In 2024, Queen guitarist Brian May surprised fans when he revealed he had a minor stroke. He called it a “little health hiccup” that temporarily made him unable to play guitar. For a musician whose left hand is so important, this was a scary experience.
The Scary Moment
In September, May shared that, suddenly, he lost control of his left arm. He didn’t know what was happening, and for a moment, he even feared he might never play again. He was rushed to Frimley Hospital, where doctors gave him excellent care. May described the experience as “blue lights flashing, very exciting,” showing his humor even in a serious situation.
Doctors said his condition was a minor stroke, also called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Symptoms can go away quickly, but it’s a warning to prevent a bigger stroke later.
Recovery
May’s doctors gave him strict instructions to rest and take it easy. He couldn’t do much physically while recovering. But slowly, he regained control of his arm and returned to playing music. In early 2025, he appeared on stage again, performing with pop singer Benson Boone at London’s O2 Arena.
May admitted that the stroke was a wake-up call. He said that even though it was frightening, he’s lucky to have recovered. He also talked about how the experience made him appreciate his health and his ability to play music even more.
Back to Music
Despite the health scare, May is looking forward to the future. He hinted that Queen might perform at the Sphere in Las Vegas, showing his excitement about new projects.
Lessons from Brian May
Brian May’s stroke is a reminder that:
Health can change suddenly, even for famous people.
Recovery takes time, patience, and care.
Challenges can become a wake-up call to value life and do what you love.
Brian May’s story is inspiring. He faced a scary health event, worked hard to recover, and returned to doing what he loves most: making music. Fans can take heart from his resilience and optimism.