Sir Brian May has revealed his devastation after the death of his driver.
The Queen legend, 76, took to Instagram on Thursday evening where he announced that his ‘dear friend’ Phil Webb has died from a heart attack.
Sir Brian’s driver Phil had worked for him for over 30 years, and the music icon admitted his passing was ‘one of the saddest days’ of his life.
Heartbroken, Sir Brian shared photographs of Phil and wrote: ‘This is one of the saddest days of my life. 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.
Sad: Sir Brian May, 76, took to Instagram on Thursday evening where he revealed his devastation after the death of his driver Phil Webb
Tribute: The Queen legend’s driver Phil had worked for him for over 30 years, and the music icon admitted his passing was ‘one of the saddest days’ of his life
‘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. Bri.’
Phil was there with Sir Brian at Buckingham Palace in March when he was given a knighthood in the New Year Honours.
As the virtuoso guitarist in rock band Queen, he is responsible for some of the biggest riffs in popular music, from the solo on Don’t Stop Me Now to the melodic strums of Somebody To Love.
Alongside late frontman Freddie Mercury, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor, Sir Brian scored numerous number ones during the group’s 1980s heyday, touring the world.
The musician, astrophysicist and animal welfare advocate was recognised for his services to music and charity.
Sir Brian is no stranger to Buckingham Palace, having performed during the Golden Jubilee in 2002, playing a solo guitar version of God Save The Queen from the roof of the famous royal residence.
In June last year he performed at the Platinum Jubilee, where the late monarch tapped the beat of We Will Rock You on a teacup at the end of a sketch featuring Paddington Bear.
Devastating: Sir Brian announced that his ‘dear friend’ has died from a heart attack
Feeling for the family: The musician sent his support to Phil’s wife and son
After the King presented him with his gong, Sir Brian said: ‘We’re thinking about touring, I can say that.
‘I’m hoping I stay in good health – at the moment I seem to be in pretty good health, which is always great.
‘It’s not been an easy road and there’s been times I thought I would never do it again. But we all seem to be OK so we’re looking at doing some touring.
‘And of course we tour at the top level and it’s very high energy and high demand on your fitness. If we don’t go out until October or whatever I’ll be working on my fitness from now on.’
