Sir Brian May, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the rock group Queen, announced some health news that has had fans worrying: he suffered a “minor stroke” that left him unable to play guitar and was rushed to the hospital.
But May reassured fans that he was making a recovery.
In a video shared to Instagram earlier today, May, 77, revealed he suffered a “health hiccup” a week ago that was diagnosed as a “minor stroke.”
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm. So it was a little scary, I have to say,” May revealed.
It’s understandable that one of rock’s biggest guitarists would be especially worried about losing control of his arm, but thankfully May assured fans that he can still shred.
“The good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days,” May said. He said he received great care from England’s Frimley Park Hospital after being rushed there in an ambulance.
The rock legend said he had been advised to “do nothing” and rest at home for now following the stroke. While May says he didn’t want to make a big deal of the incident and doesn’t want “sympathy,” many fans commented to wish him well.
“Sending lots of love Brian,” one person wrote.
“Oh dear, glad to see you’re doing OK now. Please take care of yourself, Pal,” another commented.
It’s not the first time May has had a major health scare: he suffered a “small heart attack” in 2020.
Brian May is rock music royalty, best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of the classic rock group Queen. His guitar solos powered many of Queen’s greatest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Keep Yourself Alive” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.”
He also wrote many of Queen’s most iconic tracks, including “We Will Rock You,” “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “The Show Must Go On.”
After Freddie Mercury’s death, Queen went on hiatus and May performed as a solo artist. However, they have since reunited, and continue to tour with Adam Lambert as their replacement frontman. Queen’s music still finds new fans decades later, and their story was told in the Oscar-winning 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody, on which May served as a consultant.
In addition to his music career, May also has a PhD in astrophysics, and founded the animal welfare organization Save Me, which has campaigned against fox hunting and the culling of badgers in the UK.
May has received many honors: as a member of Queen, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and the band received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Last year, May received a major honor when he was knighted by King Charles III.
Sir Brian May is one of the best rock guitarists of all time, and we’re glad to hear he is doing okay after his minor stroke — wishing him a full and speedy recovery!
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