Iconic Queen guitarist Sir Brian May shared a heartfelt New Year’s message, emphasizing the importance of health for true enjoyment in life. At 78, May, who is also a respected astrophysicist, has faced several health challenges, including a concerning stroke in August 2024. Although he didn’t delve into his personal health issues in the message, his appreciation for well-being was evident.

Connecting with his 3.6 million Instagram followers, May posted a lively illustration of himself joyfully playing the guitar, accompanied by his song “New Horizons.” He wrote, “Hello dear folks!!! In sending you my New Year wishes, I hope for New Horizons, new opportunities, new dreams, new challenges, new fulfillments!!! And, of course, Good Health—without it, life’s pleasures are elusive. Thanks to @concha_q and @st.zlat.proreal for this timely reminder of one of my life’s most inspiring moments—contributing to the New Horizons NASA mission to Pluto and further to the Kuiper Belt Object named Arrokoth. The FUTURE awaits! Let’s go discover it! HAPPY NEW YEAR to all creatures, including YOU!!!”

Fans poured into the comments, expressing their support and admiration for the shared artwork. One follower wrote, “Dear Bri, a very Happy New Year to you, Anita, and all your loved ones! May you always enjoy good health and peace of mind! I believe your dreams will come true because you pursue them relentlessly.”

Another fan added, “Happy New Year to you and your family, Sir Brian. Wishing you the best in 2026. Much love and respect always!” A third fan reminisced, “Happy New Year 2026, dear Dr. Bri! Cherished memories of New Horizons and such beautiful art! Wishing happiness, peace, and good health to everyone!”

A fourth supporter shared, “Happy New Year, Sir Brian! May your year be filled with smiles and joy. Please take care of yourself during this chilly season.”

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!!”

Brian has described his health issues as a “wake-up call”. During an appearance on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Weekend in November 2025, he told the host: “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.”

A mere week after his stroke, which he termed a “health hiccup”, he confirmed his ability to play guitar once again, despite initially losing control of one arm. Brian also suffered a heart attack in 2020.

Initially dismissing it as a gardening injury, Brian now recognises he “could have died”. After suffering his health scare, he had three stent-tiny tubes, which keep blocked arteries open, fitted into his heart, aiding his recovery.