Queen Guitarist Brian May Reveals He Had Minor Stroke, Lost Movement in Arm Temporarily

Legendary Queen guitarist, environmentalist, and astrophysicist Brian May recently revealed that he suffered a “health hiccup” that left him unable to use his left arm. He broke the news in an Instagram video on September 3, sharing with fans that he’s resting and recovering after a minor stroke. According to May, the loss of movement in his arm was temporary, and he is able to play music again.

“The good news is I can play music again after the events of the last few days,” May began. “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 and all of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it was a little scary.”

He continued, “I didn’t say anything at the time because … I really don’t want sympathy. Please don’t do that because it will clutter up my inbox and I hate that.” May added that he is currently resting, and unable to drive or fly.

[RELATED: Queen’s Brian May in Tears as He Shares Touching Tribute to Aerosmith After Band Retirement Announcement]

Brian May Reveals He Suffered Minor Stroke Weeks After Badger Culling Documentary Airs on BBC

Brian May’s recent documentary, Brian May: The Badgers, The Farmers and Me recently aired on BBC Two in the U.K., weeks before he broke the news of his stroke. The documentary is part of May’s decades-long campaign against the culling of badgers, with 200,000 badgers killed in the past 10 years at the U.K. government’s insistence that they spread bovine tuberculosis. The culls are surrounded by controversy in the country, and Brian May has been working to put a stop to them.

Fans in the comments on his Instagram video noted that he may have been under a lot of stress with the work and release of the documentary. “Brian….you have been under a lot of stress. I hope the change in policies give you peace. You Sir are a hero of wildlife and the environment,” one person wrote.

Another fan commented, “Praying for your continued healing and for further success on your fight against badger culling.” Another fan noted, “So glad to hear the documentary is doing good! And if it’s ruffling the feathers of the liars, it must mean you guys did quite a good job in exposing their deceptions! Ps. So glad to hear you’re well! It’s great to see you thriving.”

Featured Image by Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock