Queen Guitarist: USA Too Dangerous for Concerts

Queen, the iconic British rock band, has reportedly ruled out touring the United States in the near future. The decision, made by guitarist Brian May, stems from concerns about safety within the country, though the specific nature of the threat remains undisclosed.

A Shift in Sentiment

May expressed a sense of sadness, noting the band’s historical connection to the U.S. – stating that Queen “grew up” in America and continues to hold the country in high regard. However, he indicated a perceived change in the national climate has led to a reassessment of touring plans. He suggested that travel to the U.S. now requires “a second thought” from those considering it.

Did You Know? In 2025, the United States experienced 425 mass shooting incidents, resulting in 420 deaths and 1898 injuries.

Broader Concerns Within the Entertainment Industry

Queen is not alone in its hesitation. Other artists have recently cancelled planned performances in the U.S. British singer Piri and Hungarian pianist Sir András Schiff have both cancelled U.S. tours for similar reasons. Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny opted not to hold any concerts in the U.S. last year, citing fears regarding the potential deportation of his Latin American audience.

Expert Insight: The decisions by these artists reflect a growing awareness of complex and evolving safety concerns within the United States, extending beyond traditional security risks associated with touring. These concerns appear to encompass political and social factors impacting both performers and audiences.

The timing of May’s statement coincides with ongoing issues in the U.S., including reported instances of violence involving agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, scrutiny of the political views of foreign visitors, and the increasing frequency of mass shootings.

What Could Happen Next?

If conditions in the U.S. do not improve, Queen may continue to postpone or cancel U.S. tour dates indefinitely. Other artists could follow suit, potentially leading to a decrease in international musical performances within the country. Alternatively, increased security measures at venues and events could be implemented in an attempt to mitigate risks and encourage artists to resume touring. It is also possible that the situation could shift as political and social dynamics evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Brian May cited safety concerns about touring the U.S.?

Brian May stated that “America is a dangerous place” at the current time, though he did not specify the exact nature of the danger. His comments suggest a broader concern about the current climate in the United States.

Are other artists cancelling U.S. tours?

Yes, British singer Piri, Hungarian pianist Sir András Schiff, and Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny have all recently cancelled or avoided U.S. tours, citing similar safety concerns.

What factors are contributing to these concerns?

Reported issues include violence involving ICE agents, scrutiny of foreign visitors’ political views, and a rise in mass shooting incidents, with 425 incidents, 420 deaths, and 1898 injuries reported in 2025.

As international artists navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, how might these decisions impact the future of international cultural exchange?