Queen guitarist Sir Brian May revealed he was rushed to hospital last week after suffering a “minor stroke“.
In a video shared to Instagram, the 77-year-old 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.
“I had the most fantastic care and attention from Frimley Hospital; blue lights flashing the lot, very exciting.
“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.”
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.
The musician continued: “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.
Krista wrote: “I’m so happy to hear everything is ok. We were worried!!”
Momoko penned: “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.”
Jasminka said: “Something affecting your arm and not being able to play guitar must have been very scary for you. Little is a huge understatement, I guess everything about you is humble. Minor or large a stroke is always scary and has to be taken very seriously, but good to see you you doing well.”
Glenda commented: “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!”
And Tracy added: “So glad that you are well and recovering fully, and congratulations on how the documentary was received.”
Fans were first alerted to Sir Brian’s health ordeal when he was forced to miss his wife Anita Dobson’s performance at BBC Proms.
The Queen guitarist was supposed to be at the Royal Albert Hall last week to see former EastEnders star Anita take to the stage as her Doctor Who character Mrs Flood.
Explaining his absence, Brian shared on Instagram on August 27: “My very enigmatic Lady Wife performing tonight at the Albert Hall. In iconic character of course. As our dear pal Ben always says …’She has funny bones!’ I wasn’t able to be there – had a small health hiccup – but Steve kindly surreptitiously videoed it for me … Proud! Bri.”
His recent “health hiccup” comes four years after he suffered a heart attack.He was rushed to hospital after suffering the attack at home. This came soon after he was hospitalised for a gardening injury that left him with a ripped muscle and trapped nerve.