NEWS.COM.AU
9 February 2018
ADAM Lambert could never have imagined auditioning for American Idol with Bohemian Rhapsody nine years ago would eventually score him one of the biggest gigs in the world — stepping into Freddie Mercury’s shoes to front Queen.
As he prepares for their upcoming concerts in Australia, he said that moment planted the seed for one of the biggest and most successful band comebacks in rock history.
Adam Lambert has been touring with Queen for four years. Picture: Supplied
“That song for me on the show and without realising it then, it did put that out there,” he said.
“Then for the finale of Idol, Brian May and Roger Taylor were invited to perform We Are The Champions with me so that was a good introduction to them and a good way to get to know then.
“There was definitely a moment when we were all looking at each other and felt the synergy and then they expressed interest in working with me again.”
Queen fans have universally welcomed his turn as the band’s singer for the past four years, with their second tour of Australia kicking off at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 21.
The world tour will no doubt build further anticipation for the Bohemian Rhapsody movie, starring Rami Malek as Mercury, which is due to open in cinemas at the end of the year.
While May has contributed to Lambert’s solo work, the door to recording a new Queen album remains open.
“I wouldn’t ever say never. If Brian, Roger and me create new music, would it even be called Queen? To me Queen is Freddie and I am a guest,” he said.
“But it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
“I have been working very, very hard on my solo project and I’m trying to do that and this touring with Queen.”
Lambert has enjoyed a love affair with Australian audiences since launching his pop career post American Idol.
He closed the 2010 Mardi Gras but won’t be able to attend this year’s 40th anniversary celebrations as he will be on stage with Queen in Melbourne.
“As much as it would be a thrill, doing these shows going flat out for two hours will be my Mardi Gras,” he said.
One of the world’s most prominent gay pop stars, Lambert said Australia’s embrace of marriage equality had been a “very important message to send to the world.”
Lambert spent a few months here in 2016 as one of the judges on the final series of The X Factor.
“I am thrilled because I have always thought of Australia as this wonderfully progressive place and I have met wonderful people every time I am there,” he said. “I thought it was a great two part victory with the vote and then the legislation.”
Queen and Adam Lambert perform at Qudos Bank Arena on February 21 and 22, Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 24, Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 27 and 28, Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on March 2 and 3 and Perth Arena on March 6.