ROCK LEGEND SHOCK
Queen legend Brian May suffers stroke that left him with ‘no control’ over left arm
This is not the first serious health scare the glam rock guitarist has suffered
QUEEN guitarist Brian May has revealed he has suffered a stroke that saw him lose control of his left arm.
The legendary musician, 77, made the announcement in a video shared on his social media earlier today.
5
5
5
However, Sir Brian said he can still play guitar despite the "little health hiccup".
In a video shared on his website, the music icon said: "I’m here to bring you first of all some news, I think. The good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days.
“I say this because it was in some doubt because that little health hiccup happened about a week ago. What they called it was a ‘minor stroke’.
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it was a little scary."
Read More in Showbiz
Sir Brian revealed the incident left him temporarily unable to use his left arm - but that he had a "very exciting" emergency ambulance journey to Frimley Hospital in Surrey.
The Queen guitarist has praised staff there for giving him the "most fantastic care".
Describing his recovery, Brian said he is essentially "grounded" because doctors have told him not to do anything that could raise his heart rate too much.
He continued: “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 will clutter up my inbox.
Most read in Showbiz
“But the good news is I’m ok and doing what I’m told which is basically nothing, I’m grounded.
"I’m not allowed to go out, drive, get on a plane, I’m not allowed to raise the heart rate too high. But I am good.”
Concerned fans quickly rushed to the comments to share their relief that the music legend was on the road to recovery.
Queen guitarist Brian May knighted by King Charles at Buckingham Palace
One wrote: "Thanks for updating and showing us your smile. I can’t even imagine exactly what you’re really going through, but I hope you’ll feel better very soon and enjoy playing guitar again."
Another said: "I’m very happy to hear that you’re doing so well! Strokes, large or small, as you know, are serious business and I hope you will heed your doc’s orders in every way, as frustrating as they may be! We want you to stay healthy for a long, lonnnnng time to come!"
This is not the first health scare the glam rock guitarist has suffered, having survived a heart attack in 2020.
He had been recuperating from a torn muscle and trapped nerve as a result of a gardening injury when he experienced a sudden onset of chest pains.
Brian went on to reveal that doctors discovered he had three arteries congested and he was in danger of blocking the supply of blood to his heart.
Doctors suggested that he undergo open heart surgery, but Brian opted for the alternative which was to have three stents put inside his heart.
Don't delay... if you spot signs of a stroke dial 999 immediately
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
A STROKE is a medical emergency, that's why knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
It happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing off cells. The damage caused can affect how the body works, and the effects depend on where in the brain a stroke strikes.
There are three different types of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke - where a blockage, like a blood clot, cuts off the blood supply to the brain
- Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in or around the brain
- Transient ischaemic attack - also known as a 'mini stroke', this is a big warning sign of a full-blown stroke. It's similar to a stroke but symptoms are shorter lived.
Every stroke is different but they can affect a patient's ability to speak, move, think and feel. They can cause behavioural changes as well as emotional challenges.
They can happen to any of us, regardless of our age. That's why it's important to educate yourself on the warning signs.
The faster you get medical help and treatment, the more likely it is that the damage caused can be reversed and stopped in its tracks.
There's a handy acronym that helps identify the symptoms of a stroke. If you spot these yourself, or in a loved one, do not delay - dial 999 immediately, and tell the call handler you suspect a stroke.
ACT Fast:
- Face weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you're saying?
- Time to call 999 - if you see any of these signs, get help.
This test helps spot three key signs, but there are other symptoms to be aware of too.
They include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight, sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or a sudden fall and a sudden, severe headache.
When it comes to a stroke, the bottom line is take these symptoms seriously. It may well be something more minor, but it pays to be alert and act fast. Not only could it save your life, but it could save you, or a loved one, from long-term, devastating side effects.
For more information about stroke, visit the or the And you can read more from the Sun's Health team on the subject of stroke here.
It comes as Sir Brian's iconic band Queen have sold their back catalogue to Sony Music for a record £1billion.
As part of this deal, the company is acquiring all of their studio records, featuring hits like Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want To Break Free, Another One Bites The Dust and Don’t Stop Me Now.
However, Queen’s agreement will not cover their live performances.
Those rights are being retained by founding members Sir Brian and Roger Taylor who still tour as Queen with singer Adam Lambert.
Just two weeks ago, Brian released a documentary centred around criticism of the ongoing badger cull.
Badger culling involves badgers being killed in specific areas in an attempt to reduce bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers And Me, follows him on a four-year project to eradicate the disease.
The one-off programme will also highlight Sir Brian's own work in the field of bTB and preventing it without needing badger culling.
5
5
Topics