Adam Lambert’s long-awaited stateside appearance with Queen at the iHeartRadio Festival sparks anew the debate over his filling in for the late Freddie Mercury, even though he’s at least the fourth singer to do so alongside surviving members Roger Taylor and Brian May.
“It’s been interesting,” Lambert says in this AOL clip. “There are some purists out there who are, like: ‘There’s only one Freddie Mercury.’ I know that. I agree! I’m just excited to pay respect to his memory, and to his songwriting — and, hopefully, bring this music alive again for fans of the songs.”
Lambert first performed with Queen for a finale of “American Idol,” then at the 2011 EMA Awards — though, in both cases, that was only for a few tracks. Last summer, he participated in a series of full-length European shows.
Now Lambert’s set to make his U.S. debut with Queen in September, following in the footsteps of Mercury successors George Michael (once in 1992), Paul Rodgers (2005-09) and Keane’s Tom Chaplin (once in 2010). Mercury, one of rock music’s most identifiable and dynamic performers, died in 1991 from AIDS complications.
For Lambert, performing with Queen is something he’s particularly proud to do because Mercury’s music always had such a special place in his own life.
“I’ve always loved Queen,” Lambert says. “When I found out about Queen, and first heard their albums from my dad’s record collection, I was, like: ‘What is this?!’ Because I had been into musical theater, and there was such a crossover. It’s rock, but it’s so theatrical. A lightbulb went off for me. I went: ‘Oh, so that’s what rock ‘n’ roll came be.'”
- Michael Attias, “Avrils” from ‘Quartet Music Vol. II- Kardamon Fall’ (2024): Streaming premiere - October 11, 2024
- Bryn Roberts, “Aloft” from ‘Aloft’ (2024): Video Premiere - September 20, 2024
- Five Moments From the Unlucky ‘Chicago 13’ That Weren’t Completely Terrible - August 14, 2024
I dont get why people can t enjoy a brilliant singer doing exellent covers of Freddy s fabulous music!!!!They should be thrilled!!!
I would give ANYTHING to be able to see this performance. I loved and do still love Queen and Freddie Mercury. I LOVE ADAM LAMBERT. Yes, I am one of those crazy Glamberts. Watching Adam Lambert perform is such a magical experience. To see him front Queen would be an experience of a lifetime. If you don’t like Adam but you love Queen, just enjoy the music and be happy that the members of Queen are once again able to bring this music alive. Enjoy it, soak it up and learn how incredible Adam Lambert is. There is nothing like being a member of this community.
Adam will pay tribute to Freddy, as he always does. I’d hate it if he sounded like Freddy, as I love Adam’s voice. That’s why I am a fan of his,
So, to all the naysayers out there, get over yourselves. It’s not about you but about honoring a legend, and Adam Lambert will honor Freddy his way.
they should have hired Jandek to take Freddy’s place.
I watch the DVDs of Adam and Queen regularly. He is a great artist, a great stage performer and doesn’t mimic Freddie, which I wouldn’t like. I don’t want a Freddie impersonator and you don’t get that with Adam. You get a great singer who interprets Freddie’s music beautifully. You can see the chemistry between Brian, Roger and Adam. It was epic for me being an long-time Queen fan and now an Adam Lambert fan.
Adam Lambert is such a pro and class act. He did a spectacular job singing with Queen last summer with many skeptical Freddie fans blown away by his stellar vocal ability. Adam has great respect for freddie’s memory and Brian and Roger, whose music deserves to live on. How selfish and insulting to Queen, Freddie and Adam for fans to want to bury this amazing music that is now thrilling another generation. As Freddie has sung in the past and Adam does so stunningly, “The Show Must Go On”. Those going to I Heart Radio Sept. 20th are in for a thrilling experience, Rock Royalty at the top of their game and Adam Lambert who has already proved in London, Moscow, Kiev.etc. that he is more than qualified to share the stage with these brilliant icons. Chill and just enjoy what music was meant to be, beautiful, exciting and inspiring! You won’t be disappointed!
adam ADMITS that he’s not freddie. but he sure is BRILLIANT as queen’s front man. it’s his voice and stage presence. but some people out there still have it in for him since season 8 of idol. LET THE MAN SING!!!
Adam is bringing Queens music to a new generation! Just enjoy a super great show and stop complaing that Adam isn’t Freddie! We know that!
Freddiie Forever , it can never be replaced!!!
Who’s trying to replace Freddie Mercury? He’s dead. Queen in the person of wonderful Brian May and Roger Taylor still are creative and want to make music. If you truly loved Freddie as I did, why would you want to shut his music down. He wouldn’t. He would have loved Adam according to Brian (who after all knew him best), and he would have welcomed the innovation to the music. In the meantime, all of the 6 overseas concerts were instant sell outs as was the iheartradio concert that literally sold out in minutes. So clearly there are many people who will enjoy & as I understand, the USA performance will be televised at later date.
You need to dig him up and prop him on stage. Maybe that’ll make you morons happy.
Adam isn’t trying to replace Freddie; he’s paying tribute!
I’m a hardcore Queen fan, and while agree that NOBODY can replace Freddie Mercury, I can still appreciate when someone takes his place and performs with the remaining members of Queen while maintaining respect for their legacy and putting a little bit of their own style. You can see on Adam’s performance that Freddie was a big influence, and yet I hardly see Adam Lambert trying to take Freddie’s place. I see Adam Lambert being Adam Lambert, singing Queen once. I for once couldn’t stomach Robbie Williams performing with Queen because he just tried too hard to be Freddie, and anyone who attempts it is just bound it fail.
I believe Adam Lambert is the best singer and performer of our time. Adams Phenomenal, Multi octave, emotional, powerful voice saturates my heart and soul, and takes me on a journey with every song he sings. I’ve been blessed to have seen Adam LIVE 4 times and was blown away and jaw=dropped each time. Adam’s voice is truly Otherworldly.
I LOVE Queen, seen them with Freddie when they came to Milwaukee in their Prime and they own the thrown for being the best Iconic vocal group in history. When Queen sang with Adam on idol, then continued to Praise Adam for his ‘Phenomenal’ Voice, I was elated and praying for a USA tour. I knew it would just be a matter of time, because Brian and Roger have said how much they love Adam and are in awe of his talent..
I have the Kiev and London shows on dvd. I’m not surprised but I’m sooooooo in AWE of Adams Extraordinary talent, it just leaves me stunned! Comparing Adam to the legendary Freddie side by side proves Adam will be Iconic one day for sure. He had NO back tracking..NO auto tune help…very little back up help and he had 10 days to rehearse and learn about 20 songs….performing in Kiev to over 300 thousand, then a grueling additional 5 concerts in front of die hard Queen fans. Adam Powerhoused non stop the most difficult songs ever written in Rock!!! Adam had everyone Jaw-Dropped before the night was over! Who else on this planet can DO THIS??? NO ONE but Adam Lambert.
Brian said on his blog, that he had a “hard time playing my guitar at times because I was so mesmerized by Adam!” “We truly feel like a band again with ADAM that it’s brought me to tears” “Adam Lambert has the most Extraordinary Voice, one we’ve never heard before”…Brian and Roger have said so many wonderful things about Adam, but most importantly, coming from these 2 ROCK LEGENDS, is they both are beyond blown away by Adams Talent.
Plus Adams sexxxiness, Fierceness, and jaw dropping handsome head to toe perfection no matter the expression or move he makes~~makes an Incredible performer like we’ve never seen before!
I’m so excited as what’s to come next for Adam and I’m can’t wait for Adam to Blow everyone away with Queen at IHEART..it’s gonna be Exhilarating!
Adam Lambert is wonderful. A worthy singer to front Queen, and take the music of Freddie and Queen to a newer audience. I wish they write new material together. Its difficult to bring the sense of humor and the musical and expressive grandiosity that Freddie had, into the lyrics but I guess he is the best bet. By the way, Im a Queen fan for the last 36 years.
Hi everybody.
Seen Queen with Freddie. Wonderful
Seen Queen twice with Lambert in London. Wonderful.
I think we have a new singer. Now we just need to tour. With a new setlist without Queens nonrock songs. Get rid of Another b t dust, crazy little …., a kind of magic, ga ga and so on. Just go back and play som old stuff like White Queen and songs from Made in Heaven.