Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed he recently had a minor stroke that left him unable to use his left arm. The band’s lead guitarist and astrophysicist announced he had experienced a “health hiccup” last week but reassured fans he was recovering and able to play music again after being temporarily unable to control his limb.

“The good news is that I can play guitar,” May said in a video shared on his website on Wednesday. “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.”

May said he was resting, unable to drive and fly, or have planes flying overhead he joked as one could be heard in the video recorded outdoors.

“I really don’t want sympathy,” said the musician. “Please don’t do that because it will clutter up my inbox and I hate that.”

The disclosure came weeks after the documentary Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me aired on BBC Two, as the musician fronts a decades-long campaign to end the culling of badgers.

The Badger Controversy

About 200,000 have been killed in the past decade on the UK government’s insistence that badgers are responsible for the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which requires the slaughter of any infected cattle – about 20,000 a year. Tackling the spread of bTB costs the taxpayer about £100m a year.

The mass culls since 2013 have not been without controversy. There is no scientific consensus on whether it has reduced bTB – several studies have found it had no positive impact, and a recent study found a large-scale vaccination programme could help eradicate bTB in badgers.

The Farmer Perspective

In his video, May said: “The other news is our documentary has been very much in our minds and we had some great reactions from farmers particularly.

“It’s no surprise to me that we are not at odds at all with the farmers. We are at odds with the people who have been feeding them the wrong information.”

Brian May's Recovery and a Call to Stay Grounded

May’s revelation of his health scare comes as a reminder to everyone that even seemingly healthy individuals can experience unexpected medical issues. Despite his “little health hiccup,” May is recovering well and remains a strong advocate for the causes he believes in. His experience serves as a potent reminder to prioritize our well-being, and not to take our health for granted.

May’s recovery from his stroke, though seemingly minor, serves as a reminder that a stroke can impact anyone, regardless of age or health status. The experience serves as a crucial reminder to take care of our physical and mental health to prevent such incidents. While May has shared his story, it’s essential to remember that stroke is a serious condition that requires timely medical attention. It's crucial to learn about the signs and symptoms of stroke and to be aware of the risk factors. The “FAST” acronym can help in recognizing the symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.

Beyond the Rock and Roll

Brian May's story is a testament to resilience, as he demonstrates a commitment to both his musical career and his advocacy efforts. His journey highlights the importance of staying vigilant about our health, seeking medical attention when necessary, and not letting health challenges hinder our pursuit of passion. It's a message that resonates with individuals across the globe, connecting us through shared experiences and reminding us of the strength within us all.