Adam Lambert prepares for summer tour with Queen
- 10 years ago
From appearing in the reality show ‘American Idol’ to fronting the rock band Queen on a US tour – Adam Lambert’s career is on the rise.
Since taking the runner-up spot in the eighth series of the popular US TV show, the singer songwriter has won international acclaim in many quarters with his rich tenor voice.
His albums and single releases have brought him praise while his showmanship and theatrical style have become his signature during live performances.
But he admits following in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury – regarded by many as the greatest rock band front-man – has not been easy.
“At first it was a little daunting when we did our first incarnation of this. I definitely felt apprehensive. Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest singers that ever lived, and he’s a big idol for me, and I thought to myself, you know I hope that the fans dig this, you know, because there is a possibility that they wouldn’t. And it felt really good. The reception was warm, the press reaction to it the first time was very warm,” he said.
Replacing the man who created a special synergy with live audiences across the globe was always going to spark criticism.
Original band members Roger Taylor and Brian May defender their choice saying they are happy with the new partnership.
“If you concentrate on the negative you’re not going to get anywhere. It’s very important to have your focus, and you play to people who want to hear us. Anyone that doesn’t want to hear us, thanks, goodbye. No problem,” said Brian May.
It will not be the first time that Lambert has fronted the band. He performed with Queen at last year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and on a European tour in 2012 when Lambert got his larynx round such hits as ‘We are the Champions’ and ‘We will rock you’.
The 19-date US tour kicks off on June 19 in Chicago and ends on July 20 in Washington DC.
Since taking the runner-up spot in the eighth series of the popular US TV show, the singer songwriter has won international acclaim in many quarters with his rich tenor voice.
His albums and single releases have brought him praise while his showmanship and theatrical style have become his signature during live performances.
But he admits following in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury – regarded by many as the greatest rock band front-man – has not been easy.
“At first it was a little daunting when we did our first incarnation of this. I definitely felt apprehensive. Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest singers that ever lived, and he’s a big idol for me, and I thought to myself, you know I hope that the fans dig this, you know, because there is a possibility that they wouldn’t. And it felt really good. The reception was warm, the press reaction to it the first time was very warm,” he said.
Replacing the man who created a special synergy with live audiences across the globe was always going to spark criticism.
Original band members Roger Taylor and Brian May defender their choice saying they are happy with the new partnership.
“If you concentrate on the negative you’re not going to get anywhere. It’s very important to have your focus, and you play to people who want to hear us. Anyone that doesn’t want to hear us, thanks, goodbye. No problem,” said Brian May.
It will not be the first time that Lambert has fronted the band. He performed with Queen at last year’s iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and on a European tour in 2012 when Lambert got his larynx round such hits as ‘We are the Champions’ and ‘We will rock you’.
The 19-date US tour kicks off on June 19 in Chicago and ends on July 20 in Washington DC.