Brian May Reveals the Heartbreaking Reason Behind His First Marriage Ending
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has opened up about the painful reasons behind the breakdown of his first marriage to Chrissie Mullen. Married for twelve years, the couple shares three children: James, Louisa, and Emily Ruth. While the marriage endured the whirlwind years of Queen’s touring, May confessed that the challenges of returning to a “normal life” ultimately contributed to its collapse.
Life on the Road and Its Impact on Family
In a 1998 interview with OK Magazine, May described the difficulty of adjusting to life away from the stage. “It’s very hard to adapt back to normal life,” he said. “I was married and I had kids, and the marriage survived the whole touring life really well. It was only when I stopped touring that things fell apart because we couldn’t adapt to living ‘a normal life.’”
May emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, his identity was not defined solely by his rock star status. “People thought I’d defined myself in terms of being a rock star, but I defined myself as a husband and a dad, above everything else,” he explained. “You look in the mirror and you’re utterly surprised that you look like a whole person because you feel like you’re not there.”
The End of the Marriage
The pressures of life offstage created an environment where May and Mullen struggled to reconnect. After twelve years of marriage, the couple divorced in 1988. Despite the love and commitment he felt for his family, May revealed that there was no realistic way to return to his first marriage. “Yes, there was the question, but it was just not possible – mainly because I’d fallen in love with someone else,” he said, referring to actress Anita Dobson.
A New Chapter with Anita Dobson
May and Anita Dobson began their relationship in 1986, during the final years of his marriage to Chrissie. Despite skepticism from some of those closest to him, including Queen bandmate Freddie Mercury and his manager, the couple persevered. “A lot of people, including Freddie, said it wouldn’t last. I think he thought we were both too volatile,” May recalled. His manager reportedly warned him, “Marry an actress? You must be kidding.”
Defying the doubts of friends and colleagues, May and Dobson eventually married in November 2000 and have now been together for almost 40 years. The longevity of their relationship stands as a testament to the enduring bond they share.
Reflections on Family and Identity
May’s reflections on his first marriage reveal a deep awareness of the challenges that fame and personal life can bring. Despite his global success, he prioritized his role as a father and husband, even when life on tour seemed incompatible with domestic stability. The story of his first marriage is a reminder that behind every iconic musician lies a human being navigating the complexities of love, family, and personal growth.
Today, May’s life reflects a balance he once struggled to find: a celebrated career in music, a fulfilling relationship with Dobson, and the joy of seeing his three children grow into adulthood. His journey underscores that even in the face of heartbreak, personal fulfillment and enduring love are possible.
