Queen Announces End of U.S. Tours Citing Safety Concerns

Legendary rock band Queen has confirmed it will not tour the United States again, as lead guitarist Brian May expressed concerns over safety in the country. In an interview with the Daily Mail, May stated, “America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account.” He added, “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 band’s last tour in the U.S. featured singer Adam Lambert and took place in 2023. This marked a significant departure from Queen’s history, as their final tour with original lead singer Freddie Mercury occurred in 1982, prior to Mercury’s passing in 1991.

Health Concerns and Future Plans

May’s health has been a topic of discussion following a minor stroke in September 2024, during which he temporarily lost control of his left arm. He later reassured fans, saying, “Good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days… it was a minor stroke.” Following this health scare, he emphasized the importance of maintaining his fitness, stating, “I keep moving, I do my biking a lot of times a week. I do a hundred lengths in the pool once a week. To me, that’s what’s keeping me going. That’s what’s keeping me alive.”

Additionally, May’s wife, Anita Dobson, has voiced her concerns about his touring schedule. In December 2025, she noted that Queen’s days of extensive touring seem to be nearing an end, mentioning, “They will do little bits and bobs, but they won’t do those big tours. We are all getting old.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding future performances, drummer Roger Taylor expressed a different sentiment in an interview with Rolling Stone. He stated, “I don’t think we’re done… I don’t think we’re going to say a final farewell tour. Because it never is, is it?”

Queen’s Legacy and Cultural Impact

Queen remains one of the best-selling musical acts in history, with nearly 109 million records sold in the United States and between 250 million and 300 million records worldwide. The band is celebrated for iconic hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “We Are The Champions,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Their contributions to music were recognized in 2001 when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As the band navigates these challenging circumstances, the enduring legacy of Queen continues to resonate with fans around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.