Brian May's devastation as musical icon and close friend dies as he pays emotional tribute

Brian May has shared his devastation after the death of musical icon Don Everly.

The Queen rocker took to his Instagram account to post an emotional tribute to the Everly Brothers' musician, saying he was "feeling very sad" about the news.

Don's spokesperson announced on Sunday that he had died at his home in Nashville at the age of 84.

In his tribute, Brian shared a clip two clips of himself playing the Everly Brothers' iconic track Bye Bye Love on a record player as he sang along.

Brian said he'd listened to the band when he was a kid in the fifties and they had a huge influence on him and Queen.

His death comes seven years after the passing of his brother Phil, who he starred alongside in the Everly Brothers (Getty Images)

He captioned his post: "So sad to hear that Don Everly - the elder of the two fabulous Everly Brothers - passed away.

"The excitement I felt when I first heard the amazing records they made in the 1950s when I was a kid has never faded away.

"The influence they had on me, especially with regard to HOW TO SING HARMONIES, has been massive - and is evident on lots of Queen records as well as my solo recordings.

Brian said he was 'feeling very sad' about the news (Brian May/Instagram)

"I loved these guys. I always hungrily absorbed both parts that they sang on every record - and of course I still can sing every word - every note.

"And I got into the habit of singing a third harmony part along with them.

"I wanted to be part of their group!

"This is my adoring tribute to these two wonderful boys, now reunited in the Next Place. I hope you're rockin' up there, guys. RIP Don Everly. Bri."

Brian played the Everly Brothers on his record player (Brian May/Instagram)

Don's spokesperson the Los Angeles Times over the weekend: "Don lived by what he felt in his heart. Don expressed his appreciation for the ability to live his dreams ... with his soulmate and wife, Adela, and sharing the music that made him an Everly Brother."

His death comes seven years after the passing of his brother Phil, who he starred alongside in the Everly Brothers.

Don was born Isaac Donald Everly in Kentucky in 1937.

He and brother Phil began their singing careers as teenagers around the Nashville country scene after moving to Tennessee.

They shot to fame with their hit song Bye Bye Love in 1957, which landed the No1 spot on the country charts and earned the No2 spot on the pop charts.

Their success continued with the likes of Wake Up Little Susie, Cathy's Clown and (Til) I Kissed You.