Queen’s Brian May Can Still Play Guitar Despite Having Suffered a Stroke

Getting old sucks, you guys. I don’t recommend it for anyone. But if you’re unable to avoid the slow, but unyielding march of time, then at least make sure to take care of yourself. Lots of health issues can crop up as you age, as evidenced by 77-year-old Queen guitarist Brian May.

According to May, he suffered a minor stroke last week. In a video explaining his health scare to fans, he said he noticed he suddenly couldn’t control his arm and as a result, sought medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. Sure, that data doesn’t apply to May, who lives in the U.K., but it highlights how often that sort of health issue can happen.

Despite the news, May said he’s recovered and can still play the guitar. As such, he’s not asking that people send him well wishes, as he jokingly said he didn’t want it to “clutter up my inbox.”

“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 that I mentioned happened about a week ago, and 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, I have to say.

“I had the most fantastic care and attention from [Frimley Park Hospital] where I went – blue lights flashing the lot very exciting. I might post you a video if you like. I didn’t want to say anything at the time because I didn’t want anything surrounding it, you know? I really don’t want sympathy. Please don’t do that because it’ll clutter up my inbox and I hate that. So good news is I’m okay.”

In light of what happened, May said he’s going to continue doing what’s suggested by medical professionals.