[Jessie J]] in August 2012]]
In January 2012, May featured on [[N-Dubz]] frontman [[Dappy]]'s solo single "[[Rockstar (Dappy song)|Rockstar]]",<ref name="Dappy 'pays tribute to Amy Winehouse'">{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/queen/61513 |title=Dappy says his hook-up with Queen's Brian May 'pays tribute to Amy Winehouse and 27 club' |work=[[NME]] |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912163210/http://www.nme.com/news/queen/61513 |archive-date=12 September 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> providing "rumbling guitar riffs which culminate in an electrifying solo".<ref name="'Rockstar' - Single review">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a366106/dappy-ft-brian-may-rockstar-single-review.html |title=Dappy ft. Brian May: 'Rockstar' – Single review |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=16 February 2012 |access-date=12 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726190803/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a366106/dappy-ft-brian-may-rockstar-single-review.html |archive-date=26 July 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The pair also collaborated on a performance of "We Will Rock You" for [[BBC Radio 1]]'s [[Live Lounge]].<ref name="Dappy Will Rock You in the Live Lounge">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00pjhv2 |title=Dappy & Brian May perform We Will Rock You in the Live Lounge |publisher=BBC |date=27 February 2012 |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021220851/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00pjhv2 |archive-date=21 October 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Queen performed at the [[2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony|closing ceremony]] of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] in London on 12&nbsp;August 2012.<ref name="Olympics2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/jessie-j/news/queen-olympics-closing-ceremony/|title=Olympics Closing Ceremony: Jessie J Joins Queen For 'We Will Rock You' Performance|date=12 August 2012|work=[[Capital (radio network)|Capital]]|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816001359/http://www.capitalfm.com/artists/jessie-j/news/queen-olympics-closing-ceremony/|archive-date=16 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> May performed part of the "[[Brighton Rock (song)|Brighton Rock]]" solo before being joined by Taylor and solo artist [[Jessie J]] for a performance of "We Will Rock You".<ref name="Olympics2012"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/london-2012/9470803/Olympics-closing-ceremony-playlist.html|title=Olympics closing ceremony – playlist|date=12 August 2012|work=The Telegraph|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915194025/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/london-2012/9470803/Olympics-closing-ceremony-playlist.html|archive-date=15 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16&nbsp;September 2012, May appeared at the Sunflower Jam charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall, performing alongside bassist [[John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones]] (of [[Led Zeppelin]]), drummer [[Ian Paice]] (of [[Deep Purple]]), and vocalists [[Bruce Dickinson]] (of [[Iron Maiden]]) and [[Alice Cooper]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/66153|title=Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden and Queen band members perform at charity rock show|date=17 September 2012|work=NME|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102102014/http://www.nme.com/news/led-zeppelin/66153|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In a 2013 [[West End theatre|West End]] run of ''[[Spamalot]]'' (the musical adaptation of [[Monty Python]]'s 1975 film ''[[Monty Python and the Holy Grail]]''), May was among the celebrities who played the part of voicing God for a week in aid of charity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spamalotwestend.co.uk/news |title = Spamalot Latest News Monty Python Spamalot in London 2013 | access-date=13 June 2022 }}</ref> In 2015, May played guitar on the end credits song "One Voice" from the film ''[[A Dog Named Gucci]]''. The song also features the talents of: [[Norah Jones]], [[Aimee Mann]], [[Susanna Hoffs]], [[Lydia Loveless]], [[Neko Case]], and [[Kathryn Calder]]. It was produced by Dean Falcone, who wrote the film's score. "One Voice" was released on [[Record Store Day]], 16&nbsp;April 2016, with profits from the sale of the single going to benefit animal charities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dvdandblu-rayreleasereport.blogspot.com/2016/03/filmmaker-gorman-bechards-dog-named.html|title=DVD & Blu-Ray Release Report: Filmmaker Gorman Bechard's A Dog Named Gucci To Make Its DVD Debut On Apr. 19|last=Tribbey|first=Ralph|date=19 March 2016|website=DVD & Blu-Ray Release Report|access-date=12 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006093341/http://dvdandblu-rayreleasereport.blogspot.com/2016/03/filmmaker-gorman-bechards-dog-named.html|archive-date=6 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

Welsh electronic musician [[Jayce Lewis]] collaborated with May in 2018 on the song ''We Are One'', taken from Lewis' 2018 album release ''Million''. Incorporating a repurposed ''Finger tapping/Hammering'' riff from May's solo track ''Cyborg'' from his album; [[Another World (Brian May album)|Another World]], both artists re-recorded May's guitar at a slower speed, and included it to the new song composition.<ref name="queenonline.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.queenonline.com/news/we-are-one-jayce-lewis-ft-brian-may|title=QueenOnline.com – News|website=queenonline.com|accessdate=25 February 2024}}</ref><ref name="brianmay.com">{{cite web | url=https://brianmay.com/brian-news/2018/01/we-are-one-jayce-lewis-ft-brian-may/ | title='We Are One' – Jayce Lewis ft Brian May | date=9 January 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.queenvault.com/BrianMayCollaborations/ | title=QueenVault – Brian May Collaborations | website=Queen Vault }}</ref>

On 29&nbsp;March 2019, May inducted Def Leppard into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/news/brian-inducts-def-leppard-to-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame|title=Brian Inducts Def Leppard To Rock n' Roll Hall Of Fame|work=Queen Online|date=30 March 2019|access-date=29 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506062312/http://www.queenonline.com/news/brian-inducts-def-leppard-to-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame|archive-date=6 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He worked with contemporary metal band [[Five Finger Death Punch]] and blues artist [[Kenny Wayne Shepherd]] to re-record a new version of "[[Blue on Black]]" in support of The [[Gary Sinise]] Foundation in April 2019. The artists came together to merge [[Country music|country]] and [[mainstream rock]] to re-create the classic song originally co-written by Shepherd.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/amp/2019/Brian-May-Queen-just-released-a-new-song-with-metal-band-Five-Finger-Death-Punch | title = Brian May just released a new song with metal band Five Finger Death Punch | date = 10 April 2019 | access-date = 10 April 2019 | work = Raw Music TV | url-status = live | df = mdy-all | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190412114517/https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/amp/2019/Brian-May-Queen-just-released-a-new-song-with-metal-band-Five-Finger-Death-Punch | archive-date = 12 April 2019 }}</ref>

In 2024, May contributed guitar to a re-release of [[Mark Knopfler]]'s "[[Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero]]" in aid of the [[Teenage Cancer Trust]].<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.nme.com/news/music/mark-knopfler-recruits-bruce-springsteen-brian-may-ronnie-wood-teenage-cancer-trust-single-3584338 | title= Mark Knopfler recruits Bruce Springsteen, Brian May, Ronnie Wood and more for Teenage Cancer Trust single | work=NME | first=Liberty | last=Dunworth | date=8 February 2024 | access-date=4 March 2024}}</ref>

====Queen + Adam Lambert====
{{Main|Queen + Adam Lambert}}
Not long after performing with ''American Idol'' finalists Kris Allen and Adam Lambert during the programme's season finale in 2009, May and Taylor began contemplating the future of Queen after the group's amicable split with frontman Paul Rodgers. At the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards, Queen was presented with that year's Global Icon Award, accepted by May. As part of the broadcast, Queen performed a short set with Lambert, receiving an overwhelmingly welcoming response.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> Speculation regarding collaboration with Lambert soon arose, with the three formally announcing a short summer tour of Europe in 2012, including three dates at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, as well as shows in Ukraine, Russia and Poland.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/497064/queen-adam-lambert-playing-four-shows-this-summer |title=Queen + Adam Lambert Playing Four Shows This Summer |magazine=Billboard |date=9 April 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2012/02/adam-lambert-has-second-show-with-queen/1 |title=Adam Lambert has second show with Queen |work=USA Today |date=28 February 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Queen And Adam Lambert - The O2 - Tuesday 12th December 2017 QueenO2121217-45 (39066611155).jpg|thumb|left|[[Queen + Adam Lambert]] performing at [[The O2 Arena|the O<sub>2</sub> Arena]] in December 2017]]

The collaboration was revived in 2013, when the three performed together at the [[iHeartRadio Music Festival]] at the [[MGM Grand Hotel & Casino]] in Las Vegas on 20&nbsp;September.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lineup-announced-for-the-2013-iheartradio-festival/|title=Lineup announced for the 2013 iHeartRadio festival|date=15 July 2013|publisher=CBS News|access-date=27 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216220758/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lineup-announced-for-the-2013-iheartradio-festival/|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Five months later, May, Taylor and Lambert announced a 19-date summer tour of North America on ''[[Good Morning America]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/03/adam-lambert-to-join-queen-for-north-american-tour|title=Adam Lambert to join Queen for North American Tour|work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620211905/http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2014/03/adam-lambert-to-join-queen-for-north-american-tour/|archive-date=20 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Because of ticket demand, five dates were soon added.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/queen-and-adam-lamberts-tour-opener-5-things-we-learned-20140620|title=Queen and Adam Lambert's Tour Opener: 5 Things We Learned|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=16 June 2015|date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529200359/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/queen-and-adam-lamberts-tour-opener-5-things-we-learned-20140620|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2014, shows in Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/news/46350/queen-and-adam-lambert-announce-2014-australian-tour|title=Queen and Adam Lambert Announce 2014 Australian Tour|work=[[ARIA Charts]]|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200023/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/news/46350/queen-and-adam-lambert-announce-2014-australian-tour|archive-date=23 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and New Zealand<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/10274094/Queen-with-Lambert-announce-NZ-show|title=Queen with Lambert announce NZ show|work=Stuff|date=16 July 2014 |access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904041346/http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/10274094/Queen-with-Lambert-announce-NZ-show|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> were announced, along with festival performances in South Korea<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-to-play-korea-at-super-sonic-2014/|title=Press Release: Queen + Adam Lambert To Play Korea at Super Sonic 2014|work=QueenOnline|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609030051/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-to-play-korea-at-super-sonic-2014|archive-date=9 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-confirm-japanese-shows-at-summer-sonic-2014/|title=Press Release: Queen + Adam Lambert Confirm Summer Sonic 2014 in Japan|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083756/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-confirm-japanese-shows-at-summer-sonic-2014/|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour was extended to the UK and greater Europe in early 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/queen-adam-lambert-european-tour-tickets-on-general-sale|title=Queen + Adam Lambert European Tour: Now On General Sale / New London Date Added!|work=QueenOnline|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207160449/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/queen-adam-lambert-european-tour-tickets-on-general-sale/|archive-date=7 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The group performed together in South America in September 2015, including Queen's first performance at the [[Rock in Rio]] Festival since 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-to-rock-in-rio|title=Queen + Adam Lambert to Rock in Rio – Tickets Now On General Sale|work=QueenOnline|access-date=16 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617024441/http://www.queenonline.com/en/news-archive/press-release-queen-adam-lambert-to-rock-in-rio|archive-date=17 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Brian May Queen Adam Lambert 6 June 2022.jpg|thumb|May performing a solo of [[Antonín Dvořák|Dvořák]]'s ''[[Symphony No. 9 (Dvořák)|New World Symphony]]'' in a planet themed segment during a June 2022 Queen + Adam Lambert concert]]
In 2016, the group embarked across Europe and Asia on the Queen + Adam Lambert 2016 Summer Festival Tour. This included closing the [[Isle of Wight Festival 2016|Isle of Wight Festival]] in England on 12&nbsp;June where they performed "Who Wants to Live Forever" as a tribute to the victims of the [[Orlando nightclub shooting|mass shooting at a gay nightclub]] in Orlando, Florida earlier that day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Isle of Wight Festival: Queen pay tribute to Orlando shooting victims|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-36506969|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=14 June 2016|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827040251/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-36506969|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12&nbsp;September they performed at the [[Yarkon Park]] in Tel Aviv, Israel for the first time in front of 58,000 people.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=After Four Decades, Queen Rock Israel with Help From Adam Lambert|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/7504883/queen-rock-israel-tel-aviv-adam-lambert|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=16 September 2016|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003000312/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/7504883/queen-rock-israel-tel-aviv-adam-lambert|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018 the group had a residency in the MGM Park Theater in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite news|title=Queen + Adam Lambert announces Las Vegas residency|url=https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/dining-and-entertainment/queen-adam-lambert-announces-las-vegas-residency|publisher=[[KTNV-TV]]|date=7 May 2018|access-date=6 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006154754/https://www.ktnv.com/positivelylv/dining-and-entertainment/queen-adam-lambert-announces-las-vegas-residency|archive-date=6 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the collaboration remains active, there are currently no plans to record a studio album, though the three are willing to do so in the future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/brian-may-queen-is-not-working-on-new-music-with-singer-adam-lambert|title=Brian May: Queen Is Not Working On New Music With Singer Adam Lambert|work=BlabberMouth.net|access-date=16 June 2015|date=22 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525235416/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/brian-may-queen-is-not-working-on-new-music-with-singer-adam-lambert/|archive-date=25 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 31 March 2020, Queen + Adam Lambert confirmed that their touring dates were postponed until 2021 because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1262713/Queen-and-Adam-Lambert-UK-tour-cancelled-tickets-2021-Brian-May-Roger-Taylor |title=Queen and Adam Lambert UK tour Postponed to 2021: Brian May and Roger Taylor 'Devastated' |last=Simpson |first=George |date=31 March 2020 |website=Daily Express |url-status=live |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402003726/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/music/1262713/Queen-and-Adam-Lambert-UK-tour-cancelled-tickets-2021-Brian-May-Roger-Taylor |archive-date=2 April 2020 }}</ref>

On 4 June 2022, Queen + Adam Lambert opened the [[Platinum Party at the Palace]] outside Buckingham Palace to mark the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://platinumjubilee.gov.uk/event/platinum-party-at-the-palace/|title=The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022: BBC's Platinum Party at the Palace|website=UK Government|access-date=13 June 2022}}</ref> Performing a three-song set, May appeared in front of the [[Victoria Memorial, London|Victoria Memorial monument]] as they opened with "We Will Rock You" which had been introduced in a comedy segment where the Queen and [[Paddington Bear]] tapped their tea cups to the beat of the song.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61690149|title=Pop royalty and Paddington star at Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert|publisher=BBC|date=4 June 2022|access-date=13 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Paddington Bear joins the Queen for afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace – video |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2022/jun/04/paddington-bear-joins-the-queen-for-afternoon-tea-at-buckingham-palace-video |access-date=13 June 2022 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>