2017 represents the 40th anniversary of the release of Queen’s iconic News of the World Album. To celebrate Queen + Adam Lambert have been touring North America, Europe & the United Kingdom. The album featured classics such as We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.
Tonight they reached FlyDSA Arena Sheffield. Like the entire UK Tour this concert sold out within 24 hours. A packed Sheffield Arena eagerly awaited the entrance of the band.
Freddie Mercury tragically died in 1991 and the remaining members, minus John Deacon, have performed with various temporary frontmen since. Since 2012 this has been with Adam Lambert the former American Idol runner up.
Lambert performs the songs of Queen admirably in his own style but does not try to replace Freddie Mercury.
The thing is he’s not Freddie. He doesn’t need to be Freddie. Not in any sense is Freddie imitated. Adam has an extraordinary instrument – the most wonderful instrument you could possibly find in this world, you know. There’s no dispute in that. He also has an ability with the audience. He has a natural way with the crowd. He is an entertainer. Brian May
26 songs including many Queen classics and a few lesser known album tracks were performed in a two and a quarter hour show. Stunning lights, projections, an impressive stage and help from Frank the Robot created a sensational show. Frank is the robot on the cover of The News of the World album and is a recurrent feature of the show. Plus Freddie Mercury himself made a couple of tastefully done appearances.
The show was well received by all. Yes, this isn’t the real Queen. The real Queen are sadly in the past but this is enjoyable celebration of earlier achievements. These songs deserve to still be played live in arenas.
Brian May and Roger Taylor have made no sign of how long this partnership will last with Adam Lambert. Despite occasional rumours of studio recordings this remains a live enterprise only. Australia & New Zealand are next in early 2018. There appears to be no hint of retirement yet for May & Taylor.
The partnership with Adam Lambert is not well received by all. However, it is clear that May and Taylor still enjoy performing live & especially with Lambert. Based on how well the show was received in Sheffield I expect they will be back for a 3rd UK tour in the future.
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