Sir Brian May has admitted it would be “very sad” if Queen were forced to cancel potential US tour dates, as he raised serious concerns about safety and political instability in the country.
The legendary guitarist, who co-founded Queen alongside the late Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor, suggested that the band may avoid the United States on their next tour due to what he described as an increasingly “dangerous” environment. Queen last toured with long-time collaborator and frontman Adam Lambert in 2020, with their live shows continuing to attract huge global audiences decades after the band’s formation.
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Speaking candidly about the situation, Brian May reflected on Queen’s deep connection to the US, while acknowledging that the country no longer feels the same to him. He explained that America played a crucial role in the band’s rise to international stardom, but said current circumstances could force them to rethink future plans.
He said: “America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account. 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 went on to suggest that concerns are not limited to Queen alone, claiming that many artists and travellers are becoming increasingly cautious. Making another blunt observation, he added: “Everyone is thinking twice about going there at the moment.”
May’s comments come amid heightened political tension in the US, following the return of Donald Trump to the White House. While the guitarist did not reference specific policies, his remarks reflect broader unease within the entertainment industry about safety, security and social division in the country.
Queen’s relationship with the US dates back to the early 1970s, when relentless touring helped establish them as one of the world’s biggest rock bands. Their breakthrough album A Night at the Opera and the global success of Bohemian Rhapsody were cemented by heavy rotation and touring across American cities, something May has previously described as formative for the group.
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In recent years, Queen + Adam Lambert have enjoyed major success with international tours, selling out arenas and stadiums across Europe, Asia and Australia. Lambert, who first performed with the band in 2009, has been widely praised for honouring Mercury’s legacy while bringing his own vocal style to the role.
Despite ongoing speculation about future dates, no official tour has yet been announced, and May stopped short of confirming whether US shows were definitively off the table. However, his remarks suggest the band are carefully weighing the risks involved before committing to any large-scale tour.
At 77, May remains an active and outspoken figure, balancing his music career with his work as an astrophysicist and animal rights campaigner. He has previously been vocal on political and social issues, and his latest comments underline the extent to which global touring has become more complex for veteran artists.
For fans, the prospect of Queen avoiding the US would mark a significant shift, given the country’s historic importance to the band’s success. While Europe and the UK are expected to remain central to any future touring plans, May’s words indicate that safety concerns may now play a decisive role in shaping where the rock icons choose to perform next.