Queen with Adam Lambert - no, No, NO and....

[LynneSin]

OH HELL NO!!!!!


My greatest musical regret in life was not seeing Queen in concert when they toured through Harrisburg back in the late 80s. By then I was starting to go to concerts but was kinda disappointed with the last subpar album they had put out. None of us had any idea that Freddie Mercury only had a few years left in the world with us.

I wasn't keen on the Queen with Paul Rodgers tour but now I kinda wish I had seen that. At least to me Paul Rodgers has had a long respectable career and in the end the concert was a collection of not just Queen songs but some of the classics from Paul Rodgers career including when he was with Bad Company.

To me using Adam Lambert, the Queen members still touring (Brian May and Roger Taylor) are simply trying to eek out the last few nickels they can make slinging the good name of the band Queen thru the mud. Hell it's not much better than finding a Queen Tribute band singer and using him. At least they weren't like the band Yes that tossed their perfectly good long time lead singer overboard to use a tribute band singer (and in the end I had seen Yes at Hersey back in the 80s AND Jon Anderson about 4-5 years ago so I'm happy).

John Deacon was smart to retire from Queen, even he knew the band couldn't go on forever after Mercury had died. And let's face it- it's not like any of these members are hurting for cash.

And as an FYI I would be willing to see Led Zeppelin with another drummer especially since it's a good chance if they tour it would be the son of their original drummer. I'd even saw Page & Plant in concert (without bassist John Paul Jones) because Page & Plant never toured as the band Led Zeppelin but as Page & Plant. But I would not see Led Zeppelin in concert if Page, Plant and Jones were all available to tour. I have standards you know!

[TM99]

1. I had to look up who Adam Lambert even was!

And I agree. No, no, and hell no! American Idol?

I saw Queen several times in the 80's. They were one of my favorites especially live.

I can respect Lambert's activism and philanthropy, and I do not want to see him head Queen. Retire Queen already gents. It is time.

[LynneSin]

2. I have to agree. I love Queen but I think this hurting the legend that is Queen

Honestly, Roger Taylor and Brian May both have amazing vocals and could be lead singer of Queen. Probaby Taylor since we could get another drummer to take his job. May is a talented guitarist and harder to replace.

To me American Idol is nothing more than televised Karaoke. These contestants are creating new music they're just rehashing the songs made famous by others. Sure a few people have come out successful from the contest like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Oh and Jennifer Hudson did win a best supporting actress Oscar but her career stalled soon after (the curse of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar) but Hudson wasn't even a winner, she was eliminated early on.

Queen fans deserve better!

[woodsprite]

3. Lambert's latest 'gig' is on Glee.

At one time, they said that Sacha Baron Cohen had been slated to play Freddie Mercury. That would have been interesting? I think he could pull off the look, not so sure of the vocals.

[TM99]

4. Yeah, I have never watched Glee.

Cohen? The look perhaps yes, but definitely not the vocals.

I always hate when groups try to replace unique vocalists with 'sound-alikes' - Kansas, Styx, Journey, etc.

[woodsprite]

6. Didn't know they were planning on touring with whomever they chose,

I thought it was just for the movie about Freddie's life/Queen they were talking about.

The movie (a one shot deal) I can see -- maybe. I would pay to see the movie. Still rather have Cohen play the part.

Touring? Nope! I have a hard time with bands that don't know when the ride is over and tribute bands. Don't know that I would ever pay the ticket prices to actually go see one.

There are very few groups I would even consider close to Queen and having their individual talents. IMO, they can't be replaced or remade.

[LynneSin]

16. I don't think they would have had Cohen actually sing the songs

Just play the part. I heard they were going to use Cohen then Cohen turned out to be a bit of a douchebag so they got rid of him.

[Iggo]

5. I'm going.

Like you, I thought I had a million years left to see Queen (with Freddy). But I didn't.

I want to see Brian May perform these songs, and I'm gonna.

Should be great.

July 3rd, The Forum in Los Angeles

I'll give you a review later that weekend.

[LynneSin]

7. Brian May has done some solo work - when he tours with that I'll be there

I hope you enjoy the concert but no need to review it. Freddie Mercury is an original and no one can touch him.

[JoseyWales802]

9. I would like to hear your review afterwards of the concert

Maybe others won't be interested in hearing your review, but I would like to hear it, from a die hard Queen fan who actually goes to one of these concerts. Freddie can't be replaced, but I'd like to hear they do anyway- from someone who can be objective, since I may not be able to attend.

[Beer Snob-50]

8. I saw a youtube of lambert/queen and was impressed

He sounded like freddie mercury in my opinion.

[LynneSin]

10. So did those tribute singers who filled in for bands like Judas Priest and Yes

Not the same thing.

Freddie Mercury owned the stage and is a legend. Adam Lambert is nothing compared to Mercury. 2nd place runner-up in a TV Karaoke competition.

[WinkyDink]

42. You do not know the definition of karaoke, either. For not a Lambert fan, you know much about him.

[handmade34]

11. I love Adam Lambert

the rest of the band want him and he is GOOD!!

[LynneSin]

12. Then let him tour

Sorry, just not buying this. Maybe Adam Lambert fans are excited but Queen fans aren't.

[handmade34]

13. well, the way I see it...

the remaining band wants him and this allows them the ability to go out on tour... absolutely no one can ever replace Freddie Mercury, and all know this (esp Adam Lambert)... just have to see it for what it is


Brian May: "This is the closest that you'll ever get to see Queen as it was in our golden days, but it's not a reproduction. It's not an imitation. We're here live and real and we have a great singer. They'll be a lot of newness about this. I think that's very exciting. It'll be loud and dangerous and all the things that people used to look for in us..."

[LynneSin]

15. If it wasn't for Freddie Mercury no one would have heard of Queen

They'd just be another 70s band plugging some songs, maybe a bit hit or perhaps 2. Freddie Mercury made them the legend and put Queen in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This isn't seeing Queen in concert. This is seeing 2 guys who use to be with Queen trying to milk the name for every penny they can get and dragging down the Queen legend. Even Bassist John Deacon was smart enough to respect the legend and retire with grace.

[Tom Ripley]

18. +1000

[LynneSin]

19. I keep thinking of the Doors post Jim Morrison

For years the remaining members of the Doors tried everything feasible to milk all they could from their legacy created by Jim Morrison. But in the end the magic that was the Doors was about 95% what Jim Morrison brought to the band and the remaining members couldn't bring back that magic.

A band can only lose so many original members and start to lose what was made special about that band.

I think Joy Division scenario was probably one of the smartest things done after a key member of the band passed away. JD only lasted for about 4 years but in that time put out 2 amazing albums thanks to the great lead singer of the band Ian Curtis. He had a mystique about him with his unique voice and mannerisms. Unfortunately he also had severe epilepsy that played a huge part in Curtis ending his life. The remaining members respected what Curtis brought to Joy Division and ended the band and those remaining members then continued to have a successful career as New Order.

You can lose a drummer or a bassist or even a guitarist who perhaps doesn't really have any strong skills but when you lose a high profile member either to death you have to consider what is the best path forward. I think Taylor & May, who are both very talented not just with strong vocals but May is a killer guitarist, wanted to continue to the legacy but after awhile I think it would have been better to have retired Queen and created something new. Sure when they toured they could have done those classic Queen hits but they could have stepped out of Freddie Mercury's extreme shadow and created something better; something memorable. Taylor and May's only downfall is neither really had the same charisma as Mercury. You can't replace Mercury so why even try?

Maybe if Taylor and May were touring as something other than Queen with the help of Lambert I'd consider it. But they are touring as Queen - just not interested in seeing a fake Queen.

[Tom Ripley]

23. The Doors travesty and the classy move of the remaining members of Joy Division are good examples.

Brian May is a very talented musician, but without Mercury, May would enjoyed the recognition and income level of his equally talented contemporaries such as Steve Hillage, Ollie Halsall, and Chris Spedding.

[WinkyDink]

44. Gee, you mean like if it weren't for Paul and John, nobody would've heard of the Beatles? Duh.

[WinkyDink]

43. Who cares? Queen is DEAD after this, and if it's dead now to Q fans, then why bother griping?

[Manifestor_of_Light]

14. I am going.

I want to see Brian play.

[woodsprite]

17. If they keep with the symphonic quality of their work, I'll probably be pleased.

That's what floors me. I could listen to them for hours (and have). They seem to be able to span genres, not solely "rock". In my own musical library, my Queen collection is neighbors with my collection of Trans Siberian Orchestra.

[Jaqui]

20. I disagree

It seems a lot of you are judging Queen & Adam without checking facts or watching youtube to see what Adam is like with Queen. Queen isn't milking anything. They invited Adam to sing with them for the EMAs then for a show with Elton John in the Ukraine. They also scheduled a few dates in the UK which sold out so they booked more & sold out all of them. The iheart show in Vegas showed Brian & Roger that they have fans, all ages, that want to hear Queen so they decided to book this tour so people could hear Queen's music done by a singer that can handle singing the songs as they were written. Paul Rogers did not sing the high parts when he was with Queen, Brian did. Paul does not have the range or color to his voice Adam does. Adam is also a very flamboyant performer, very similar to Freddie. Friends sent Roger & Brian youtube videos of Adam on Idol, they thought he was that good. Idol is a forum that can launch amazing careers, it doesn't create what's not there. Adam was the real deal in Wicked, 10 Commandments & Idol. Also, the Biopic is separate from the tour. Ben Wishaw from Skyfall is slated to play Freddie & who knows maybe Adam will wind up singing. Right now, the movie is stalled again as they lost their director.

[LynneSin]

21. and right there you summed up exactly why this is all wrong

Adam is also a very flamboyant performer, very similar to Freddie.

At least when Paul Rodgers toured with May & Taylor, Rodgers never tried to replace Freddie. Adam Lambert is nothing more than an attempt to make another Freddie Mercury out of a reality TV performer. Can Lambert sing -sure he can, I don't doubt that one bit. But he is not Freddie Mercury. Mercury is a legend and it's a joke to try to find a tribute band singer to replace him.

And why would they want Lambert to sing in for a Freddie Mercury biopic movie? There's enough footage and recordings of Freddie Mercury singing out including many many live performances. Why not use the original voice and add authenticity to Winshaw's performance of in the biopic.

[Jaqui]

24. Re:

Regarding the movie, you're probably right. The best way to do the music is to use Freddie. Regarding Lambert, he's not trying to be Freddie & they have made it clear he's not an immitation. He was influenced by Queen & Freddie & he performs to pay respect to him & Queen as he interprets the music. I love Queen & never thought I would hear them live. I love the variety & the technicality of the music. I never wanted to hear PR, he didn't give the music the authenticity it deserved. I do want to hear Queen with Adam, he's an amazing singer & performer that will make this a great show. Brian & Roger are excited, they're going all out with Queen's motto bigger is better because they FEEL that this is as close to Queen as they've been since Freddie died.

[LynneSin]

26. But as a very very long time Queen fan...

I know that this isn't Queen. What made Queen the band special really was Freddie Mercury and without him I highly doubt that Queen would have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I know the other members of the band were extremely talented but they didn't have the charisma that Mercury had to create the Queen Mystique.

With Mercury gone and Deacon refusing to tour, what I would respect if May & Taylor wanted to tour, even with Lambert, but just drop the Queen name. No matter how anyone spins this what it is is this - two aging rockers trying to milk all they can out of a famous name and a wannabe rock star hoping on the boat hoping to pull up his lagging career.

And yes, Lambert never really quite achieved the music stardom that so many people felt he was going to have even after coming in 2nd place in American Idol. Sure he put out 2 albums and his first one did sell (but not platinum sales) but the 2nd one kinda died out. He's done some other types of career moves with acting but he never really achieved the fame that a Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood achieved. So this is as much about him trying to make something out of his career too. He did one nice performance of a Queen song on American Idol and suddenly he things he can step in for Freddie Mercury. And trust me, he won't say that to the press but that is what is happening.

Drop the Queen name and do the tour. I might even see that out of respect for May and Taylor. But as Queen no way. Queen is dead. If I want to see Queen I'll watch a DVD, I have about 3 of them plus the Live Aid performance (which Queen showed why they are amazing). I don't want to see 'the closest thing I'll get to Queen - I have too much respect for what the band was to accept a substitute.

[WinkyDink]

45. There is no talk of Adam and the movie.

[Tom Ripley]

22. When I see someone like Lambert, I think about how prescient Garth Brooks was...

with that whole Chris Gaines schtick. Y'know, a milquetoast prefab middle of the road performer passed off as some kind of "wild and flamboyant rocker" type. It is a sad state of affairs.

[LynneSin]

25. I love your analogy but the question that baffles me is this

Who would be the Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines in this scenario with Queen?

I adore Brian May and Roger Taylor but they need to put Queen to rest. I want to see Queen in concert badly but not like this.

And I know there are generations of Beatles fans who would feel the same way if Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr tried to tour as 'the Beatles'.

[WinkyDink]

36. You are sadly ignorant, and I will bet much that you've NEVER HEARD Adam sing. EVER.

He's never been "milquetoast"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You DO have access to YouTube, do you not?!?!?!

[Tom Ripley]

48. Unfortunately, I have had the...ummm...pleasure...

and to my ears it sounded like run-of-the-mill overwrought "pageant singing" It is nothing new, and is indeed milquetoast.
At least Mercury put a fresh spin on the whole "Judy Garland backed up by a hard rock band" thing, and delivered it with a sly humor beyond the reach of the likes of Lambert.

[dawg]

27. In defense of Yes:

One big difference between a band like Yes and bands like Queen and Led Zeppelin, is that all of the members of Yes are probably *not* financially set for life. At least some of them likely need the touring income in order to support their lifestyles. Admittedly, it would be ideal if they could work things out with Jon Anderson. But if they can't, well .... those bills won't just pay themselves.

[LynneSin]

28. And least the lesser Yes isn't embarrasing themselves trying to book the bigger stadiums

Queen with Adam Lambert is now on sale thru Groupon. You don't book Wells Fargo if you don't think you're going to sell it out or at least come close to selling it out. 3 days after being on sale at Wells Fargo in Philly they have the tickets available at 'half price or more' though Groupon.

[dawg]

29. A full theater is way cooler than a mostly empty stadium, for sure.

You know, I wish all my favorite artists the best. But it is kind of a bonus for me when they sink back to the status of "cult" act and I can see them in a more comfortable, intimate venue.

[LynneSin]

30. I have to so agree with you on that one

About 3-4 years ago I saw Lindsay Buckingham live at the Queen in Wilmington. We had 2nd row seats and at one point I think I got hit with some Buckingham sweat that went flying during a massive guitar jam. I loved that show and thought it was still way better then when I saw Fleekwood Mac last year at Wells Fargo. Don't get me wrong it was a great concert but was such a big stadium.

[WinkyDink]

55. MSG sold out is even better.

[GreenPartyVoter]

31. Adam's voice is not as rich as Freddie's, imho, but I still find it

pleasant to listen to.

[WinkyDink]

39. Really? See my post below.

[GreenPartyVoter]

47. I've heard him sing before and really like it. Wasn't dissing him, just noting that

there is a difference between their voices. I think Freddie's seems a little richer somehow. That doesn't mean that Adam's voice isn't gorgeous. Just a little different.

[Hippo_Tron]

32. You're right, Brian May and Roger Taylor should just sit around and do nothing

Seriously, if you don't like it don't go. Some of us who weren't alive when Queen was in their heyday but absolutely love their music, would like to see what's left of the band. I'm sure it's not even in the same realm without Freddie Mercury, but it's the closest we've got.

[LynneSin]

33. It's not even in the same ball bark

I have never seen the band live either and it's one of my greatest concert regrets. But I've seen enough videos and Queen was more than 4 talented musicians it was an epic experience. The energy produced by the crowds at a show could heat a small country for a month. Without that energy there is something lost.

I would love to see Brian May and a Roger Taylor in concert. But I would rather just see them playing as the musicians they are today then try to recreate something they were ages ago. What they are touring is not a Queen concert. Just two older musicians trying to milk what they can from the past and a wannabe who thinks he can fill the shoes of a legend. Already sales are tanking. You can get half price tickets through Groupon

[WinkyDink]

37. NOT TRUE. Madison Square Garden is SOLD OUT. Sales aren't TANKING--they just began!

Oh, here's the Chicago Groupon: NOSE-BLEED seats!
The Deal
•$50 for one G-Pass to see Queen + Adam Lambert (up to $66.50 value)
•When: Thursday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m.
•Where: United Center
•Seating: rows 8–12 of sections 307–310

$16 off! BFD!!!

[LynneSin]

35. How about they tour with just themselves

They both have amazing vocals.

Stop trying to make something that doesn't exist anymore. Freddie Mercury is irreplaceable. At least with Paul Rodgers they weren't trying to replace Mercury but touring with another musical giant and they both sang some of their greatest hits.

I've never seen Queen in concert live and it is a great regret. But what this tour is has nothing to do with Queen but a fake.

[WinkyDink]

38. Don't worry; they'll have to soon enough. Will that make you happy, after both men expressed JOY at

working with Adam?

[Hippo_Tron]

46. Maybe they don't want to?

Singing lead for Queen on a tour is an incredibly athletic endeavor vocally. May and Taylor both have great vocals but they're not predominantly lead singers and never have been. They would have to train for months with vocal coaches to get into the kind of shape you need to make it though a tour like that. And that's assuming their voices have held up relatively well over the years, which I don't even know.

[WinkyDink]

34. Sad for you. I'll be at SOLD-OUT MSG with bells on. I think nay-sayers don't know WTH they're

talking about, so for their edification:

Oh, and I guess Brian May has no idea of who a good singer is, right? He just needs the money? Bwahahahahaha!

[LynneSin]

40. I got about a minute into that first one. It's shameful how Lambert wants to be Mercury

&list=RDUrbvnJfmJJA&feature=share

I have never seen Queen in concert although I wish I could. What's worse is that May and Taylor do NOT need Lambert. Both have amazing voices on their own rights.

Brian May

Roger Taylor

[WinkyDink]

41. Whatever. I guess opera should have died with Callas and Pavarotti, too.

You didn't see Queen before, you want to cut off your nose to spite your face now, you'll never see Roger again with Brian, so luxuriate in your negativity.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

49. I did not go see them when I was young.

I didn't realize they were so good, because I just heard the bombastic stuff on the radio. If I had bought their records, I would have known.

I want to see Brian do his thing before he gets old and dies. He's already 66 or so. None of us are getting any younger. I don't really give a damn about any of them but Brian.

So I'll be there rocking Toyota Center!!!

[Initech]

50. It'd be like seeing Sublime without Brad Nowell, or the Doors without Jim Morrison.

And while on the subject of Led Zeppelin, Jason Bonham apparently tours with his own group called "The Led Zeppelin Experience" and from the reviews I've read it's supposed to be a faithful tribute.

[PeteSelman]

51. I'm taking my niece for her birthday.

She'll be 15 and loves Queen. Everyone knows there is no replacing Freddy and this Lambert guy (I had to google him to find out who he was) isn't trying to be Freddy. They aren't touring as Queen as if Lambert is a part of Queen. It's Queen with Adam Lambert on vocals. Everyone involved makes the distinction.

Anyway, she wants to see Brian May play and I want to hear their greatest hits one more time live. I got to see Mercury and I know this won't be close to his level but I also know we're going to have a great time singing along and watching Brian jam.

Rogers never made any sense in Queen, he has no range.

[WinkyDink]

52. Tour is so languishing that it just had to add the Izod Center (NJ) for July 23.

[MrsKirkley]

53. Plenty of famous rock bands have lost and gained new members.

They're touring as Queen with Adam Lambert, not just Queen. Adam Lambert is an extremely talented vocalist. Queen, Kiss, and Slash don't normally appear on American Idol. From what I understand, they went to see Adam Lambert!

[WinkyDink]

54. Bwahahaha! "Due to overwhelming demand, five additional shows.........

"March 24, 2014, NEW YORK— Due to overwhelming demand, five additional shows have been added to the Queen + Adam Lambert summer tour. Brian May, Roger Taylor + Adam Lambert will play second shows in Uncasville, Conn. and Toronto, Ont. and will add three new cities, Boston, Mass., East Rutherford, NJ and Atlantic City, NJ, to the highly anticipated tour. The 24-date tour, which is presented by Live Nation, now wraps on Monday, July 28 in Toronto, Ont"

[Manifestor_of_Light]

56. Yep, FIVE MORE CITIES!!!

I just want to see Brian do his thing before he gets too old to do it any more. I never saw Queen back when they were in their prime.

I think he's born in 1947 which is the second year of the Baby Boomers, so he's about 66. That pretty dark curly hair is gray now.

Still has a great voice and great playing. And bonus: Isaac Newton hair on an astrophysicist!

I hope he does his acoustic songs, Love of My Life and 39 (the one about time dilation in space travel).


Brian<------