Brian May, the lead guitarist of the legendary British rock band Queen, appears to rule out a return to the US concert stage in the immediate future.

In an interview with the UK’s Daily Mail, May said he and his bandmates might avoid performing at venues in the United States if they decide to mount an upcoming tour.

“The United States is a dangerous place right now, so you have to keep that in mind,” he told the outlet. “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 right now,” he added.

Since 2012, Queen has toured regularly with singer and “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert as lead vocalist. Original frontman Freddie Mercury died in 1991 from complications of AIDS at age 45.

Queen last performed in the United States in 2023 as part of their Rhapsody Tour. As for May, she made a surprise appearance during Benson Boone’s performance at Coachella last year.

Queen lead guitarist Brian May, right, performs with Adam Lambert in 2023.
Queen lead guitarist Brian May, right, performs with Adam Lambert in 2023.

Corine Solberg via Getty Images

In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her band’s classic song “Bohemian Rhapsody,” May hinted that she wanted to take some time off the road, but added that a Las Vegas residency was being considered.

“I still want to play shows. I still want to innovate,” he said at the time. “I’m very interested in the Sphere. It gets my mind going. I sat there watching the Eagles and thought, ‘We should do this. The things we could bring to the table would be great.’ So yeah, I’d like to do it. We’re having conversations.”

Although May made no explicit mention of the American political climate, Queen previously rejected President Donald Trump’s unauthorized use of her 1977 hit, “We Will Rock You,” at rallies.

In his Daily Mail chat, he acknowledged that he wasn’t sure when Queen would return to the stage, but also emphasized that he and his bandmates were not considering calling it quits just yet.

“Never say never about not coming back,” he said.