# The controversial guitarist Brian May called “absolutely my hero”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-controversial-guitarist-brian-may-called-absolutely-my-hero/
- Published: 2026-10-23T17:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:22:51+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-guitarist-brian-may-called-absolutely-my-hero/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Brian May called Eric Clapton his hero in 2001.
- May said Clapton had made mistakes but continued to grow.
- The article weighs Clapton’s guitar legacy against his views.

## Summary

Queen guitarist Brian May said in a 2001 Q&A that Eric Clapton remains his “absolute” hero, despite Clapton’s controversial views and actions. May’s admiration shows how a musician can continue to value an artist’s work while disagreeing with their conduct.

May praised Clapton for growing through mistakes, while the article notes his racist outbursts and vaccine scepticism. It contrasts Clapton’s public controversies with May’s advocacy for animal rights and LGBTQ+ causes, and his criticism of artificial intelligence in the arts.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.