Queen co-founder John Deacon retired in 1997, and has remained absent even as the group returned to the road and the studio.

You’re left with a broader perspective on what Taylor contributed to Queen.

He’s signed with a new label, but that’s about all Lambert will confirm.

Edgy and raw, as bracing as any live Queen performance ever released.

Queen isn’t finding much archival material, and a key piece hasn’t been cleared.

They are continuing with shows in Australia and New Zealand this week.

Despite five years together, they still deal with the specter of Freddie Mercury.

“It’s gonna be great!” the Idol finalist says. “I think people will really be into it.”

Brian May says Lambert has given Queen a new lease on its musical life.

“The key,” Lambert says, “is to be mindful of the original intention of the songs.”