Okay, so a lot of us (myself included) scoffed when word broke that American Idol runner-up (and rightful winner… I don't watch and even I know that) Adam Lambert would be joining Queen on tour this summer as de facto frontman, filling the late Freddie Mercury's very intimdiating shoes. To be fair, though, who else out there has the chops, stage presence, and, um… visual flair to really do justice to Mercury's irreplaceably unique joie de vivre? A hologram? Get outta town.
The Lambert-ified lineup made their live debut in Kiev last night, performing a crowd-pleasing two-hour set (with and without a little accompaniment from Freddie himself via stock footage) as a joint charity event with Elton John, raising money for the Elena Pinchuk ANTIAIDS Foundation. Check out video of their rousing rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" below.
Almost can't believe I'm admitting this, but I actually would've rather heard Lambert sing the entire song. I mean, the Freddie Mercury projections are a nice touch, but Adam more than nailed his parts and would've (I think) done a great job during the trademark breakdown section, which, best as I could tell, was done entirely from tape. I know, lame, right? Get a men's choir up there and do it for real! Apart from that, the band sounded great; Brian May especially seems to get better and better with each year.
Verdict? Yes, I'd like some bread, lettuce and cheese for these words… Adam Lambert is the perfect personality (and voice) to bring Queen's music on stage this summer. Slap a fake mustache on him and you wouldn't know the difference!
What do you guys think of Adam Lambert's take on "Bohemian Rhapsody"? Hit up our comments section below.
Caro L:
Have been watching vids from their second gig in Moscow last night. They nailed it again. Maybe this time Adam's voice was even better! Go check it out: http://youtu.be/twNAibN8dmY
July 4, 2012
Lila Hayes :
That's interesting that they used to use the recording in their concerts, but I agree that a live version would've been better... especially with Adam leading the way. Some friends and I went to the Queen Extravaganza concert last weekend and they used the myriad of singers (which is another topic all together) to sing it live and it was beautiful. The recorded part just sounded canned (at least on the live stream).
July 3, 2012
Carma Vox:
and "Bohemian Rhapsody" wasnt even the best song...u must check out "Who wants to live forever
July 3, 2012
Eriskay Cavan:
Adam always gives us more than we anticipate. As fans, we have known this from day one. He gives more than 100% and has never let us down. So glad you enjoyed Adam's performance!! Queen + Adam Lambert = Magic!!
July 2, 2012
cb :
BTW, did you see Roger Taylor at the end of Break Free? He was saying yes, yes!
July 2, 2012
Brett Warner:
@EternalShadyNati I suppose that makes sense... although, far be it for me to disagree with Brian May, I've participated in many late night driving home from the club "Bohemian Rhapsody" sing-alongs and with the right number of people crammed in the backseat, it's totally doable.
July 2, 2012
cb :
I love somebody willing to eat their words. Bonus points!
EternalShadyNati :
Just an FYI, in a recent article Brian mentioned that, in concert, Queen has always used the recorded version for the breakdown in BH. Even when Freddie was still with us. Something about all the layering and how it would be nearly impossible to replicate in concert.
July 2, 2012
Georgette Way:
fabulous article title! I've watched some of the footage from this gig, and they were all haveing a balst up there - so much joy and passion and sheer TALENT. A few teething troubles, to be expected for a first gig, but some moments of glorious perfection. I look forward to seeing how they progress over the next few gigs. And I am betting a few more in the USA in the next few months. Once Queen Extravaganza is over, and fitting in around their other commitments. Staples centre in November anyone?
July 2, 2012
Lauriellen :
Another one bites the dust and a new Glambert has been born. One thing that has been irritating me is when the Queen "purists" just hate on Adam and don't even give him a chance. I doubt any of them have even heard this concert. So I have to give you credit for at least keeping an open enough mind to watch the concert. And wasn't it worth it? Adam is inspiring Brian and Roger to keep Queen's music ALIVE. I loved all the electronic sounds and the lights. It seemed all "new."
July 2, 2012
Pam Thompson :
All of those die hard Queen fans need to learn to accept that there are other amazing singers who can front Queen and Adam Lambert is more than qualified. he has an amazing voice and counted Freddy as one of his idols. He never intended to imitate Freddy because to Adam that is disrespectful but rather he wants to show respect to Freddy by showcasing his and Queens iconic songs. If those die hard Freddy fans would be more open to someone else fronting the band they would realize that AD
July 2, 2012
imrahd :
Loved Adam Lambert on world stage showing how great he really is,wonder if USA will wake up finally and accept the real Talent ADAM LAMBERT???
July 2, 2012
Lisa Walker:
agree with the title and premise of the article and thanks for eating the word sandwich LOL. Bohemian Rhapsody it wasnt my favorite and I just think the change up of singer and then media made it disjointed. I get why they did it and I think the video clip added a nice homage to Freddie tho the early duet with Brian did that much better I think but thank god it wasnt a creepy hologram. I want it all and who wants to live forever were fantastic in my opinion and songs like under pressure and someone to love that werent perfect were still great because they were clearly having so much fun up there. Great energy, the audience really felt it and Brian & Roger killed it. Sorta regretting now not selling possessions to get to see them live but maybe one day..............
Shawn :
Thanks for acknowledging Adam Lambert's talent! (i.e. eating your word sandwich). He is a really gifted multi genre singing genius. He did himself and Queen proud!
July 2, 2012
Rhett :
Adam Lambert more than fit in with these rock icons. QUEEN proved that they alone know what's best for the band when they invited Lambert along for this new ride. He excelled in the frontman roll and together with the band, provided us with a dynamic and brilliant performance of songs that we've so longed to hear again live! Rock on, Adam!! Rock on, Queen!!
July 2, 2012
Sharon_Miller196 :
Brett you are a dear. I mean that. I also like your sense of humor about eating your words. I am a life long Queen fan and more recently an Adam Lambert fan in the most respectful sense of the word. I am proud of his performances with the legendary Queen members Brian and Roger. Several of the songs actually made me cry wish isn't something I do often when listening to music. Adam didn't copy Freddie but paid him homage which is why I love the guy and his incredible vocals. I wish Adam and Brian, Roger would do a mini-tour either at end of year or beginning of next year world wide. It would sell out in every major world city. When I discovered Mr. Lambert I'd actually stopped listening to radio and buying new music. Radio was and still is full of cheezy pop singers which I can't tolerate any longer. But when I heard Adam sing A Change Is Gonna Come on AI in 2009 I knew we had a superstar in the making. Well let's give him a year or so and we'll see. thanks again for this article.
July 2, 2012
Sandra Haxton :
TY for the review, you repeated what myself and a whole bunch of Galmberts have been saying all weekend. Maybe now the rest of the World will finally have a listen w/o judging him on his sexual preferences
July 2, 2012
Pat Jonseof:
Translation: ADAM LAMBERT TOTALLY KICKED ASS WITH QUEEN. Too strong for your liking?
July 2, 2012
Pat Jonseof:
I was an English teacher and there are so many ways to say something. I laughed when you chose the article title that worked best for you! How about I translate for you?
July 2, 2012
Brett Warner:
No problem. I forgot to pack a lunch today, so it worked out okay...
July 2, 2012
TK :
ADAM LAMBERT KILLED IT IN KIEV!!!! He was AWESOME! You could tell the band REALLY enjoy having him! Brett Warner, thanks for eating your "words sandwich".....we Glamberts never had a doubt!! :)
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