Adam Lambert says fans shouldn’t expect any large-scale tour to follow his September debut in the U.S. fronting classic-rock legends Queen.
The band hasn’t traveled the world since 2008, when it did so with Paul Rodgers. Brian May and Roger Taylor had earlier mounted a huge tour in 2005-06 with Rodgers, their first since the late Freddie Mercury led Queen in the mid-1980s. There was also a Rodgers + Queen studio project called The Cosmos Rocks, in 2008.
The following year, Queen began what’s turned into a lengthy relationship with Lambert, when May and Taylor took part in the Idol finale. Since then, they’ve made a series of individual stops, but each of them was in Europe.
Lambert is now prepping for a first-ever stateside set with Queen, to be held next month at an iHeart Radio-sponsored event in Vegas.
That’s sparked some speculation that, if successful, Lambert + Queen might consider expanding their commitment into a broader U.S. jaunt — in part, no doubt, because Lambert himself didn’t tour in the states behind his most recent solo album.
Lambert nixes the idea, in this clip with Brett Andrews.
“I don’t think those guys want to do an 80-city tour,” he says of Queen. “They already did all that.”
Incidentally, Rodgers was also asked last year about the prospect of Lambert fronting Queen on a lengthy tour — similar to the two he undertook in the last decade — and the former Free/Bad Company singer said he was unsure if Lambert could withstand the intense pressure that would follow.
- 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 like that you guys are supporting this venture, however there is one error, and one grey area in your article.
RE: “–in part, no doubt, because Lambert himself has yet to do his own solo tour in the states.”
>>Yes, Adam has solo-toured the US. As a matter of fact, GNT was sell out tour for the most part too, and his team had to add many more dates to the roster than originally planned.
RE: “Incidentally, Rodgers was asked about the prospect of Lambert fronting Queen on a lengthy tour — similar to the two he undertook in the last decade — and the former Free/Bad Company singer said he was unsure if Lambert could withstand the intense pressure that would follow.”
>>While I know that above is Rodgers opinion, I’d like to add that Adam’s last tour, GNT, consisted of over 125 full length concerts over a 6-7 month period, spanning not only the states, but the world over. I think he could take it–look at what he’s had to put up with already.
Keep up the good word SER, as I enjoy your site very much.
Corrected to make clear that Lambert didn’t tour in support of his most recent album in the states. Great catch. Thanks.
I’d love to see them do a few dates, where did the #80 come from? Btw Lambert headlined a 113 date world tour in 2010. How did Paul Rodgers opinion come into this conversation?
I think you should clarify the Paul Rogers comment about Adam and Queen. He made this comment in April 2012 before Adam performed in concert with Queen. I do not believe anyone who saw those concerts has any question about Adam’s capability to hold his own with Queen. Adam has his own music and his own career — I hope that he continues to occasionally perform with Queen but I cannot imagine that Bri and Roger really want to do a major tour again.
Agree with previous commentors, as for Paul Rogers, I do like his work with Free and Bad Company, but I don’t think he was a good fit for Queen, his voice doesn’t have enough range to properly showcase the songs as Adam does and I think Brian and Roger know that.
I think there was a bit of jealousy there that he wasn’t asked, as well as a bit of prejudice that most rockers have against people who come from shows like American Idol. He said that without really knowing anything about Adam or his history.
As for a tour I think we will have to content ourselves with the odd one off show. Brian and Roger aren’t young men anymore, Brian just had a knee operation, it’s very unfair to ask them to do six month tours when most people are putting their feet up by the fire. If there is anyone who couldn’t stand the pace it would be Brian and Roger, and that’s understandable, As Adam said, they already did all that.
Everyone’s made the comments to correct your information which is good. I know Brian and Roger are getting old but I wish they would play a few dates in the states. I’d kill for a world tour, but it is probably too much to ask. Lambert is fabulous in this role, much better than Rodgers IMO (and I’m a fan of both). They are only doing a small set in Vegas. Queen doesn’t need the money or stress I realize, but it would really be great for Queen and Lambert fans to witness this fabulous collaboration live. It’s the best thing I’ve seen live in years and I only watched the DVD.
“I don’t think those guys want to do an 80-city tour,”
Adam usually has cryptic messages. I read this as “Those guys only want to do a 20 or 40 city tour.”
I read it that way also! I hope we are right!!
That is hilarious Lauriellen….you always see the positive side. I’m good with just a 20 or 40 city tour. Please at least do the big cities or festivals (e.g., Chicago, New York, LA, DC, oh and Milwaukee, WI of course). I will never give up hope of seeing this collaboration live. It is on my bucket list, so come on guys, let’s do it!