Queen guitarist Brian May has touched a chord with fans worldwide after sharing a heartfelt and somber message on Instagram expressing his struggle to come to terms with the state of the world. The 77-year-old rock legend posted a close-up video of the moon, accompanied by a reflective caption that resonated deeply with his followers.
“While the world seems to be plunging into lunacy — I find it hard to look — a little escapism helps,” May wrote, opening up about his feelings during these turbulent times. The video, a simple yet striking image of the moon’s first quarter, was captured with his iPhone held up to the eyepiece of his 10-inch Dobsonian telescope shortly after sunset. He humbly described it as “the work of an amateur astrophotographer,” but clearly took pride in the moment.
May also reminisced about a profound encounter: having breakfast with Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. “A wise, generous and truly decent human being,” May said, reflecting on how the world “is crying out now for such people.”
The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom found comfort in May’s message and the serene image. One fan wrote, “Sometimes the beauty of nature and space is the right kind of escapism that is needed to carry on in times like these.” Another called the post “a beautiful and much needed” moment of peace.
May’s candid vulnerability comes shortly after he paid tribute to fellow music legend Mick Ralphs, who passed away last week at the age of 81. The Queen guitarist honored Ralphs as “a wonderful instinctive player with a massive sound and superb feel, classic songwriter and originator of many immortal riffs.”
Ralphs, who spent his final years bedridden after a stroke, died in a care home in Oxfordshire. He is survived by his third wife Susie, two sons, and three stepchildren.
Brian May’s recent posts reveal a musician grappling with the complexities of the modern world while seeking solace in the enduring wonders of nature and the legacy of those who have inspired him. His fans remain steadfast in their support, finding hope in his words and the timeless beauty of the moon he shared.
