Brian May, the legendary lead guitarist of the rock band, Queen, revealed on Wednesday that he suffered a minor stroke last week which temporarily impaired the use of his arm.
The 77-year-old music icon shared the news in a video posted on his website, where he assured fans that he is recovering well, but has been advised to avoid activities that could elevate his heart rate.
May said in the video: “That little health hiccup that I mentioned happened about a week ago and what they called it was a minor stoke.”
He pointed to his left arm, adding: “All of the sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it’s a little scary.”
Brian May performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert taking place in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on June 4, 2022. Brian May, the lead guitarist of legendary British rock band Queen, revealed Wednesday that he had a “minor stroke” last week, which caused him to temporarily lose control over his arm.
Alberto Pezzali/AP, Pool File
May went on to say that the good news was that he could still play the guitar.
May credited his recovery to the high standard of care he received at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, close to his home in southwest London.
He said: “I have to say, I had the most fantastic and attention … blue lights flashing, the lot … very exciting.”
He added: “I didn’t want to say anything at the time because I didn’t want any sympathy. Please don’t do that because it will clutter up my inbox and I hate that. The good news is, I’m ok.”
His doctor’s advice, according to May, is to exert himself as little as possible.
Sir Brian May during an interview with PA Media at Harper Asprey Wildlife Rescue and Save Me Trust in Surrey. Thursday Aug. 15, 2024.
Press Association via AP
He revealed that he was instructed to: “Just doing what I’m told, which is basically nothing. I’m grounded. I’m not allowed to go out, I’m not allowed to drive, I’m not allowed to get on a plane. I’m not allowed to raise the heart rate too high.”
May has suffered from health scares in the past, including a heart attack that revealed an underlying arterial disease.
He previously revealed that he was “very near death” after being hospitalized in May 2020.
At the time, doctors discovered three blocked arteries that were dangerously close to cutting off blood flow to his heart.
Although they recommended heart surgery, May opted for a less invasive procedure and had three stents placed in his heart instead.
May formed Queen in 1970 with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor. Bassist John Deacon joined a year later.
They went on to become 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’.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
