Queen guitarist Brian May suffers minor stroke

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May recently disclosed that he experienced a minor stroke, which initially left him unable to use his left arm. The 77-year-old rock icon shared this news through a video on his website, revealing that he is now on the mend and able to return to playing music.

In his video update, May described the sudden and alarming onset of the stroke. “Out of the blue, I lost control of my left arm,” he said. “It was quite frightening.” He praised the medical staff at Frimley Hospital in Surrey, where he received emergency care. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he reassured fans that he is recovering well. “The good news is that I can still play guitar,” May announced.

May’s stroke, which he referred to as a “minor stroke,” came as a shock. He detailed the restrictions placed on him by his doctors, noting that he is currently prohibited from driving, flying, or engaging in activities that could elevate his heart rate. The musician, who filmed the update outdoors, humorously noted the presence of an overhead plane, playfully commenting on how even that could stress him due to his current condition.

One documentary he fronted, focused on his campaign to prevent the culling of badgers. The documentary, which highlights the issue of badger culling as a method to control tuberculosis in cattle, has received both praise and criticism. May mentioned that the documentary received positive feedback from farmers and wildlife advocates but faced strong opposition from some quarters. Critics, including the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, argued that the program lacked important evidence related to bovine tuberculosis.

May’s health issues come four years after he experienced a “small” heart attack, which he described as a wake-up call about his health. At that time, he learned that three of his arteries were significantly blocked, prompting him to undergo surgery to have three stents inserted to keep the arteries open. The heart attack was a startling reminder of the fragility of his health and the importance of addressing medical concerns promptly.

Throughout his career with Queen, May has been instrumental in the band’s success, contributing iconic hits like “We Will Rock You,” “Who Wants to Live Forever,” and “Flash.” After the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, Queen continued their musical journey with Adam Lambert as the new lead singer. Beyond his music career, May is also recognized for his animal rights activism and his academic achievements. He completed a PhD in astrophysics in 2007, a decade after he initially abandoned his thesis to focus on Queen.

May is married to Anita Dobson, a former EastEnders actress. Despite his recent health challenges, he remains active in both his music and activism, continuing to influence and inspire many through his work and dedication.

The NHS defines a stroke as a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. Symptoms can include weakness or numbness in one arm, a drooping face on one side, and slurred speech. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” is a related condition where the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.

For those interested in learning more about stroke symptoms and prevention, the NHS website provides detailed information. May’s recovery and continued engagement in his various pursuits reflect his resilience and determination, qualities that have defined both his musical career and his activism.