Brian May appointed Chancellor

Queen guitarist Brian May has been chosen as appointed chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University. The 60-year-old rocker will begin his figurehead tenure early next year and succeeds Cherie Booth, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair. He says it's "a great honor and a great new challenge." He's already an honorary fellow of the well-known astrophysics research institute. The role actually makes sense for May, who was studying astrophysics at Imperial College when he formed Queen with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor in 1970. Although he dropped out when the band made it big, May returned and completed his doctorate in astrophysics earlier this year.

May co-authored the book, Bang! The Complete History of the Universe, which was published last year.

May and Taylor have been working with singer Paul Rodgers on a new album, which is expected out next year. The effort will likely come out under the name Queen + Paul Rodgers.