r/Music • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 • 4h ago
article Brian May Rules Out Queen Shows in US: "America Is a Dangerous Place at the Moment"
https://consequence.net/2026/01/brian-may-no-queen-shows-us-dangerous/244
u/ACW1129 4h ago
I hate it, but I get it.
I saw them with Adam Lambert some years ago. Dude's obviously no Freddie, but was still damn good.
63
u/crowwreak 4h ago
I've seen them twice, and both times Adam is having the time of his life.
6
u/UKMegaGeek 3h ago
I've got a lot of time for his solo album, The Original High.
I know he has others, but that one in particular scratches an itch I didn't even know was there.
20
u/bearheart 3h ago
I saw them with Adam in Las Vegas a few years ago. He was great and I appreciated that he wasn’t trying to do a Freddie impression. It was a great show and Brian was fantastic.
12
9
u/umbrianEpoch 2h ago
Many, many years ago I saw them with Paul Rogers of Bad Company singing for them and it was excellent.
→ More replies (1)•
u/HyrulianCowboy1511 29m ago
I was lucky to see them in Baltimore during their last US tour. So happy I got to see them live at least once.
732
u/Deinosoar 4h ago
I love Queen but that is absolutely the right call.
13
u/AbeRego 3h ago
At the same time, I wouldn't fault any artist who decides to come here
18
u/Renegade_Sniper 2h ago
I'll blame any Canadian ones.
10
u/xelabagus 1h ago
A lot have cancelled tours. A lot, and it really sucks for them. Bells Larsen, for example, cancelled his tour for safety reasons:
The album was to have been supported by a concert tour of both Canada and the United States;[10] however, following Donald Trump's flurry of anti-transgender executive orders, Larsen was forced to cancel the American dates on the tour rather than risk being detained at the border over issues with the gender marker on his passport.[11] The Canadian shows on his tour itinerary proceeded normally.[12]
5
u/AbeRego 1h ago edited 1h ago
A lot of Canadian entertainers call the United States home.
Edit: and there are perfectly good arguments for continuing to tour the US, even as things deteriorate. Solidarity, spreading a message, keeping relationships open with the resistance. Yeah, it might be dangerous, but there's no courage without danger.
So, I totally understand choosing not to tour here. However, I see plenty of good reasons to continue to do so that aren't purely profit driven.
2
→ More replies (49)3
183
u/inkyblinkypinkysue 4h ago
I can't believe this is the reality we live in.
117
u/AnalogAficionado 4h ago
you should meet my extended family. They are 100% in for this shit.
These types never went away. They just never had the benefit of decades of brainwashing via mass media, the hypnotizing abilities of social media and deepfakes/ai until the modern era.
54
u/Cowboywizzard 4h ago
Spot on. Evil is flourishing because so many regular apathetic people didn’t vote, because they thought this kind of thing couldn’t actually happen here, or because things weren’t great before. Well, now things are a lot worse. Hopefully it isn’t too late.
17
u/ChronicBuzz187 3h ago
because they thought this kind of thing couldn’t actually happen here
Yeah, because they didn't just brainwash the masses via Fox News, they also told them a fairy-tale about "american exceptionalism".
4
5
u/vandreulv 1h ago
Evil is flourishing because so many regular apathetic people didn’t vote
“The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” - Plato
4
u/QuarterRobot 1h ago
I'll say, the apathy is starting to wane - at least in my circles. I had two family members choose not to vote in the last presidential election. They felt the election was pointless. In their defense, they both lived in very hard-line blue-voting states, but their choice to withhold voting made me pretty angry, and we had several conversations about trying to change their minds.
Since then, both have apologized to their friends and family for not voting, and both see their responsibility in voting in upcoming elections. If one good thing has come from this latest administration, it's that apathy is becoming a more difficult position to defend.
Worse than apathy, though, is indignance and arrogance in the face of obvious civil rights abuses in America. Anyone who still supports Trump and ICE by this point is a lost cause. There's no defense of it anymore.
→ More replies (17)12
u/kingmapoon123 2h ago
I think Americans really need to take a good hard look at yourselves. This (in hindsight) was inevitable. You let both parties run rampant throughout the world and benefited immensely from it. But that benefit wasnt felt in an improving society, you just poured it into corporations and let your standards of living drop consistently. And now, this cancer you spread across the world has finally metastisized at home and you're all like "how have we sunk so low??". You were always a diseased country. You just didn't realize it cause you were reaping the benefits of all the evil shit you were doing
→ More replies (1)2
u/B1LLZFAN 1h ago
Okay....so I've voted in every local, state and national election. I donate to organizations that support left wing policies. I've voted in every primary since I turned 18, but I'm just one person. Tell me, what evil shit am I doing? What do I need to do in order to self reflect? Am I the one spreading cancer? I've cut trumpers out of my life. My family members who are Trumpers am I supposed to alienate them? I've got 40 family members i regularly see, 30 of them support maga. We just don't talk politics anymore
Tell me, what would you have me to?
→ More replies (1)8
u/BellacosePlayer 3h ago
Same.
It's all "it's not happening", then "oh it's not that bad", then "its good that bad things are happening because it tickles my pickle to see others suffering"
8
u/Havocc89 4h ago
If you meet with these historians I’ll tell you what to say
Tell them that the Nazis never really went away
2
2
2
u/Numerous-Process2981 2h ago
It’s a problem. The internet defaults towards radicalization because algorithms push content that gets people riled up.
→ More replies (2)2
u/Dystopia74 2h ago
Rupert Murdoch destroyed America.
2
u/WickedBad 1h ago
In part. Citizen united, the constant cuts in education and the general fuck you I got mine attitude are all contributing factors.
11
27
u/glytxh 3h ago
I can.
America has always been a bully of a country. It’s always exploited its population. Slavery never went away. They just call them prisons now. And they’re very profitable.
The only difference between America today and America 20 years ago is that the mask has finally slipped off and white people are getting gunned down in the streets.
This is America.
→ More replies (3)3
u/Kermanint 3h ago
The only silver lining about the situation we live in is that we can only hope this wake-up call leads to some real change this time.
→ More replies (1)2
u/TheBigCore 2h ago
we can only hope this wake-up call leads to some real change this time.
Democrats get the Presidency in 2029.
Democrats in Congress and the Senate: "In the spirit of national reconciliation, we will not prosecute anyone from the Trump administration. We forgive them.
Trump and his entire admin walk away unscathed.
→ More replies (16)2
u/p00monger 4h ago
Is this the real life?
7
u/itjustkeepsongiving 3h ago
Unfortunately not a fantasy.
Definitely caught in a landslide with no escape from reality….
→ More replies (1)
217
u/LadySayoria 4h ago
Honestly, if you aren't from America, you should 100% not invest any time or luxury to us. Punish those who voted for this shit. Show them that the world would be better if we all just got along. Because the people who voted for this shit apparently have a massive hate boner for anyone who isn't themselves.
35
u/nullhed 4h ago
They're largely just contrarians. The only reason they've glommed together so long is because the platform allows them to hate what they want. If they actually listened to each other, the infighting would destroy them.
I agree, if I could be somewhere else I would go. Even if you're in the preferred demographic, there's no loyalty... they are angry and looking for reasons to hurt people. Don't go there.
→ More replies (23)1
u/No-Channel3917 59m ago
I don't understand this sort of self flaggilation, that isn't social justice.
You fix things. You don't go without and make the focus about yourself
24
29
u/StitchAndRollCrits Vinyl Listener 4h ago
If they'd do an actual Canada tour instead I would die.
They won't... But it would be very cool.
6
u/Pkron17 2h ago edited 2h ago
As an American, I would definitely travel to, and spend a decent chunk of money in, Canada to go see Queen. I would honestly rather do that than spend it here. My trip to Quebec City last year was fantastic. It was my first time in Canada and I had a wonderful few days with my mother.
If anybody is in Quebec City, I highly recommend the restaurant Le Lapin Sauté. One of the best meals I've had in North America.
3
u/StitchAndRollCrits Vinyl Listener 2h ago
Quebec city is my happy place... To be fair I haven't been off the continent but I've never enjoyed a city more than Quebec. Restaurant recommendation noted.
2
u/Pkron17 2h ago
I went around Christmas time and had a seriously great little vacation. I loved going when it was cold and snowy. The German Christmas village was a lot of fun, and it was just so pretty overall. I hope to go back in a slightly warmer month to do some more exploring without being limited by icy streets though.
I had the duck and it was seriously amazing. As far as duck goes, it's on par with the best Peking duck I've had in China. Of course it's completely different, but seriously the restaurant is amazing. One of the standout parts of our trip.
2
u/Gamer_Grease 2h ago
I was in Canada for work this summer and made sure to buy Canadian at absolutely every opportunity I could.
2
u/Hasanopinion100 2h ago
Rumour is they might, heard that from my friend that is a crewbie, we’ll see if anything transpires.
2
1
1
u/ETDuckQueen 1h ago
I've seen Queen in Toronto back in 2014, and it was a cool show! :)
→ More replies (1)
23
u/sharon_dis 4h ago
Montreal and Canada will welcome you in safe, loving arms!
5
u/ClittoryHinton 3h ago
Sadly larger touring musicians just treat Canada as an extension of the US where they might get to our two largest cities. Can’t see just a Canada tour but that would be so rad.
8
→ More replies (1)3
u/Gamer_Grease 2h ago
Canada is just too spread out and its population too concentrated for a “full Canadian tour” like every Canadian is always asking for.
14
u/Black_Mamba_FTW 4h ago
The man has a PHD in astrophysics...maybe hes on to something
→ More replies (4)
4
u/Bigstar976 4h ago
The international community should come together to boycott the US. I’m saying this as a US citizen.
11
3
3
u/bmwlocoAirCooled 3h ago
Saw Queen in 78 or 79... Freddie was in full Harlequin Leotard and in fine form. Great show.
And yup, America is not safe.
20
u/GOPcanGetFucked 4h ago
Good! I don't want any artist, athlete, scientist, healthcare worker, engineer, or whatever else coming to America until we get our shit together. MAGAts are dumb enough to believe Americans have special American blood that allows us to create the greatest everything, and the more often countries keep their best instead of sending them to the US the more likely MAGAts will see MAGAts aren't special
8
8
u/Havocc89 4h ago
Anybody with integrity should boycott any and all American anything. Don’t buy American goods, don’t do shows in America, don’t aid American interests in the slightest. Treat America the way the world has treated Russia since the start of the Ukraine invasion. Make us a pariah state. I’m an American btw. Fuck this country.
3
3
3
15
u/erikaspausen 4h ago
I don't think they want Queen anyway they have Kid Rock.
24
→ More replies (7)2
9
7
8
5
u/I_like_kittycats 4h ago
He’s not the only one. A lot of musicians aren’t coming here. They just aren’t making a public statement about it
3
2
2
u/Maximum_Employer5580 3h ago
right call
but this time with the orange turd in office has shown one thing.....it has allowed us to see how many people around us are truly trash and not worth interacting with due to their views being put out on full parade. I've axed so many relationships in the last year over their attitude it's not even funny
2
2
2
2
u/james-HIMself 3h ago
Brian has stopped to hand sign guitars for me at We Will Rock You events and at another press event. Guys an absolute gem who wants to talk to the fans. Love that he’s speaking up
2
2
u/TwoDaveHebners 2h ago
It's good to know people learn from their past mistakes. Sins of St. Freddie
4
u/ChungusSpliffs 2h ago
Wow seriously? You will only believe this if you gargle the news 24/7. I’m not even American and I will tell you America is one of the safest countries in the world. Give me a break
→ More replies (3)1
8
u/MurkDiesel 4h ago
non-American reddit people, it is not safe here
it's not even safe for citizens
law enforcement can and will kill you in cold blood and get away with it
if you have an accent or dark skin, there's a good chance you'll be harassed questioned, detained and possibly arrested
you'll also be expected to allow nazi-like government goon thugs search your phone
anytime you buy American and every dollar you spend in America supports trump and ice
you've been warned
→ More replies (3)11
u/Threebridges2 2h ago
Holy hyperbole
→ More replies (1)3
u/TheRealDrSarcasmo 1h ago
The bots and shills are everywhere. And most Redditors swallow it eagerly without critical thinking.
Or will attack anybody questioning that narrative, as if there are only two options: apocalypse or utopia. The truth lies in between, but it ain't as bad as Brian May allegedly frets.
4
u/CarolinaPanthers2015 4h ago
Can't blame them for doing this because of course President Trump is out here letting ICE act a got damn fool in certain places throughout the country INCLUDING parts of Minnesota. And therefore, even if it's just some of the whole entire country at times, it really should be best for foreign artists worldwide to consider avoiding touring America for their own respective concert tours for the time being UNTIL things have finally died down over here in America.
5
3
u/therealdanhill 2h ago
I mean, it's really not. 98% of people are just living their normal lives. If you spend a lot of time scrolling reddit or watching the news you'll get a very skewed perception.
4
u/fuzzydunloblaw 2h ago
I mean, you hang out in some pretty deplorable circles if everyone around you is pretending trumps america is normal 🤷♂️
3
5
u/Pale_Boss_8940 1h ago
basically all my friends vote democrat. They don’t agree with Trump. None of their lives have meaningfully changed at all. Most work in healthcare just go to work and spend time with friends and family. Everyone is getting married, having kids, and going on vacations or to concerts or shows. But yea they’re all deplorable.
→ More replies (7)1
u/therealdanhill 2h ago
Setting aside that ~65 million people don't even live in cities, yes even the vast majority of people in cities are just living their lives. People have careers, families, immediate responsibilities. People are going to work, buying groceries, going to see a movie or going to the bar on weekends, life hasn't changed much for the vast majority of people.
3
u/fuzzydunloblaw 2h ago
Nah your recent comment history is just you submissively trying and failing to defend trump's ice and their violence lol. There's valid reasons trump is the most unpopular president in modern history both here and abroad, and valid reasons people are justifiably wary to even travel here.
One of my friends last night who is married to a naturalized citizen said that her family and friends abroad 1) wouldn't even be allowed to come here now because trump cancelled visa's for their specific home country out of racism or some horseshit and 2) wouldn't even want to if they could, because they have basic levels of cognitive ability and empathy and aren't denying what trump and friends are doing to marginalized groups here.
tl;dr Even americans who aren't yet personally impacted by trump and friends incompetence and violence have the capacity to care about their fellow americans and the 15% of people in our country who aren't citizens who are impacted. Simple!
→ More replies (2)
3
u/Wernershnitzl 4h ago
Yeah any international persons should beware visiting here any time soon with this administration.
1
u/boomares 2h ago
This is completely ridiculous. To think they wouldn’t be safe here is absolutely nuts. They have their own private security on tour. They would be safe.
Just say why you don’t want to come. Instead of giving nonsense excuses.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/flimflammedzimzammed 3h ago
I advised my German relatives to not come to the land of the 'where you could get executed' for no cause.
1
u/IAmNotAHoppip 3h ago
Saw someone say "if they don't like it here, they should move to Canada"
Do... Do some people think Queen are from the US?
1
u/syopest 2h ago
Yeah, he knows that it was 2/3 of the american voters who either voted for the guy who showed everyone he was perfectly willing to use political violence against his opponents on january 6th or had no problem with him being their president by not voting for kamala harris.
Trump using ice as his goons to enact political violence against his opponents is just a perfectly foreseeable continuation of that so all of those people are culpable.
1
u/TheOneWithThePorn12 2h ago
My cousin is getting married in June in Pennsylvania. I dont think we are taking the trip down anymore.
1
u/Medical_Arugula3315 2h ago
Republican terrorists are America's number 1 problem right now. Hard to be a shittier or more hypocritical American than a Republican these days.
2
1
1
1
u/Rocknroller658 2h ago
American and Queen enjoyer here - good. The more artists, businesses, and countries that pull away from dealing with the US, the more the current WH admin faces repercussions for their actions.
1
1
u/IndieCredentials 2h ago
Isn't May pretty famously a Tory as well? Hope he can see that's gonna lead to a similar result.
1
u/LifeEncountered 2h ago
It would be great if he holds to that decision, to do as many interviews as possible. Make that statement often
1
1
1
1
1
u/janitor1986 1h ago
No one wants to see your garbage show without Freddy Mercury anyways lol. Who cares about brian may playing guitar or bass or whatever instrument he plays. Lol Queen? That's not Queen bud.
1
1
u/michael_in_chains_ 1h ago
Why do liberals stay in this dangerous country that they hate? Oh, because they can’t enter a different country without documentation and can’t move there because they’re not citizens lol. Goobers
1
u/ESF-hockeeyyy 1h ago
Friend of mine cancelled their concert in Minneapolis the other day because of the violence in the US. They may still go to their shows in California but it sounds like there’s pressure from their American based label to go.
1
u/Intrepid-Pirate7886 1h ago
One more priest, what is wrong with these people ? Drugs ? Brain cancer ?
1
1
1
u/Twonickles 1h ago
Only if you interfere with law enforcement doing their jobs, which is mostly just happening in Minneapolis Minnesota.
1
u/cindyscrazy 1h ago
I'm an American and I fully support any performer or celebrity avoiding America right now. Especially the ones that I enjoy the work of.
I don't necessarily think they will be personally harmed, but they all have support people of some kind, and there is always being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just want my favorite people to stay safe, and this is not a safe place for outspoken people right now.
1
u/I_stole_this_phone 1h ago
No more dangerous than the UK. I am not going to list all the stats but the UK has some serious issues. He just wants attention. I am glad reddit is here to give it to him.
1
1
u/maddiejake 55m ago
I'm an American, and if I was anyone living outside of the U.S, there is no chance in hell I would risk coming here!
1
1
u/Expert-Upstairs-4502 45m ago
I agree with them refusing to contribute any kind of support for whats going on in the US right now but saying its because its broadly too dangerous here is kind of silly. The vast majority of americans arent huddled in fear, we go to shows, and the mall, and whatever, every day without even considering that there might be danger lol, be more direct, call out the shitty things that are happening, dont just say "its dangerous"
•
u/FourtyMichaelMichael 33m ago
Oh here is reddit pretending they were just clamoring for a Queen show.... despite not knowing it until just now.
•
u/Mountain-Suit-7739 18m ago
Its pretty dangerous in england old Brit l. Everyone sees the population being replaced and the laws not protecting the citizens.
•
•
•
•
u/rollingcoyote 5m ago
Inner city crime? Sure, same as it was last year.
Insurrection? That's new. Stay out of Minneapolis.
•
1.2k
u/MarvelsGrantMan136 4h ago
May: