**Tue 26 feb 13**
ThHE STRAT PACK - ALBERT LEE
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Charles Ross wrote:

Hi Brian

I've only just found "The Strat Pack" thanks to Netflix and I was quite interested by two things I saw.

First, you started by playing a Strat. Do you find you still tend to have that..."Brian May Sound" even when playing another guitar like that?

Secondly...I noticed that Albert Lee was there. The reason that I bring this up is that Albert is a guitarist that, thought I'd heard of him, I had never really paid him much attention.

That all changed when he played a gig in Edinburgh recently. My friend and I had made a promise that, now we're no longer students and now have full time jobs, we'd try and see as much live music as possible. The Albert Lee gig came up and we went along.

We were blown away by his style and skill on the guitar. He almost plays it like a banjo player. It's certainly another style, almost as distinctive as your own.

Do you ever feel that talented men such as Albert tend to get overlooked just because they never "made it" in mainstream music?

Please come play Edinburgh again...I would really enjoy hearing you play live again!

Cheers

Charles

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Brian replied:

Well, briefly, I guess I played that Strat in order to get away from the Brian May sound … and get close to Buddy's sound with the Crickets. Not sure if I succeeded !

RE: Albert … well, he might not be a household name like Clapton, but he is legendary among guitarists, and the nicest bloke you coul meet … so modest.

Yes, truly a virtuoso in a sphere all of his own.

Cheers

Bri

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**Tue 26 Feb 13**
MY MUM SAYS
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Kasper Malik wrote:

Hello Brian.

I write to you from Denmark. I'm a big fan of Queen, and listen to it often.

My Mum says she had met You ( and Freddie, John & Roger ) on a ferry called Englandsbåden(On Danish), that sailed from Esbjerg(DK) to Harwich(UK), in the late 60's - earl 70's. She also says that she got a poster from you with all your autograph on(but of course she can't find it). She can remember your big black hair.

So my question are; Can you confirm that you have ever been on that ferry, in the 60's 70's from Esbjerg to Harwich? I know its long time ago, but between us i don't believe my mum, its too good to be true.

Thank you.-
Kasper

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Brian replied:

It's highly probable ! Love to your Mum !

bri
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**Tue 26 Feb 13**
BADGERS
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Caroline Green wrote

This doesn't relate to The Badger Cull, but it does relate to the disgraceful murdering of badgers as beautiful, individual creatures.

I live in the Chew Valley - a lovely part of the world, except for having to run the gauntlet of dead badgers on the way to work from time to time. Every few weeks the side of the roads are littered with the bodies of badgers - too much of a coincidence to be mere traffic accidents. Rumour has it that local farmers target badgers by lacing doughnuts with paracetomol. Badgers of course eat the doughnuts and presumably have to endure long, painful deaths. To cover the tracks of their cruelty, the murderers hurl the badgers' bodies out of their vehicles so they're left by the side of the road.

I'm aware this is heresay and practically impossible to prove, but surely if this is true the slow inhumane poisoning of badgers can't be legal?? If it is then we should all be ashamed. If it's not sure there must be something we can do about it? It's heart-breaking.

Caroline

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Brian replied:

Thanks Caroline. You are not alone in asking this.

There is now hard scientific evidence to support the contention that a huge majority of dead badgers on the roads have been killed on farms.

This is an appalling situation, and one that, of course, the Government is ignoring. Law and order under this Coalition Government, has effectively broken down in the Countryside.

And mindless cruelty is rife.

Brian

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**Sat 23 Feb 13**
DOG BITES
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Linda Wilson wrote:

Brian please don't denigrate dogs in this argument. Dog bites are usually as a result of irresponsible ownership which brings you back to 'man' again.

Thanks again for RT'ing the petition re tougher penalties for pet theft.

Best wishes
Linda Wilson.

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Brian replied:

Don't worry … I won't. I won't be denigrating dogs or people, except the people who deserve it.

You're right - there are no bad animals … only bad humans.

Thankfully there are also good humans, like yourself.

But the good ones have to be strong.

Thanks Linda

Bri
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**Sat 16 Feb 13**
MOON QUERY
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Phil Hillier wrote:

Hello Dr Brian

I took this moon shot the other week because I noticed a sort of halo around it. What is the reason for this halo please?

Thanks

Phil

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Brian replied - SEE SOAPBOX

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**Thu 14 Feb 13**
MYTHS AND TRUTHS QUESTION REGARDING CONSELLATIONS
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Rory Young wrote:

Hi Brian,

I am writing you from Australia in regard to a question which has been plaguing me.
Being a big fan of your music and therefore having an understanding of your education in astrophysics, I thought you may be just the one to put my mind at rest.

In regard to all the constellations of myth and legend from ancient history, I have heard there are in fact two (Pleiades and Orion) which are actually linked with in themselves by gravity. Where as all the rest are merely aligned as we view them with no relation between each star in their own formation.

Your valued knowledge on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards
Rory Young

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Brian replied - SEE SOAPBOX

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**Sat 09 Feb 13**
QUEEN VON LICHTEN
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Marian JACOB wrote:

Dear Brian:

Yes! You should be proud of your Super Bowl opener. The new arrangement of your "We Will Rock You" is wonderful! And what unexpected fun seeing Freddie in his majestic white cape on the screen behind the orchestra!

I am an American who is not a huge football fan but I made sure to watch this year knowing that your words and Freddie's voice would be heard opening this spectacle.

America loves you back!

Marian Jacob
Youngstown, Ohio

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Brian replied:

Thanks Marian

That's very good to hear.

Rock on ! Give Ohio my love ...

Brian

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