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Brian May says the US is currently too “dangerous” for Queen concerts. Last year, the guitarist spoke in an interview with ROLLING STONE about the band’s possible shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Now he explains that the band will avoid the country for the foreseeable future.
“America is a dangerous place at the moment, you have to take that into account,” May told the Daily Mail. The background to his statements is the killing of two US citizens by immigration officials in the state of Minnesota.
“It’s very sad because I feel like Queen in America has grown up and we love this country. But it’s not what it used to be. Right now everyone is thinking twice about going there.”
Talks about Las Vegas ended
Last year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” May spoke enthusiastically to ROLLING STONE about a possible residency in Las Vegas. He was particularly fond of the Sphere.
“I’m very keen on the Sphere,” he said at the time. “It gets my head working. I sat there and saw the Eagles and thought, ‘We should do that. What we could bring to it would be huge.’ So yes, I would like to do that. We’re having conversations.”
Last US shows and health break
Queen + Adam Lambert last performed in the USA in November 2023. The subsequent world tour ended in February 2024 in the Tokyo Dome. In 2024, May suffered a minor stroke but soon returned to the stage.
Among other things, he played at the Coachella festival last year together with Benson Boone. Despite the health episode, May appeared fit and present again.
Political conflicts and clear edges
Queen had previously repeatedly requested that President Donald not use the songs “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions” at campaign events. A spokesperson for the band described these efforts as an “uphill battle” back in 2020.
May was also cautious about appearances in Great Britain. He told the Daily Mail that Queen would never headline Glastonbury Festival. The reason is his rejection of the treatment of animals on the Worthy Farm festival site.
Open future for Queen
“I wouldn’t play Glastonbury next year because of the politics of the people running the festival,” May said. “Unless that changes, I won’t.”
However, a return of the band to the stage is not entirely out of the question. “Never say never when it comes to a comeback,” May explained. “There are a few things you haven’t heard about yet. I don’t know when Queen will be back on stage – that’s up in the air. We’re taking it day by day.”
