July 19

 Sir Brian May

July 19, 1947

Before taking over global concert stages, Brian May graduated with honors in physics and mathematics, even beginning a doctoral program to study interplanetary dust. He put his celestial research on hold to co-found Queen in 1970. He created a completely signature sound by playing the Red Special, an electric guitar he built by hand with his father using wood from an old fireplace mantel.

His layered orchestration techniques and brilliant lead guitar arrangements became a definitive cornerstone for the band. He fueled a historic run of global anthems, including writing masterpieces like We Will Rock You and Fat Bottomed Girls. He anchored the iconic four-piece lineup through massive stadium tours and landmark studio albums, remaining a driving creative force with the group through 1991. He later returned to his academic roots to complete his advanced science degree, and he continues to perform under the legendary band name on major international tours.

🎸 🎸 🎸

Allen Collins

July 19, 1952 – January 23, 1990

The fiery guitar solos of Allen Collins helped spark the massive sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd from their formative years up through 1977. He co-wrote many of the southern rock band's most famous anthems, including Free Bird and Gimme Three Steps. His aggressive playing style and sharp arrangements on his Gibson Explorer electric guitar became a definitive trademark of the group's signature three-guitar attack. He fueled their intense studio albums and high-energy concert tours, anchoring the lineup during their historic rise to national fame.

Following a devastating plane crash that halted the band, he eventually reunited with his surviving bandmates to form the Rossington Collins Band in 1979. He continued to handle guitar duties for that unit until 1982, and later formed the Allen Collins Band to keep his driving southern rock style alive on the music scene.

🎸 🎸 🎸

< Yesterday

Tomorrow >