Celebrities IQ

What Is Brian May's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on June 28, 2024 | Updated on August 22, 2024

Image by Raph_PH, used under CC0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Brian May's IQ Is 170

Brian May is widely known as the talented guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen. With an impressive IQ of 170, he is not only a musical genius but also a brilliant mind. This high IQ shows in his academic achievements, including a PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College London.

Brian May's influence on music is profound. He is known for his distinctive sound and complex compositions. As the lead guitarist of Queen, he has defined some of the most iconic rock songs of all time, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love. Brian May's technique, including his use of a homemade guitar called the "Red Special", and his ability to blend rock with orchestral elements, has set him apart as a true musical genius. His contributions have not only shaped Queen's legendary status but have also inspired countless musicians across generations.

Interestingly, Brian May has expressed concerns about AI's impact on music creation, given his deep understanding of music. He has even suggested that 2023 might be the last year we can tell if a song was written by a human! However, this is not something everyone agrees with. It is often argued that AI will always lack the human touch of genuine artists such as Brian May.

In 2005, May was honored with the title "Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" for his musical achievements and charitable work. More recently, in 2023, he was knighted by King Charles III for his contributions to music and charity, earning him the title Sir Brian May.

Brian May's IQ

170

What Evidence Supports Brian May's IQ of 170?

Average Confidence Level

High

Brian May's IQ was calculated by taking into account the scores from four reputable sources, but only keeping the one provided by The Mirror, which is considered the most reliable.

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National Today

180 IQ

Daily Choices

170 IQ

The Mirror

170 IQ

The Richest

170 IQ

5 Life Achievements That Show How Smart Brian May Is

Astrophysics Ph.D.: Brian May completed his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Imperial College London in 2007. His research focused on interplanetary dust.
IQ of 170: Brian May has an IQ of 170, positioning him among the most intellectually gifted individuals globally.
Stereoscopic Society President: He served as the president of the London Stereoscopic Company, promoting the art and science of 3D imaging.
Authored Science Books: May co-authored several books on astronomy. These books allowed him to blend his scientific expertise with his passion for the subject.
Unique Guitar Inventor: He designed and built his own guitar, the 'Red Special', which contributed significantly to Queen's distinctive sound.

Image by Norbie, used under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Brian May's Score on the IQ Spectrum

Brian May's IQ of 170 is an extraordinary feat, which less than 1 in 500,000 people can achieve. With such a high IQ, he qualifies for membership in some of the most elite intellectual circles globally. He surpasses the entry requirements for Mensa, Intertel, the Triple Nine Society, and even the Epimetheus Society, which accepts only the top 0.003% of thinkers worldwide.

Image by Raph_PH, used under CC0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Brian May vs. Other Musicians: Here's How They Compare

Brian May's 170 IQ is genius-level. But how does it compare to some of the brightest music talents? Undoutedly, with such a high IQ, he's among the smartest musicians in the world.

A bit lower on the scale, Lady Gaga's alleged IQ of 166 shows her ability to create innovative music and reinvent herself. Her intellect, combined with her artistic vision, enables her to continually push the boundaries of pop culture.

Going down further but still within the genius range, Michael Jackson's IQ of 159 shows a genius that changed pop music and performance. His groundbreaking work set new standards for the entire industry.

Marilyn Manson, with an IQ of 155, mixes his controversial public image with a sharp mind and a talent for provoking thought. His ability to challenge societal norms through his music and persona highlights his intellectual depth.

Finally, Mozart's estimated IQ of 150 reminds us of his amazing talent and the lasting impact of his music. His compositions continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by kentarotakizawa under CC BY 2.0, Katie Krause under CC BY 3.0, John Bauld under CC BY 2.0, Alan Light under CC BY 2.0, Sven Mandel under CC BY-SA 4.0, Royal Opera House Covent Garden under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

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