Adam Lambert 24/7 News

When most people think of Queen, they think of Freddie Mercury. But now that Freddie's not around and the band are touring with Adam Lambert, are they still worth a ticket? You bet they are.

Last night, Queen – plus Lambert – played the first of their two New Zealand shows to a packed Vector Arena in Auckland.

Lambert was no Freddie, and he didn't try to be. He sang the band's songs in his own style, whilst staying true to the original melodies.

His fierce and theatrical attitude, impressive vocal range and superb glam rock voice proved he was an appropriate artist for the band to work with – it amazes me how someone who had their career take-off after American Idol can end up fronting Queen.

But the concert wasn't just about Lambert. Original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor were there too, and still as talented as ever.

May got his chance to shine with a lengthy guitar solo, as well as performing 'Love of My Life' accompanied by video footage of Freddie. It was a chilling moment.

Taylor showed the crowd his drumming skills are still intact. He even gave his vocal chords a solo workout with 'A Kind of Magic', and then 'Under Pressure' with Lambert.