Queen legend Sir Brian May confessed it’s “hard to enjoy anything” without good health in an emotional New Year message to his loyal fan base. The 78-year-old rocker has suffered several health challenges in recent years, including a “scary” stroke back in August 2024. Although he didn’t mention his own health struggles, it’s clear that good health is a priority for him entering 2026.
Addressing his 3.6million followers on Instagram, he shared an animated illustration of himself beaming while playing the guitar as his track New Horizons played in the background. He wrote: “Hello dear folks ! ! ! These are my sentiments in wishing you a great New Year – New Horizons – new opportunities – new dreams – new challenges – new fulfilments ! ! ! And Good Health.”
He went on: “Without which it’s hard to enjoy anything… thanks @concha_q and @st.zlat.proreal for this timely reminder of one of the most inspiring times of my life – as a guest collaborator on the New Horizons NASA mission to Pluto and then on to the Kuiper Belt Object which because known as Arrokoth.
“But the FUTURE is still out there ! ! ! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all creatures! Including YOU ! ! !” It didn’t take long before his fanbase flocked to the comments to pass on messages of encouragement for the star and praised him for the impressive artwork.
One user penned: “Dear Bri, a very Happy New Year to you, Anita and all who are dear to you! May you always be healthy and free from worry! I am convinced your dreams will come true, because you are someone who does what it takes.”
Another gushed: “Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, Sir Brian. Wishing you the best of everything in 2026. Much love and respect to you always!”
A third chimed in with: “Happy New Year 2026 dear Dr Bri! Wonderful memories of New Horizons and what gorgeous art! Be happy, peaceful and well everyone!” A fourth chimed in with: “Happy New Year, Sir Brian! Wishing you a year filled with smiles and joy. Please take good care of yourself during this cold season.”
It comes after the musician and astrophysicist opened up about his health battles on Alan Titchmarsh’ Love Your Weekend in November 2025. He revealed: “I’ve had a number of things, the stroke was one of them. I get these things, but I seem to be able to get out of them. They give you a wake-up call.”
Just one week after his stroke, which he branded a “health hiccup”, he confirmed he could play guitar again, despite initially losing control of one arm. Brian also suffered a heart attack in 2020.
After initially dismissing it as a gardening injury, the musician now acknowledges he “could have died”. Following his health scare, he had three stents fitted into his heart. Stents are tiny tubes that keep blocked arteries open, which supported his recovery.