What’s occurring, butt? Well, in true rock ’n’ roll fashion, Brian May only went and pulled off a sneaky live set to unleash his brand-new custom Gibson guitar. Yep – the Queen legend, knight of the realm, and astrophysics overlord swapped telescopes for power chords and gave fans a proper treat. 🤘
The Red Special Gets a Gibson Twist 🎶
Brian’s iconic Red Special – the homemade beast he built with his dad back in the ‘60s from fireplace wood and motorbike parts – is one of the most famous guitars in rock history. But now Gibson have stepped up, working with Sir Bri to create a special edition that blends his classic tone with Gibson’s craftsmanship.
Think: buttery sustain, warm mids, and riffs that could make Wembley quake. Fans are already drooling over the design – and, of course, the price tag might just make your wallet cry harder than Freddie’s high notes. 💸
Surprise Set for the Lucky Few 🎤
To celebrate the launch, Brian took to the stage for an unannounced set, blasting out a mix of Queen classics and a few deep cuts. Word is, he couldn’t resist dusting off “Tie Your Mother Down” and “We Will Rock You” – stomps and claps included. The crowd? Absolutely losing their minds, mun. 🏴🔥
A Knight, A Guitar, A Legacy 👑
It’s not just another signature model – it’s Brian May putting his stamp on a guitar giant like Gibson. Between his unique playing style (that sixpence instead of a plectrum!) and the endless singalong anthems Queen gave us, this feels like a celebration of his legacy as much as the instrument itself.
Tidy move, Bri. Proper job.
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
Comments