The renowned Queen guitarist Brian May has been candid in expressing his displeasure and anxiety about the contemporary world, particularly the political climate in Britain. In a recent interview with I magazine, May criticized the UK’s Conservative government, which he blamed for the direction the country has taken.
Although he doesn’t consider himself particularly political, the legendary guitarist feels deeply disheartened by the current state of affairs. “These people could rig the next election as well,” May warned, referring to the Conservative party. “We could be stuck with the same people that we’ve had for the last 10 years who have wrecked Britain.”
The Queen band member laments the perceived disappearance of truth in the modern world, stating that it feels as if nobody cares about finding it anymore. He described the world as a “strange and screwed up place,” one that he finds discomforting.
“These people could also rig the next election. And we could end up with the same people we’ve had for the last ten years who destroyed Britain. I’m not a very political person. But I find it really frustrating that it’s so hard to get the truth these days.”
“In this century, the truth has evaporated. No one knows what the truth is anymore. It seems like no one cares. I find the world very strange and off kilter. I don’t feel comfortable in the world as it is now.”
May disclosed that he battles depression, which he believes to be a hereditary condition. However, he has found solace in music, which he credits as his therapy. “Music has fuelled my whole life. It saved my life a lot of times, because I’m a depressive person who has that on his back the whole time,” he admitted.
Recently, Brian May celebrated the release of the 40th-anniversary edition of the mini-album ‘Star Fleet Project’ that he worked on with Friends. The album, originally a three-song collection released in 1983, now features every track recorded during the original sessions. May worked with numerous artists, including the late guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, on this project.
The record was inspired by the music that played over the end credits of Star Fleet, a Japanese TV series from the early 1980s that was a favorite of Brian May’s son James. Despite the darkness of his worldview, it’s clear that music remains a vital source of inspiration and therapy for May, helping him to cope with his depression and navigate a world that he feels increasingly alienated from.
In the same vein, May also discussed a song he dedicated to his fellow guitar legend Eric Clapton, titled ‘Blues Breaker’, even though he reckons Clapton didn’t appreciate the tribute. Despite their potential disagreements, May continues to admire Clapton, mentioning that he still gets “goosebumps” when playing with him.
“There’s probably a lot of things I disagree with Eric about [probably referring to their political leanings and outlook on life in general], but that doesn’t change a thing. He was one of the biggest influences and inspirations in my life, and that will never change.”
“I always get goosebumps when I’m around him. When I played with him, the two times I did, it was an amazing time and experience.”
