Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed that he suffered a stroke which left him temporarily "unable to use his left arm".
The 77-year-old rock legend achieved worldwide fame as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Queen, which he co-founded with the late Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor in 1970.
The group became one of the biggest-selling acts of all time, releasing a string of hit singles including 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'We Will Rock You', 'Killer Queen' and 'We Are the Champions'.
On Wednesday (August 4), the 'Don’t Stop Me Now' musician took to Instagram to share some health news with his fans.
“I’m here to bring you some good news - the good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days,” he said.
Speaking outdoors, May explained to his followers that he suffered a "little health hiccup" last week which was actually "a minor stroke," adding: "It was a little scary, I have to say."
He then revealed that he lost control of his arm “out of the blue” during the health scare. "I didn’t have any control over this arm so it was a little scary," he shared.
Watch the video below:The musician, who appeared in good spirits in the clip, then expressed gratitude to medics for their “fantastic care,” and said: “I didn’t want to say anything at the time because I didn’t want anything surrounding, you know. I really don’t want sympathy.
“Please don’t do that because it’ll clutter up my inbox and I hate that,” he joked. “The good news is I’m okay. Just doing what I’m told, which is basically nothing. I’m grounded.”
He said he was resting and not allowed to drive or get on a plane as that risks raising his heart rate. “Not allowed to have planes flying over, which will stress me,” he stated. “But I’m good.”
Many fans took to the comment section to send the icon well-wishes. "I’m so happy to hear everything is ok. We were worried!!" one person wrote.
"We’re all so thankful for your update, Brian. I’m so glad you’re all better now! That’s what matters most. And So good to hear that the documentary is doing well! Take your time and take care of yourself! Always!" a second commenter penned.
The guitarist's stroke comes four years after he had a "small" heart attack.
In 2020, doctors discovered that May had three arteries that were "congested and in danger of blocking the supply of blood to my heart," according to BBC. He had surgery to fit three stents - tiny tubes to hold open blocked arteries.
“It’s a long climb back,” he told The Times back then. “I’ve had complications due to the drugs I’m on, one of which was a stomach explosion that nearly killed me.”
He admitted he was baffled by the heart attack: “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t have high cholesterol and I was exercising through the tour, so why did it happen? At least I now have a heart that is working far better than it was.”
We are wishing May a successful recovery!
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