Brian May Confronts Mortality: Queen’s Guitarist Opens Up About Fear, Legacy, and Life After a Stroke

Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has long been admired for his brilliance on stage and his passion beyond music. But in a rare and deeply personal revelation, the 77-year-old rock icon has spoken candidly about his fear of death and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

In an interview with Mojo magazine this April, May admitted that thoughts of mortality weigh heavily on him. “I’m scared of death,” he confessed—an unguarded statement that humanizes a man so often perceived as larger than life.

Shifting Priorities After Queen’s Catalog Sale

For decades, Queen’s music has defined generations, and its enduring success was recently underscored by the band’s catalog sale to Sony. Yet for May, financial rewards no longer serve as a motivating force. Instead, he says his drive is rooted in making sure that everything he does reflects his absolute best.

“We’re clearly not doing this for the money,” May explained. “When I pop off from this planet, I would like to know that I’ve done my best on anything that I ever touched.”

These words reflect not just humility but also a relentless pursuit of excellence that has guided his career. For May, it’s about contributing something meaningful—leaving behind more than music, but a legacy of dedication, creativity, and authenticity.

A Stroke That Changed Everything

May’s reflections on mortality became painfully real last year when he suffered a minor stroke. Initially dismissing its severity, he later shared the harrowing experience in an interview with Premier Guitar.

“It was scary,” he recalled. “I couldn’t get a fork from the table to my mouth without it all going all over the place.” The stroke temporarily robbed him of control over his arm, an unsettling ordeal for someone whose life and identity are so intertwined with his ability to play.

But true to his resilient spirit, May refused to surrender. Through determination and what he describes as sheer willpower, he regained 95 percent of his abilities within days. “After only a few days, it’s amazing what you can get back by sheer willpower,” he said. His quick recovery became a symbol of his unwavering resolve and devotion to his craft.

Facing the Fragility of Life

For fans who see Brian May as immortal—a rock god whose music has stood the test of time—his admission of fear and vulnerability is both surprising and touching. It underscores the universality of human experience: no matter how successful or celebrated, we all must come to terms with the inevitability of life’s end.

Yet rather than dwell in despair, May channels his energy into what truly matters. His message resonates with profound simplicity: life is not measured by its length, but by the meaning we create along the way.

A Legacy Beyond Music

While Queen’s impact on music history is already undeniable, May’s vision of legacy extends beyond chart-topping hits and legendary performances. His candid words reveal a man determined to make every effort count—whether through music, personal projects, or inspiring others by sharing his journey.

At 77, Brian May continues to reflect, create, and perform. And though he acknowledges fear, he also embraces purpose. His honesty reminds us that even the brightest stars are human, grappling with the same questions about mortality and meaning.

More Than a Rock Icon

Ultimately, May’s openness offers fans something far deeper than another chapter in Queen’s story. It is an invitation to reflect on our own lives: What do we want to leave behind? What truly defines our legacy?

Brian May has shown that greatness is not about being fearless—it is about facing fear with honesty, resilience, and a commitment to making the most of the time we are given.

As he continues his journey, one thing is clear: his music, his spirit, and his message will endure long after the final note is played.