Brian May mourns the loss of his chauffeur. The Queen guitarist shared on Instagram yesterday (October 12, 2023): “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 person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We are all devastated and, together with Phil’s wife and son, mourn the last person on earth who deserved this far too early death. God bless you, dear Phil – we all love you. We are proud of the life you have led and forever grateful for everything you have given us – more than any words could ever describe. Bri.”
May’s followers are also devastated: “So sad… what an absolute gem of a man… always in great shape… and hilarious to boot… he welcomed me so warmly all those years ago.
RIP Phil…my condolences to his family too. ❤️Xx,” one wrote. Musician Rufus Taylor: “What??!! I just spoke to him a few days ago! This is terrible news.”
Another May fan: “I’m so sad to hear this. Phil was such a great person, friendly and funny. He was wonderful. I’m so, so sorry 💔. I don’t want to believe it. Phil, who always called me my little friend, protected me and always led me to you… Rest in peace my dear Phil. I will miss you very much ❤️”
Others also knew May’s intimacy: “It’s a sad day, dear Bri, I found out about it an hour ago… I’m so sorry for what happened and for the loss. I had the privilege of knowing Phil, always with his special humor, his big heart and his kindness, a great man, a great person… an excellent human being. We were in touch and he always made me laugh with jokes…
I send you my biggest hug Bri, for you, for Anita right now, lots of light, lots of strength. My respect and condolences to the family and friends. ❤️ dear Phil ✨”
That evening, May performed with his Queen colleagues at Madison Square Garden, deeply scarred by the loss of his friend: “Somehow this picture says it all…. Thank you, dear New Yorkers. Thank you Madison Square Garden. Thank you @sarah_rugg for this picture. And …. the rest is beyond my comprehension at this point in the evening. Good night everyone – and thanks for all the kind messages – we are a wounded family tonight. But the only way is forward… with love – Bri”