Queen Guitarist Brian May Voices Apprehension About Future U.S. Concert Tours
Brian May, the iconic lead guitarist of the legendary British rock band Queen, has indicated that performing in the United States might be off the table for the band in the near future. In a candid interview with the U.K.'s Daily Mail, May expressed concerns about the current climate in America, suggesting it influences their touring decisions.
"America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account," May told the outlet. He elaborated, "It's very sad because I feel like Queen grew up in America and we love it, but it's not what it was." May added that "Everyone is thinking twice about going there at the moment," highlighting a broader sentiment among performers.
Queen's Recent Touring History and Future Prospects
Since 2012, Queen has maintained an active touring schedule with singer Adam Lambert, an "American Idol" alumnus, stepping in as lead vocalist following the death of original frontman Freddie Mercury in 1991. The band last performed in the U.S. in 2023 as part of their Rhapsody Tour, showcasing their enduring popularity.
Despite the concerns, May has not ruled out all performances. He made a surprise appearance during Benson Boone's set at Coachella last year, demonstrating his ongoing engagement with live music. In a separate 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, commemorating the 50th anniversary of "Bohemian Rhapsody," May hinted at a desire for a break from extensive touring but revealed exciting potential plans.
Las Vegas Residency and Innovative Venue Considerations
May expressed keen interest in a Las Vegas residency, particularly at the state-of-the-art Sphere venue. "I'm very keen on the Sphere. It's got my mind working," he said. Reflecting on a performance by the Eagles, he noted, "I sat there watching the Eagles, thinking, 'We should do this. The stuff that we could bring to this would be stupendous.'" He confirmed that conversations are underway about such a venture, emphasizing his continued passion for innovation in live shows.
While May did not explicitly cite U.S. political factors in his Daily Mail comments, Queen has a history of political engagement, having previously objected to President Donald Trump's unauthorized use of their song "We Will Rock You" at rallies. This context adds depth to the band's cautious stance on American appearances.
No Retirement in Sight for Queen
Importantly, May clarified that Queen is not considering retirement. "Never say never about not coming back," he stated, leaving the door open for future performances, albeit with adjusted priorities. The band's focus may shift towards selective, high-impact engagements like a potential Vegas residency rather than traditional nationwide tours.
This development reflects broader trends in the music industry, where artists are increasingly weighing safety, logistics, and innovative formats when planning tours. Queen's deliberations underscore the complex considerations facing legendary acts in today's global concert landscape.
