Adam Lambert wants to keep Freddie Mercury’s "memory alive" when he performs with Queen.
The former ‘American Idol’ star sings with the legendary band live and has won rave reviews for his performances as the group’s frontman.
Adam insists he never tries to imitate or replace Freddie – who died in 1991 at the age of 45 – on stage and his main motivation for singing with Queen is to keep his idol’s wonderful music alive.
The 32-year-old rocker said: "There’s never going to be another (Freddie), and I’m not replacing him. That’s not what I’m doing. I’m trying to keep the memory alive, and remind people how amazing he was, without imitating him. I’m trying to share with the audience how much he inspired me."
Queen guitarist Brian May has praised Adam’s vocal abilities, and says he is the first singer he has worked with since Freddie’s passing who can perform all of their songs.
Speaking to the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, he enthused: "Adam is the first person we’ve encountered who can do all the Queen catalogue without blinking. He is a gift from god."
Drummer Roger Taylor is also blown away by Adam’s talent, adding: "(His voice is) one in a billion … He’s incredibly musical, and we certainly take anything he says quite seriously."
Queen’s concerts still feature Freddie, as they use video recordings of him singing on certain tracks, and Brian admits it’s important for them to pay tribute to their friend without getting too nostalgic.
The musician said: "We’ve been on tour in the States with Adam, and Freddie’s already there because of the writing, and the original performances that we model the show on. But he’s there also in a much more tangible way, because we use video footage. It’s nice to feel he’s part of it, without being swamped by nostalgia. I think we tread that line quite tastefully and carefully."
Queen and Adam Lambert kick off their European arena tour – for which tickets are still available – next week on January 13 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.
Adam Lambert wants to honour Freddie Mercury
