Brian May urged to 'heal' as Queen star opens up on grief struggle following heartbreaking loss
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The Queen rocker's "dearest friend" Phil died last month
Sir Brian May has been flooded with support after he shared a social media post in tribute to his late friend and driver of 30 years, Philip James Webb.
The Queen star admitted he's been struggling with coming to terms with the loss, resulting in him "waking up at all the wrong times with an ache in your heart and most of your limbs aching too".
May, who was on tour when news of his pal's death emerged, has since returned home and earlier this week attended the funeral of Webb.
Reflecting on the heartbreaking loss, May shared a clip of the funeral program on his Instagram page before opening up about his battle with grief in the accompanying caption.
The 76-year-old penned: "I haven’t been able to write an Instagram post since the tour finished and I finally journeyed home. Just didn’t have it in me.
"It’s a very strange feeling waking up in your own bed after 7 weeks during which you CANNOT get back to your family … even if one of your dearest friends dies back home."
Delving into the impact Webb's death has had on him, May continued: "Waking up at all the wrong times with an ache in your heart and most of your limbs aching too. Exhaustion, jet lag, and a lot of grief and disorientation - not the popular picture of the life of a life-long supposedly road-toughened rock star.
"But then … seeing this man committed to his grave …. This man, without a trace of exaggeration, was a true modern-day knight in shining armour.
"Big man with a loud voice, a deep cockney dialect, with the roughest vocabulary imaginable - not at first sight making his heart of gold apparent … hmmm.
"I’ll have to finish this post later … but mean time enjoy his favourite munchies … those words … by William Blake …'Bring me my spear … of burning gold' … Bri," he signed off.
A number of May's followers rushed to support the musician, including one fan who urged: "Please be extra gentle with yourself as you heal and grieve. Grief intensifies other pain and ailments. It impacts the whole body. Sending you kindness, peace, and comfort."
Another showed their support: "My thoughts and prayers are with you and Phil's family at this time, dear Brian. Phil was a Gentle Giant - with a heart made of Gold. Still can't believe his soul is watching us from the Sky.... Sending you all my deepest sympathy xxx."
And a third echoed: "Sending you love, Brian. Hope being home is finally giving you some comfort," followed by a love heart emoji.
While a fourth added: "Oh Bri, I’m so sorry to hear about your predicament. I hope you can grieve properly and rest up aplenty. Sending good thoughts and all my love your way."
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May first broke the news of Webb's death in a touching Instagram post last month.
Branding it "one of the saddest days of my life", May explained: "Last night we lost Phil Webb to a heart attack. Phil, my dedicated driver for over 30 years was my family’s dearest friend and protector and the kindest and most decent man I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
"We are all devastated and join with Phil’s wife and son in grieving for the last man on Earth to deserve this much too early passing away.
"Bless you dear Phil - we all love you. We’re proud of the life you led, and forever grateful for everything you gave us - more than any words could ever describe." (sic)
Webb was laid to rest at the Merton & Sutton Joint Cemetery in Morden, London.