Sir Brian May, the legendary Queen guitarist who turns 79 on Sunday, July 19, has revealed that his marriage to former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson is marked by 'massive arguments' that he believes keep their relationship strong. The couple, together for over 30 years and married since 2000, first met in 1986 when May was still married to his first wife Christine Mullen. Dobson inspired May to write the hit song 'I Want It All' in 1989.
Arguments as a Sign of Caring
Speaking on a past episode of Loose Women, where Anita used to be a panellist, May opened up about their dynamic. 'I have a massive respect for my wife. She's an extraordinary actress and she's a lot of other things in the house that I don't even want to go into. I'm so proud of her,' he said.
'We do have massive arguments. But it's because we care. And little things and insignificant things can blow up. Your partner knows your buttons to press and I'm not usually quick to blow up, but Anita, she can get me,' May admitted.
Doubts from Freddie Mercury
The couple were told 'it would never last' because they were both 'too volatile', according to May. His late bandmate Freddie Mercury was among those who doubted the relationship would endure. Despite the scepticism, they have proven the doubters wrong.
Anita added on the same show: 'I think things only work because you want them to work and want to be with him. So that's the whole reason we're still together.'
Compromises and Independence
In a separate interview with Yours magazine, Dobson described the marriage as 'hard work' at times. 'That's not to say that everything's been smooth sailing every day - there's no magic potion for a perfect marriage. It can be hard work. Even though Brian's the love of my life and he's absolutely adorable, it's not easy and we have to work at it,' she said.
'We do have to make compromises. I've had to give up a little bit of my independence, but because Brian loves me, he allows me to be me and that's the trick. It's hard sometimes, though, because allowing the person to be themselves can be pretty infuriating!'
40 Years Since First Meeting
The couple first met 40 years ago, and shortly after they began working together professionally. May produced Dobson's 1987 single 'Talking of Love', and they appeared on TV together to promote it. They married in an intimate London ceremony in 2000. Dobson regards May's proposal for her to move in with him, along with their wedding day, as 'two of the most pivotal moments' in her life.
