Queen guitarist Brian May has confirmed that the legendary rock band will not be returning to the United States to tour in the foreseeable future, describing the country as “a dangerous place” and expressing sadness over the decision. May’s comments — made during a recent interview with the Daily Mail UK — mark a notable shift for a band that has long cherished its American fan base and history.
May, now 78, explained that the band’s assessment of current conditions in the U.S. played a central role in the decision, saying, “America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account.” He lamented the change from earlier decades, adding, “It’s very sad because I feel like Queen grew up in America and we love it, but it’s not what it was.” The guitarist suggested that artists and their teams are thinking twice about performing stateside under the present circumstances.
Queen last toured the United States in 2023 with singer Adam Lambert, part of their ongoing Queen + Adam Lambert shows that have kept the band performing since 2012. That run followed decades of iconic arena performances in North America dating back to the band’s career peak in the 1970s and ’80s.
May’s remarks reflect a broader sense of uncertainty about large-scale international touring amid heightened concerns over safety and political tensions. Although he did not specify particular incidents, recent events such as protests and clashes related to immigration enforcement and federal agent actions have drawn widespread attention and sparked public debate, potentially influencing performers’ willingness to travel.
Despite ruling out U.S. touring for now, May stopped short of saying Queen will never perform again anywhere. In other interviews, he has stressed that future plans are being considered “day by day” and encouraged fans to keep an open mind as the band navigates its next chapter.
The decision adds to a series of high-profile artists reassessing their approach to touring in the 2020s, particularly as aging rock veterans balance legacy, logistics and global conditions with fan expectations. For Queen fans in the United States, May’s comments signal a longer hiatus from seeing the band perform live on home soil — one that could extend indefinitely unless circumstances change.
