Brian May, the iconic lead guitarist of the legendary British rock band Queen, appears to be hesitant about returning to the U.S. concert scene in the near future. In an interview with the U.K.’s Daily Mail, May expressed concerns about the current situation in America and hinted that Queen may opt to avoid performing at U.S. venues on their upcoming tour.
“It’s a bit of a risky place right now, so we have to take that into consideration,” May shared. “It’s quite sad because Queen has a history in America and we have a lot of love for it, but things have changed.”
Queen has been touring regularly since 2012 with singer Adam Lambert as their lead vocalist, following the tragic passing of original frontman Freddie Mercury in 1991. The band last graced U.S. stages in 2023 as part of their Rhapsody Tour, but May himself surprised fans with an appearance during Benson Boone’s Coachella set last year.
Looking ahead, May hinted at the possibility of taking a break from touring in a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While considering a Las Vegas residency, May expressed his desire to continue playing shows and exploring new avenues for their performances.
Despite not directly addressing the U.S. political climate, Queen has previously objected to President Donald Trump’s unauthorized use of their hit song “We Will Rock You” at rallies. In his conversation with the Daily Mail, May mentioned uncertainty about Queen’s return to the stage but reassured fans that retirement was not on the horizon for the band.
“Never say never to a comeback,” May concluded, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
