14 DAY TRIAL // Rock stars are known to do crazy things but this one has to take the cake. Famous guitarist Brain May, known for his legendary performances with the rock band Queen, is reported to have bought his beloved instrument a first class ticket on British Airways, on the seat next to him, just to be able to keep an eye on it.
The 67-year-old rocker is reported by the Mirror to have flown from London to Los Angeles to perform at the Classic Rock Awards in Hollywood on Tuesday, and he decided he wasn't going to take any chances with his prized guitar.
May was originally offered a place in the hold of the plane for his guitar but he was afraid that it might get damaged and instead he opted to buy a seat on the plane for it, right next to him in First Class.
The rocker ended up paying €12,700 ($15,800) for the extra plane ticket, but it is said he didn't mind as the guitar has immense sentimental value for him. The guitar is called the “Red Special” and it was built by May himself in his dad's workshop in Feltham, Middlesex, over 40 years ago.
One insider revealed that “There is no way he would have allowed it to be treated like any other piece of luggage. A member of staff and the guitar were bumped up to first class where he had to purchase a seat for it as it couldn’t go in the overhead locker. It was the only option so he made sure it was treated to the full VIP works. There are few things in Brian’s life that he is as passionate about as his guitar.”