CLASSIC ROCK/TEAM ROCK: "Blog: Why Adam Lambert Is The Perfect Man For Queen"
Filed Under () by glitzylady on Friday, June 27, 2014
Posted at : Friday, June 27, 2014
I'm posting this blog in it's entirety because it requires a log-in through various means, and some may not wish to do so... I'm including the link at the bottom of this post so that you may read the article directly from the source, "CLASSIC ROCK"
BLOG: WHY ADAM LAMBERT IS THE PERFECT MAN FOR QUEEN 27/06/2014 ~ by Stephen Graves
What's with all the hostility? Queen and Adam Lambert are made for each other
Queen are back on the road, with American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert stepping into Freddie Mercury’s stiletto heels to belt out the band’s hits. See them in concert – I have – and it’s clear that Lambert belongs with Queen. He’s got an astonishing voice, he inhabits the band’s material while putting his own spin on it, and he has great chemistry with Brian May and Roger Taylor on stage. So why are some fans fuming?
Thou Shalt Not Worship False Idols
Go on Facebook or the Queen forums, and you’re greeted with a torrent of abuse. Lambert’s a manufactured pop performer, they say, riding the coat tails of an iconic rock band to success – and desecrating the memory of Freddie Mercury in the process.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
For one thing, Queen isn’t the first band to change its line-up; it’s not even the first to do so in the wake of a tragic loss. AC/DC wasted no time in replacing Bon Scott with Brian Johnson; Alice In Chains has enjoyed critical and commercial success in the wake of Layne Staley’s death.
Ah, but Brian Johnson and William DuVall and Zakk Wylde are authentic musicians, say the disgruntled fans. They worked their way up the old fashioned way, instead of whoring themselves out to a reality show.
Queen fans who’ve had to suffer through West End musicals and 5ive covers may have a conniption at the words “American Idol,” but times have changed since the early days of the talent shows. The acts who get through to the finals these days aren’t starry-eyed dreamers; they’re professional musicians looking for a big break. Before appearing in Idol, Lambert trod the boards in musical theatre for a decade, performed in bands and worked as a session musician – just like, say, a pre-AC/DC Brian Johnson, who in 1970 could be found playing songs from the musical Hair on the cabaret circuit.
The Great Pretender
Of course, Freddie Mercury casts a long shadow. The passage of time has only cemented his place as one of the great frontmen of rock – but it’s also caused fans’ attitudes to harden, convincing them that Mercury is irreplaceable.
Time also colours our memories of other acts who’ve replaced beloved members. We tend to forget that AC/DC came in for a lot of stick for hiring Brian Johnson – and would’ve come in for even more if Twitter had been a thing in 1980. But nine successful albums later, hindsight paints it as just one more chapter in the band’s history.
To younger fans who never saw Freddie Mercury live, he’s been elevated to iconic status; replacing him seems as absurd as finding someone to fill in for Hendrix or Cobain. To older fans, the idea that some young upstart could possibly compete with their cherished memories of the band is unthinkable.
That, I think, is why some vocal fans demand that Queen give Lambert the boot and reunite with former frontman Paul Rodgers. He’s a proper rocker with a pedigree, they say. He’s from the right generation; older fans feel more comfortable with one of their peers up there on stage.
Never mind that Rodgers always seemed uncomfortable with Queen’s flights of fancy; you can’t picture him draped over a chaise longue, vamping through Killer Queen as Lambert does. Even when Freddie was singing Queen’s hardest rockers, he did so with a knowing wink – and it’s that same seam of camp that Lambert taps into. He’s not imitating Mercury, but he’s definitely in the same orbit.
Maybe it’s time for a miracle
The reason that Queen has taken so long to find a suitable replacement for Freddie is simple: you need a performer with a majestic voice, magisterial stage presence and that theatrical sensibility. Trouble is, performers with that kind of talent are usually big names in their own right. Matt Bellamy, George Michael, Lady Gaga – they either have bands of their own, or thriving solo careers. Put simply, they don’t need Queen.
Neither does Lambert, really. His last album shot to #1 in the US charts, his tours have brought in millions – and his career’s just taking off. That Queen found an artist with that checklist of skills, who’s prepared to hook up with a pair of ageing rockers out of love for their material, is nothing short of miraculous.
Keep Yourself Alive
Lambert’s only performing the band’s hits, goes the complaint; he’s a karaoke act. And it’s true that AC/DC plunged straight into the studio with Brian Johnson – and came out with Back in Black, one of the greatest rock albums of all time. Queen’s more cautious approach is just as valid – but if they don’t get Lambert in the studio, they risk being seen as a tribute act to their own glory days.
I hope they do record an album with Lambert. Watching him on stage – pouring himself into the songs, hitting the high notes, larking around with Brian May – you can’t help but feel he’s given the band a second wind. It’s a shame that some old farts can’t see that.
If you hate the idea of a band moving on, that’s fair enough. Your albums aren’t going anywhere; you can hold on to your memories of past concerts. But don’t feel that your fandom makes you the custodian of the band’s legacy, and don’t ever think that you’re entitled to make demands of those musicians because saw them back in the day. A band isn’t a democracy; this one’s a monarchy, and it’s found its heir. Long live the Queen.
LINK TO THIS ARTICLE: Go to the source if you can and give it some love!
http://classicrock.teamrock.com/features/2014-06-27/blog-why-adam-lambert-is-the-perfect-man-for-queen
BLOG: WHY ADAM LAMBERT IS THE PERFECT MAN FOR QUEEN 27/06/2014 ~ by Stephen Graves
What's with all the hostility? Queen and Adam Lambert are made for each other
Queen are back on the road, with American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert stepping into Freddie Mercury’s stiletto heels to belt out the band’s hits. See them in concert – I have – and it’s clear that Lambert belongs with Queen. He’s got an astonishing voice, he inhabits the band’s material while putting his own spin on it, and he has great chemistry with Brian May and Roger Taylor on stage. So why are some fans fuming?
Thou Shalt Not Worship False Idols
Go on Facebook or the Queen forums, and you’re greeted with a torrent of abuse. Lambert’s a manufactured pop performer, they say, riding the coat tails of an iconic rock band to success – and desecrating the memory of Freddie Mercury in the process.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
For one thing, Queen isn’t the first band to change its line-up; it’s not even the first to do so in the wake of a tragic loss. AC/DC wasted no time in replacing Bon Scott with Brian Johnson; Alice In Chains has enjoyed critical and commercial success in the wake of Layne Staley’s death.
Ah, but Brian Johnson and William DuVall and Zakk Wylde are authentic musicians, say the disgruntled fans. They worked their way up the old fashioned way, instead of whoring themselves out to a reality show.
Queen fans who’ve had to suffer through West End musicals and 5ive covers may have a conniption at the words “American Idol,” but times have changed since the early days of the talent shows. The acts who get through to the finals these days aren’t starry-eyed dreamers; they’re professional musicians looking for a big break. Before appearing in Idol, Lambert trod the boards in musical theatre for a decade, performed in bands and worked as a session musician – just like, say, a pre-AC/DC Brian Johnson, who in 1970 could be found playing songs from the musical Hair on the cabaret circuit.
The Great Pretender
Of course, Freddie Mercury casts a long shadow. The passage of time has only cemented his place as one of the great frontmen of rock – but it’s also caused fans’ attitudes to harden, convincing them that Mercury is irreplaceable.
Time also colours our memories of other acts who’ve replaced beloved members. We tend to forget that AC/DC came in for a lot of stick for hiring Brian Johnson – and would’ve come in for even more if Twitter had been a thing in 1980. But nine successful albums later, hindsight paints it as just one more chapter in the band’s history.
To younger fans who never saw Freddie Mercury live, he’s been elevated to iconic status; replacing him seems as absurd as finding someone to fill in for Hendrix or Cobain. To older fans, the idea that some young upstart could possibly compete with their cherished memories of the band is unthinkable.
That, I think, is why some vocal fans demand that Queen give Lambert the boot and reunite with former frontman Paul Rodgers. He’s a proper rocker with a pedigree, they say. He’s from the right generation; older fans feel more comfortable with one of their peers up there on stage.
Never mind that Rodgers always seemed uncomfortable with Queen’s flights of fancy; you can’t picture him draped over a chaise longue, vamping through Killer Queen as Lambert does. Even when Freddie was singing Queen’s hardest rockers, he did so with a knowing wink – and it’s that same seam of camp that Lambert taps into. He’s not imitating Mercury, but he’s definitely in the same orbit.
Maybe it’s time for a miracle
The reason that Queen has taken so long to find a suitable replacement for Freddie is simple: you need a performer with a majestic voice, magisterial stage presence and that theatrical sensibility. Trouble is, performers with that kind of talent are usually big names in their own right. Matt Bellamy, George Michael, Lady Gaga – they either have bands of their own, or thriving solo careers. Put simply, they don’t need Queen.
Neither does Lambert, really. His last album shot to #1 in the US charts, his tours have brought in millions – and his career’s just taking off. That Queen found an artist with that checklist of skills, who’s prepared to hook up with a pair of ageing rockers out of love for their material, is nothing short of miraculous.
Keep Yourself Alive
Lambert’s only performing the band’s hits, goes the complaint; he’s a karaoke act. And it’s true that AC/DC plunged straight into the studio with Brian Johnson – and came out with Back in Black, one of the greatest rock albums of all time. Queen’s more cautious approach is just as valid – but if they don’t get Lambert in the studio, they risk being seen as a tribute act to their own glory days.
I hope they do record an album with Lambert. Watching him on stage – pouring himself into the songs, hitting the high notes, larking around with Brian May – you can’t help but feel he’s given the band a second wind. It’s a shame that some old farts can’t see that.
If you hate the idea of a band moving on, that’s fair enough. Your albums aren’t going anywhere; you can hold on to your memories of past concerts. But don’t feel that your fandom makes you the custodian of the band’s legacy, and don’t ever think that you’re entitled to make demands of those musicians because saw them back in the day. A band isn’t a democracy; this one’s a monarchy, and it’s found its heir. Long live the Queen.
LINK TO THIS ARTICLE: Go to the source if you can and give it some love!
http://classicrock.teamrock.com/features/2014-06-27/blog-why-adam-lambert-is-the-perfect-man-for-queen
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13 comments:
Queen is dead, long live Queen
He makes me tear up every time I watch him. I'm just so happy that he is finally being seen the way I've been seeing him since he came into my life. Seeing the show on July 16. Can't wait.
Well, this article is about the best EVER; it says it all. QUEEN's history pioneered the creative merging of rock/opera/jazz/soul...all kinds of music/theatre/technology, etc. They have knowledge, skills and experience most performers haven't even dreamt of. They are some of the greatest songwriters and music arrangers EVER. They are in the winter or their career AND they SEEM to enjoy sharing all that they are with Adam. I can't think of any reason for them not to continue sharing their gifts with each other and the world -- AND TO CREATE EVEN GREATER MUSICAL INNOVATIONS AND WORKS TOGETHER. Why not? Adam certainly couldn't accomplish as much with his former band and grueling mode of travel. As long as QUEEN + Adam are having a creative love fest, the world benefits. I used to wish that Adam had more creative arrangements of some of the music he co-wrote...hmmmmm
Beverly
Queen + Adam Lambert is a delicious rocking re-invigorating treat that I cannot find anywhere else for all the reasons well said by anon 11:21. My humble contribution to this convo: Adam is indeed the best surfer to ride the Queen tidal wave. I hope they continue to explore new territory in the future.
Creative arrangements in some of his music, what are you talking about? Adam is a very talented songwriter. He comes up with such good emotional lyrics. Look at the song Underneath. His cd's have been fantastic. Go listen to them again.
Brian and Roger pay attention to what the fans ask for, and if they are asking that Brian and Roger and Adam collaborate to make a new album together, they might consider it. It would not be called Queen, because that would mean that Mercury would
have a part in it, this would be a new album apart from Mercury. Don't know if they would consider it, even if the fans want it. No reason to think that Mercury fans would even buy it.
Just something to think about.
Adam still wants to finish his own album, and Queen wants to finish an album with MJ and Freddie, with a slight possibility of Adam singing one song or 2. So it would be at least 1 or more years away from fruition. There is always the possibility that they would do another Queen tour in other countries with Adam as front man.
Makes me sick people like to act like Adam had it so easy. He definitely did not. He been working at this since 9 years old. Like they said in theatre for a decade trying to make a living. Lived in a crummy little apart name with little food and critters roaming around. But he stuck it out. You've heard Brian M. Fussing about how he tried out in Vegas and they turned that talent away. Some people have come here and said that he got advantages because he was gay. Oh really, he got some awards for his work in the gay community that's it. I feel it was harder for Adam trying out for jobs other than theatre because he was gay. He had some very lean years and why would he not finally take the plugged to idol to try and get a break. Before that he sure came up the old fashion way. PR did not have some of the things against him that Adam had. I've read numerous reviews he was not good for the band nnot a good fit. They even said it for heaven sakes. Doubt some of these people even saw him.
I willing to bet they are all not Queen fans but some fans of others from idol that use it has an excuse to take a shot at Adam.
I not trying to pull the gay card or excuse. Adam has said himself that it was very hard to convince the suits that a gay pop star would work. He on his way now through all the ups and downs and making a damn good living doing what he loves to do perform not just sing. Correction above that was apartment messed it up. Sue
Well ... I LOVED the article ... so much REAL talent on one stage!! I am watching/following this EPIC tour on Ytube & the sound is garbled but I'm still enjoying watching ADAM with QUEEN ... I TOTALLY agree that ADAM LAMBERT is the Perfect Man for QUEEN!! So PROUD to be a Glambert/Queenbert!!
tess4ADAM(LAMBERT Outlaw)
11:52 -- by "music arrangements" I am not talking about Adam's lyrics or melody lines. I am talking about the musical background; the instrumentation. An example would be the way Brian and Roger accompany Adam's singing. Every band or music arranger has a different idea on how to construct or arrange their music. QUEEN IS known for their highly creative arrangements -- just look at the way they all arranged Love Kills...same song (and lyrics Freddie sang) but a different arrangement. That's what I meant. I listen to Adam's CD's all the time because I love his voice and many of the songs but I think many of the arrangements are boring. I was very moved by the arrangements accompanying Underneath and Runnin
Beverly
The best article so far!! I agree... Adam has given Queen a second wind! There is no other artist today that has the talent, vocals, stage presence and HEART that Adam has..The world is just starting to see what we Glamberts have ALWAYS seen! NO ONE compares to Adam. It pisses me off that he dosent get the respect that he ALWAYS gives to other artists. Adam has never said a bad thing about anyone in the industry. While he is on tour he's promoting other artists work! He certainly has shown respect and has paid homage to Freddie Mercury. I adore him! Those that don't... well, we all know what they can do!!
I feel so incredibly sad for Adam when I come across some of these nasty comments. He's been fighting all his young life against discrimination in one way or another. I think the first verse of the song 'We are the champions' so aptly describes his journey so far. But he is such an inspiration because he chooses to channel all these negativity into positive energy. He always looks at the bright side of things and that's why he is such a hero to me. Carry on, carry on Mr Lambert!!! We are with you all the way!!
The author of this is obviously a Glambert. Dare I say if someone were to fill Adam's shoes, there'd be a Glambert uproar. No one is as good as Adam etc etc. It's sensible to look at things from both sides.
The point of the article, was that Adam is sometimes unfairly judged and nasty things are said about him, by those who probably have not even heard him sing, and/or know little about him beyond his time on Idol. There are also those who simply lie about him.
If you've read some of the negative comments in places like Queen's official sites, their Facebook, etc.. (I have unfortunately...) you too might be rather upset to read the comments. And defensive of Adam, as this man was. It's quite honestly some very sour grapes, and worse, that are thrown out about Adam, and about Dr. Brian May & Roger Taylor sometimes, and while probably to be expected on some level, it doesn't make it okay, particularly when it is extremely derisive and outright hateful, IMO. There is enough hate in this world already.. And when the music is being brought back to life again, in a loving, respectful, way, with a singer who can sing the music in the way it was meant to be sung, it would seem unfair to summarily dismiss it and worse..
Your comment (@Anon 2:41 AM) is again, unfortunately most likely true, and we do have to see both sides, but it doesn't excuse the sometimes extremely ugly remarks made by some.. It's one thing to honor Freddie's memory, and another entirely to openly bash Adam Lambert, Dr. Bri, and Roger.. I personally think those who cast aspersions on these men need to stop and think about how the remaining members of Queen, those who were extremely close friends and colleagues for so many years, felt when Freddie passed away and must feel even now, all these years later, at the loss of their friend, and how they must feel now, hearing Adam bringing the music back to life in arenas all over the world once again, so that people might enjoy it first hand once again..
I doubt this will ever change entirely, but the fact that this author, obviously a fan of both Freddie, and Queen, and Adam Lambert, has voiced his opinion about the subject, is fine with me. And I agree with what he says..
To put a little perspective on my own comments here, I am personally a long time Queen fan... I think Freddie was an amazing artist. And I LOVE the music. But I'm also an Adam Lambert fan, obviously :) .. And I can appreciate the talents of both men, the similarities and the differences.. And if the tables were turned (heaven forbid...) I would hope that I wouldn't be voicing the hate for someone singing Adam's songs the way some do Freddie's...
Just my thoughts..
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