Translated from German
Queen singer Adam Lambert: In the giant shoes of Freddie Mercury
dlvr.it/RkwKtQNew interview includes 24 images.. translated.
Queen singer Adam Lambert
In the giant shoes of Freddie Mercury
Can you replace a legend like rock star Freddie Mercury? Adam Lambert has been performing with Queen for nine years. Here he talks about his casting show breakthrough, very skeptical fans and lyrics hangers on stage.
SPIEGEL: Mr. Lambert, where would you be these days without the lockdown?
Adam Lambert: Without Covid I would have played a tour with Queen in the summer and would now be on a solo tour. It turned out differently. Instead, I'm in London writing a musical.
SPIEGEL: "Live Around the World" has now been released as the first Queen Live album with you as a singer - a tour replacement?
Lambert: Yes, the pandemic is one of the reasons. For years we've recorded so many shows that the archives are jam-packed and we had a great s*@#%$. It's a good bridge until we can hopefully catch up on the tour next year.
SPIEGEL: Were you a Queen fan as a child?
Lambert: To be honest, I only discovered Queen after a delay. I knew the big hits, of course, but I only became a fan in my twenties. I heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" for the first time in the movie "Wayne's World" and didn't understand the meaning of Queen until late. I was especially fascinated by Freddie and his story , which was also due to the fact that I am also gay and love theatrical performances.
SPIEGEL: In 2009 you made it big when you staged "Bohemian Rhapsody" a cappella on the US talent show "American Idol" Queens. How much self-confidence does it take to venture into a talent show with such a complex song?
Lambert: I was more nervous than you knew. Really nervous. The song is difficult, it was a defining moment on the show - I had all of that in my head. And in order to be able to take part in the auditions at all, I quit my job in the theater. Which was a risk because I had nothing in hand. So I put everything on one card for the vague possibility that the judges might like me.
SPIEGEL: You actually wanted to sing something about Michael Jackson ...
Lambert: ... that's right. "Rock with You". But the jurors suggested an alternative: "What else do you have to offer?" And that's how I came across Queen. Sure, it's a very tricky song, but it also shows what you can do or not. "Bohemian Rhapsody" suits me well because it allows me to prove what is possible with my voice.
SPIEGEL: You also impressed Brian May and Roger Taylor. How quickly did the Queen musicians contact you?
Lambert: After "American Idol" your management let me know that we would have to do something together at some point, which of course was crazy for me. Then came the invitation to perform a Queen medley with them at the MTV Europe Awards.
SPIEGEL: Did you accept immediately when you made the offer to go on tour with Queen?
Lambert: I didn't hesitate for a second. But it is clear to me what big shoes I am daring to wear. And of course I was wondering what the fans would think. I knew that with this job I would venture on sacred ground. Singing these legendary songs in front of Queen fans for two hours gave me a huge shock at the beginning.
SPIEGEL: How many Queen songs did you have to learn before your first concert together?
Lambert: I had nine days from the offer to the first show, which was supposed to last two hours. The big, iconic Queen hits were familiar to me, but I didn't know many of the less well-known album tracks - these Brian and Roger favorites I had to learn. The first show in Ukraine was really stressful. Some songs have a lot of lyrics. I had to remember it perfectly in such a short time, internalizing the structure and timing of the songs: How long is the guitar solo until it's my turn again?
SPIEGEL: Have you ever forgotten a text on stage?
Lambert: Quite often, but I'm pretty good at covering it up. Sometimes I just mix up the lyrics and verses, but never let that bother me - I laugh for a moment and then it goes on so that hardly anyone notices the mistakes.
SPIEGEL: At first, some fans had a hard time with you, but that seems to have been overcome. How long have you been feeling accepted?
Lambert: Of course, the idea of Queen working with another singer took a long time for fans to get used to. At the beginning, many had to make it up to give us a chance, but then they had fun. I think I just earned their respect. Plus I've really gotten better over the years because the repertoire has passed into my blood. I passed my probationary period and was accepted.
SPIEGEL: What did the hugely successful Queen film "Bohemian Rhapsody" change?
Lambert: We already had success before the film, now even more. "Bohemian Rhapsody" has mobilized a new generation of fans. Since then, more and more families have come to our shows. The icing on the cake was of course that we performed together at the Oscars.
SPIEGEL: The new album says "Queen + Adam Lambert". Why not just Queen?
Lambert: Because it's a collaboration. The band has always respected that I also have my solo career with my own music. And Queen is sacred: you have produced so many great songs. But I am not your employee, but an independent personality. This mutual respect is what makes working together so wonderful. And the roles are clear: It's obvious that Brian and Roger set the tone for Queen. Still, I have my own opinion and they accept that I get involved in our work: How do we approach the song? What will the stage look like? These are also joint decisions.
SPIEGEL: It was always clear that you wouldn't replace Freddie Mercury, wasn't it?
Lambert: Exactly, that's the point. Freddie cannot be replaced. He was unique. It was clear to me from the start that it would not be about taking on your role. Absolutely no one can do that. I see our show more as a celebration and appreciation of his great life achievement. I never imitated Freddie, but I admire him.
SPIEGEL: Would you have got along with Freddie?
Lambert: I imagine that we would have got on well together. At least that's what Brian and Roger believe.
SPIEGEL: Is it conceivable that at some point there will be an album with completely new songs by you and Queen?
Lambert: Of course you never know. Ultimately, our collaboration is based on joint concerts. The fans look forward to seeing the old songs live with us again. But Queen is Queen, completely new songs would be something completely different.
www.spiegel.de/geschichte/queen-saenger-adam-lambert-in-den-riesenschuhen-von-freddie-mercury-a-e64ee3c6-d439-4ee6-a9d6-a77a1f097bd1?