twitter.com/mariana20501/status/1109866280251781127Did Adam Lambert ruin Queen?
Joseph E Trey
Joseph E Trey, Adventure Rider and Photo-Journalist at Adventure Travel (2000-present)
Answered 3d ago
The short Answer is NO. Although, when I first heard the announcement I wasn’t so sure. Even when I went to see them, before they came on stage I had my doubts. I will get to that in a moment.
Several people have made some great comments about other bands. But, I dare to say queen is different; and while Freddie was the face of the band, they really were the sum of its parts. Similar to a band, that I used to love that refuses to get off the road, KISS.
They have toured for years, pretending to be the original band. They are not. It is rare that a band can replace the lead guitarist or lead singer, and continue successfully. Van Halen, arguably being the one exception with Sammy Hagar, not so much with poor Gary Cherone. Kiss has gotten away with it, for many because they can hide behind makeup. But, I refuse to accept it fully, even though I have seen them several times, without Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.
The were an integral part of the sound. Tommy and Eric and very good musicians, but to me it is like seeing Neil Peart play with The Beatles. Technically better, but give me Ringo. I think Neil would agree.
Now, back to Queen. For starters, every show is listed as “Queen + Adam Lambert.” That right there makes what they are doing ok by me. He is not a member of the band. He is not a replacement. it is a tribute to group of people that made great music and sadly one of them is gone.
However, Queen is more than just Freddie. Is the unique guitar sound that Brian May created. I love Freddie, but I was not about to miss the chance to hear that sound live, and watch a 70+ year old PHD–Physicists rock out in a Zandra Rhodes designed white winged onesie! Then there is Roger Taylor. Not personally my most recognizable drummer, but anyone credited with the ear worm sound of Bum, Bum, BOOOOM of We Will Rock You, played somewhere every hour of the waking day deserves his place in rock history.
Last but not least, the other missing member, by choice, Roger Deacon. A $135+ Million Dollar recluse. Not bad for a bass player. He prefers to stay home and collect his share of royalties. And that is ok too. He is responsible for penning nearly a dozen queen songs. Including the Freddie anthem, I WANT TO BREAK FREE, YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND and ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST. Yet, not one complains when he is not in the auditorium plucking out A – G - EEE at top volume.
Knowing I would never see Queen Live I actually attended a Queen Recreation Tribute show several year ago. The band is called KILLER QUEEN. They live up to their name, although our audience was lame. They come out with the look and the sound to back it up. But, it was theater. I did not for a moment think I was watching Queen, even though they were excellent.
Then there was the 2010 Princesses Trust show at Royal Albert Hall. I think Midge Ure of Ultravox and co-writer of “Do they know it’s Christmas” CRUSHED the Seven Seas of Rhye with the band. I was not a huge fan of the Paul Rodgers collaboration with Queen. I found it interesting, but not something I would put on rotation. Separately all great musicians, but I did not feel magic when they got together.
Back to the Queen + Adam Lambert Show. THIS is the ultimate tribute show. I don’t personally think Adam sounds like Freddie, and that’s even better. He has an amazing voice. I even enjoyed the original song that he and the band snuck in. It could have been an 80’s Queen deep track. In fact, many people were asking if it was. I am not sure why Adam is still so under rated by many, perhaps because he got his start on a reality TV show. Then again, we all get our start somewhere. One thing is for sure, that guy can sing!
Also, during the show his costume choices were spot on . . . and there were a lot of them. Like a CHER amount of costume changes. What I liked is his costumes honored and complimented Freddie. Another reminder of reverence and not imitation.
One last rant. THE WHO. I love The Who, one of my top 5 bands ever. But, I was fortunate enough to see them when John Entwistle was still alive, but not Keith Moon. I have also seen them since, with Pino Paladino filling in. Yes, Roger Daltrey is still up front singing Pete Townshends lyrics, but without John and Keith are they still The Who?
Pete T wrote 99.9% of the hits, one could argue HE is The Who - but, while his solo shows are great, IMHO, without Daltrey singing they are not the same. No. The Who is a band. They have a legendary singer. One of the greatest song writers of the genre. And, they had two of the best rhythm players to ever grace the ears of Rock. They were all great individuals that when they came together created someone magical.
We like to think of bands as something magical because they are. But they are also a business. When Steve Jobs died, they didn’t change APPLE to PEAR! Queen as done a great job calling their tour, Queen + Adam Lambert. Old Magic + Young Magic = New Magic! Check it out if you can!