Queen’s legendary guitarist, Brian May, has expressed serious reservations about the prospect of the band touring the United States in the near future, citing significant safety concerns. In a recent interview, May conveyed his dismay over the current state of affairs in America, which he believes presents a dangerous environment for both artists and fans.
Concerns Over Safety in America
May, 78, articulated his fears while speaking to the *Daily Mail*, stating, “America is a dangerous place at the moment, so you have to take that into account.” He lamented the shift in the atmosphere, reflecting on Queen’s deep-rooted connection to the country. “It’s very sad because I feel like Queen grew up in America and we love it, but it’s not what it was. Everyone is thinking twice about going there at the moment.”
The guitarist’s comments come amid a climate of apprehension that has enveloped both American citizens and international visitors. The prospect of violence, particularly from law enforcement agencies like ICE, and the alarming frequency of mass shootings—425 incidents reported in 2025, resulting in 420 fatalities and nearly 1,900 injuries—have compounded public fears.
Other Artists Follow Suit
The concerns raised by May are echoed by other artists. British dance music sensation Piri recently cancelled her US tour, citing “what’s going on in the US right now” as a pivotal factor. Renowned Hungarian pianist András Schiff also withdrew from performances across the Atlantic, stating, “Due to the recent and unprecedented political changes in the United States, I feel morally obligated to withdraw from all engagements in the US.”
Another prominent artist, Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny, confirmed his decision to omit the US from his world tour due to fears of ICE operations targeting concertgoers. “There were many reasons why I didn’t show up in the US, and none of them were out of hate … But there was the issue of – like, fucking ICE could be outside [a concert],” he admitted in an interview with i-D magazine.
The Broader Impact on Tourism and Events
The ramifications of these safety concerns extend beyond the music industry. With the upcoming World Cup set to be largely hosted in the US, the implications for thousands of international fans are worrying. The heightened scrutiny and potential for disruption could deter visitors from travelling to the event.
The US tourism sector is already feeling the strain. Projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council indicated a staggering loss of $12.5 billion (£9.35 billion) in international visitor spending in 2025. Further data from the International Trade Administration revealed a 5.5% decline in international visitor spending in September 2025 compared to the previous year. The situation worsened with proposals from the US Department of Homeland Security to examine five years’ worth of social media activity from potential visitors prior to granting entry.
Queen’s Legacy in America
Queen’s connection to the United States is undeniable, with the band achieving significant success across the Atlantic. Their third album, *Sheer Heart Attack*, marked their breakthrough into the mainstream, leading to a string of five consecutive US Top 10 albums. The 1980 release of *The Game*, featuring chart-topping hits like “Another One Bites the Dust” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” solidified their place in American rock history. However, as May points out, the band’s cherished relationship with the US is now overshadowed by safety concerns.
Why it Matters
The reluctance of artists like Brian May to tour the United States highlights a troubling trend that could have far-reaching consequences for the live music industry and tourism as a whole. As safety becomes a paramount concern, the cultural and economic implications of reduced international engagement could reshape the landscape of American entertainment. The ongoing climate of fear not only threatens the vibrancy of the arts but also poses a challenge for the US’s global reputation as a welcoming destination for talent and tourists alike.
