Queen’s future on American stages: what Brian May has said
In a surprising stance on the band’s touring future, Queen guitarist Brian May has stated that the iconic rock group will never tour America again. The remark, noted amid a string of recent performances and anniversary celebrations, signals a shift in how the legendary band plans to connect with its large U.S. audience in the coming years.
Context: last-world tour and recent performances
The last time May and drummer Roger Taylor, who is 76, joined forces on a live stage in the United States was not a traditional tour, but a special appearance in September 2025. They performed Bohemian Rhapsody at the Last Night of the Proms, marking the hit single’s 50th anniversary. The event featured the BBC Symphony Orchestra, underscoring Queen’s enduring appeal across generations and its ability to blend rock with orchestral grandeur.
That performance, widely shared online and on traditional media, highlighted Queen’s relevance in large-scale, high-profile events rather than repeated domestic touring. It also illustrated a shift in how the band engages fans, favoring curated appearances, anniversary celebrations, and collaborations over regular, country-by-country tours.
Why May is taking this stance
While May did not dismiss the idea of live performances altogether, his comments point to a strategic decision rooted in logistics, costs, and the evolving expectations of modern audiences. The band has historically drawn enormous crowds across America, but producing full tours requires meticulous planning, extensive staffing, and long travel arcs. In a landscape where pandemic-era travel concerns and complex touring economics persist, opting for selective appearances can reduce strain on the band and its ecosystem while preserving the magic of a live Queen moment.
Fans and critics react
Reaction to the statement has been mixed. Longtime fans express disappointment over the potential end of regular American tours, a staple for generations who grew up with Queen’s stadium-filling anthems. Others recognize that Queen’s brand endures through occasional performances, remastered releases, and high-profile events, which can create a different kind of cultural footprint than a full-scale tour.
What this means for Queen’s touring model
Queen’s management and musicians have historically leveraged unique live formats—holograms, collaborations with symphony orchestras, and reimagined performances—to keep the music alive while navigating changing live-music economics. If the Americas are no longer a regular stop, fans in North America may still access Queen through one-off concerts, festival appearances, and special broadcasts that reach wide audiences without the predictability of a traditional tour.
Legacy and ongoing projects
Queen’s catalog remains a powerhouse, with Bohemian Rhapsody continuing to resonate after more than four decades. In addition to live performances, the band’s catalog continues to inspire new generations through reissues, remastered editions, and cinematic adaptations. Brian May has repeatedly emphasized the importance of staying connected to fans while prioritizing sustainable, artistically satisfying projects. The band’s future projects, whether they involve collaboration with orchestras, charity events, or renewed studio work, are likely to emphasize quality over quantity.
Conclusion: a new era for Queen
Brian May’s comment about never touring America again marks a notable moment in Queen’s storied history. It signals a pivot toward selective appearances and innovative performance formats that honor the band’s legacy while adapting to a shifting music industry. Fans across the United States may still hope for the occasional, highly anticipated Queen moment—and for new ways to experience the music that defined generations.
