Queen star Brian May was flooded with support from fans on Instagram as he made a statement on the social media platform to mark a big milestone.

The guitarist, 77, reunited with the rock band’s former manager Jim Beach to celebrate his 83rd birthday. Posing alongside his EastEnders star wife Anita Dobson – along with Jim’s wife Claudia and his daughter Matilda – Brian flashed a thumbs up to the camera with his trademark curly hair taking centre stage.

Brian rocked a crisp white shirt and black waistcoat worn open over it, with a pair of glasses looped on a chain around his neck. Next to him, his old manager rocked a flat cap and blue jumper while sipping on a glass of white wine.

Posting in the caption, Brian explained: “Happy Birthday to the extraordinary long time Queen manager Jim Beach – still sharp as a razor at 83!!! Seen here at lunch in Vevey – with Anita, myself, Jim’s equally extraordinary lady wife Claudia, and his lovely daughter, our new manager, to whom the baton has been safely passed – the already redoubtable Matilda Beach. Bri.”

Fans rushed to the comments section to wish them well, with one writing: “Happy Birthday Jim, stay well. Congratulations Matilda!” Another echoed: “Omg that’s awesome, happy birthday.”

A third social media user posted: “Happy Birthday Jim Beach! Beautiful photo.” And somebody else posted: “Thinking of the amazing things this diverse group of people have accomplished over the years… Music that has become part of world culture, awards too numerous to count (Oscar included), a music catalog coup… [Well done] to all of you!”

Another fan echoed: “Happy Birthday to Mr. Beach!! I’ve always admired his dedication to Queen and I absolutely adore the fact that he created the Mercury Phoenix Trust. A good man!”