Brian May recently shared a post on Instagram and discussed the often-overlooked challenges of grief and disorientation in rock stardom.
The rocker shared a photo of his chauffeur, Philip James Webb, who died on October 12 and wrote:
“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.”
The Reality Behind The Glamour
He went on to share the things that contrast with the typical image of a seasoned rock star:
“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 lifelong 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 armor.”
May’s Words On Webb’s Character
May further spoke about his late driver, sharing:
“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 in the meantime, enjoy his favorite munchies… those words … by William Blake… ‘Bring me my spear… of burning gold…'”
Brian’s Emotional Tribute
Following Webb’s passing due to a heart attack, the guitarist posted on Instagram to pay tribute to his late friend, writing:
“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.”
He continued, sharing his sadness:
“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.”
You can see his post here.
