Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May has described a series of recent health problems, including a minor stroke, as a profound 'wake-up call'.
The 78-year-old rock icon opened up about his medical ordeal during a candid interview on Alan Titchmarsh's television programme, Love Your Weekend, revealing he feels fortunate to have recovered.
The Wake-Up Call: A Stroke and Other Conditions
When host Alan Titchmarsh expressed concern about the stroke May suffered last year, the musician provided a more detailed account. 'I've had a number of things, Alan, yeah, the stroke was one of them,' May confirmed.
He reflected on his resilience, stating, 'I've been lucky, I get these things, but I seem to be able to get out of them. They give you a wake-up call.'
The health scare occurred last year when May was rushed to hospital after suddenly losing control of his left arm, an event he later confirmed was a minor stroke.
Recovery and Reassurance for Fans
In a video message to fans in September last year, May demonstrated his recovery by moving his left arm and flexing his fingers. 'They called it a minor stroke, and all of a sudden out of the blue, I didn't have any control of this arm,' he recounted, describing the experience as 'a little scary'.
He praised the 'most fantastic care and attention' he received from the hospital, noting his arrival involved 'blue lights flashing, the lot'. May explained his initial silence on the matter, saying he didn't want sympathy that would 'clutter up my inbox', but was happy to confirm the good news that he was okay.
A History of Health Battles
This is not the first major health challenge for the rock veteran. In May 2020, he suffered a heart attack which led to the discovery that three of his arteries were blocked, a condition he said left him 'very near death'.
Speaking to The Times, May described the long road to recovery, 'It's a long climb back,' and revealed further complications from medication, including a 'stomach explosion that nearly killed me'.
He expressed bewilderment at the heart attack, given his healthy lifestyle, but concluded positively, 'At least I now have a heart that is working far better than it was.'
Brian May co-founded the iconic rock band Queen in 1970 with Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor, later joined by John Deacon. The band became one of the best-selling music acts in history, responsible for timeless anthems like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'We Will Rock You'.
