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Brian May Says He Nearly Died From a ‘Stomach Explosion’ While Recovering From His Heart Attack

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JANUARY 16: Brian May of Queen attends the press conference ahead of the Rhapsody Tour at Conrad Hotel on January 16, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. The band Queen is in Seoul for their Asian leg of 'Rhapsody' tour, and is scheduled to perform on January 16 and 18 joined by Adam Lambert. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

After suffering a small heart attack that had him “very near death” earlier this year, Brian May thought he was in the clear post-surgery. He was wrong.

During a recent interview with The Times, the Queen guitarist opened up about how his recovery’s been a “long climb back” that included another brush with death. “I’ve had complications due to the drugs I’m on, one of which was a stomach explosion that nearly killed me,” he divulged.

“The heart attack was a symbol of an arterial disease, but I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I don’t have high cholesterol and I was exercising through the tour, so why did it happen?” the 73-year-old questioned. “At least I now have a heart that is working far better than it was.”

The trouble began a few months ago, when May tore his gluteus maximus while gardening; however, that was just the tip of the iceberg. He also suffered from a severely compressed sciatic nerve in addition to the heart attack.

“We’ve all got to really look at ourselves as we get to the autumn years. What seems to be a very healthy heart may not be,” he told fans in a video message at the time. ” I would get it checked if I were you. I will get it checked. … But I’m incredibly grateful that I now have a life to lead again. I was actually very near death. … But I’m good. I’m here. I’m ready to rock.”

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