When the response to their first forays on stage together in 2012 proved that the desire to see Queen music performed live was as strong as ever, Queen + Adam Lambert embarked on a series of tours that encompassed every continent.
"It's the most brilliant, symbiotic relationship you could dream of,” explains Lambert, “because, you know, one might say, 'Oh, well, Adam, you know, if it weren't for you, they wouldn't be doing these venues with these countries,' but it's the same for me. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be playing arenas all around the world, either. I felt more so a sense of... magic. It was cool that they're back doing this again."
"Japan was fantastic,” says Roger Taylor. “Last time we went, it was absolutely magical. That, I think, more than anywhere else felt like the old days. That brought back the memories in particular of first going to Japan and the fantastic reaction."
"What meant a lot to me about going back to some of these famous venues that Queen has stamped their mark on, was seeing Brian and Roger being nostalgic about it,” Lambert adds. “That meant a lot to me. That was really cool to be a part of those moments of them recalling the first time they were there and what it was like, and knowing also that there were members of the audience that were probably there the first time too."
There have also been opportunities for them all to enjoy completely new experiences together. There are many highlights to choose from, but Queen's first appearance at the world famous Isle Of Wight Festival in 2016, resulted in a truly memorable night.
"Once I got over my own head trip about, 'Oh God, are they going to compare me to Freddie? Oh God, am I good enough?' I realized this is this once in a lifetime experience to sort of be a vessel and just perform,” recalls Lambert
And one of the standout moments from that evening, a towering performance of "Who Wants To Live Forever," demonstrated what a powerful combination they had become.
"I've never heard it sung like that,” says Taylor. “That's, that's special."
"He's still astounding, the lengths he can push things to is extraordinary,” raves May about Lambert’s abilities. “Sometimes I'm standing right here playing 'Who Wants To Live Forever,' and he's there doing his thing. And when he goes into this stratospheric thing in the middle, I very often go, 'Wow.'"
See also:
Queen bring Bohemian Rhapsody to the movies on The Greatest
Queen revisit 2002 Golden Jubilee concert on The Greatest
Queen revisit first concert with Adam Lambert on The Greatest
Queen revisit Paul Rodgers collaboration on The Greatest
Search Queen at hennemusic
