Brian May has shared an emotional new year message (Image: Getty)

Rock icon and Queen guitarist Sir Brian May has candidly expressed that it’s “hard to enjoy anything” without good health in a heartfelt New Year message to his fans. The 78-year-old musician, who also holds a PhD in astrophysics, has faced numerous health issues in recent years, including a frightening stroke in August 2024.

While he didn’t directly reference his personal health battles in the post, it’s clear that he cherishes good health and all the benefits it brings. Speaking to his 3.6 million Instagram followers, he posted an animated image of himself joyfully playing his guitar as his song ‘New Horizons’ played in the background.

His caption read, “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.”

“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 became known as Arrokoth,” he continued.

According to the Mirror, May added, “But the FUTURE is still out there ! ! Let’s go find it ! ! ! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all creatures! Including YOU ! ! !”

Brian May has had some serious health issues in recent years (Image: Getty)

Fans showered the comments section with uplifting messages for the celebrity and admiration for the shared artwork. “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,” one fan penned.

“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!” another follower expressed. “Happy New Year 2026 dear Dr Bri! Wonderful memories of New Horizons and what gorgeous art! Be happy, peaceful and well everyone!” a third chimed in.

A fourth admirer conveyed, “Happy New Year, Sir Brian! Wishing you a year filled with smiles and joy. Please take good care of yourself during this cold season”, as reported by the Express.

Meanwhile, a fifth wrote, “Dear Bri- Thank you for wishing us such beautiful sentiments in this Happy New Year! I wish you beautiful things and new discoveries, good health for the coming year, and multitudes of Happiness, Love, and endless possibilities – more New Horizons and new Dreams to follow.

“Sending you Love and a gentle hug across the stars on this Happy New Years Day! May 2026 always be a year to bring you good memories. And thanks so much for sharing @concha_q and @st.zlat.proreal for their beautiful artwork tribute to your New Horizons collaboration and beautiful contribution to NASA, including this energetic and beautiful song. We can reach for New Horizons. We can reach for the stars! !”

May has characterized his medical challenges as a “wake-up call.”

Brian May said his stroke was a ‘wake-up call’ (Image: Getty)

During an appearance on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend in November 2025, he shared, “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.”

Merely seven days following his stroke, which he termed a “health hiccup”, he announced he had regained his ability to play guitar, despite temporarily losing function in one arm. Brian also suffered a heart attack in 2020.

Initially brushing it off as a gardening-related mishap, Brian now recognizes he “could have died.” In the aftermath of his medical emergency, he underwent a procedure to have three stents – small tubes designed to maintain open blocked arteries – inserted into his heart, aiding his recuperation.