Brian May Reports Minor Stroke But Assures Fans of Recovery
In a recent video shared on his Instagram and website, Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, revealed that he experienced a minor stroke last week, which temporarily hindered his ability to control his left arm and play guitar.
Describing the event as a “health hiccup,” May explained, “I went ‘blue lights flashing’ to the hospital when I couldn’t use my arm last week.” He reassured his fans, however, that he has since recovered sufficiently to resume playing his guitar.
May, best known as a founding member of legendary rock band Queen and the author of several of its biggest hits such as “We Will Rock You” and “Who Wants to Live Forever,” also has a notable career as an astrophysicist and animal rights advocate.
“Good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days,” May shared. He characterized the experience as “a little scary,” but expressed gratitude for the “fantastic care and attention” he received from Frimley Hospital.
Currently, May has been advised to refrain from activities that could elevate his heart rate, including driving, flying, or any strenuous physical exertion. “I’m just doing what I’m told, which is basically nothing,” he said, adding humorously that he’s not allowed to have planes flying overhead, "which will stress me."
Beyond his recent health scare, May took the opportunity to discuss his newly released documentary, which chronicles his decade-long fight against the controversial badger cull in Britain.
May has faced a series of health challenges in recent years. In May 2020, he endured a heart attack that led to the placement of three stents—small, wire-mesh tubes designed to keep arteries open and promote blood flow to the heart. Following this, he revealed during an appearance on "Good Morning Britain" that he narrowly avoided death due to complications from the medications he was prescribed, including a stomach hemorrhage.
In March of last year, the musician received a knighthood from King Charles III, recognizing his contributions to music and charitable efforts.
