Adam Lambert reassures Queen fans he is ‘not trying to replace Freddie’
Singer Adam Lambert performs in concert at Terminal 5 in New York City (Noam Galai/Getty Images)
Adam Lambert has put Queen fans at ease as he reassured them that he is not trying to take the place of Freddie Mercury.
Lambert is due to start his tour once again with original band members of Queen, Roger Taylor and Brian May, and the singer made the comments to make sure fans knew his motive.
The former American Idol star will be singing Queen classics including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions and Somebody to Love.
Talking to Time Magazine, Lambert made sure that everyone knows that he is not trying to take the place of the late Freddie Mercury.
“At some point every night I talk to the audience about it, like, “I know. I’m not Freddie,”
“I’m not trying to replace him. It’s more a celebration of the legacy of the band – that’s the heart of the show.”
Lambert’s recent tours with the band have helped him build on his solo career since competing in the talent show, and he credits Taylor and May for pushing him.
“A handful of the songs in the set are absolutely ridiculous – high camp. Because the audience already loves the song, I know I can push it as far as I want. It’s the most liberating thing,” he explained.
He shared a photo that reads: “If your political party spends decades treating gay people as second-class citizens, guess what: you don’t get to use Freddie Mercury’s music at your convention.”
Guitarist Brian May also revealed he was unhappy with the use of the music, and said permission to use the music was not sought, or given.
“We are taking advice on what steps we can take to ensure this use does not continue,” May said. “Regardless of our views on Mr Trump’s platform, it has always been against our policy to allow Queen music to be used as a political campaigning tool.
“Our music embodies our own dreams and beliefs, but it is for all who care to listen and enjoy.”
