When the performers (Queen and Lambert) took the stage, they were greeted with a huge New York welcome, since everybody was well aware that Queen is rock royalty, and rightfully so. They teased the crowd with a snippet of “We Will Rock You,” which energized the mood of the venue. It was followed by such rocking numbers as “Hammer to Fall” and “Stone Cold Crazy,” before they tackled the liberating “Another One Bites the Dust,” and the perennial Queen fan-favorite, “Fat Bottomed Girls.” Adam Lambert’s voice got even more powerful as the night progressed.
They showed major charisma on “Killer Queen,” and the Grammy-nominated pop star dedicated his latest single “Two Fux,” to Freddie Mercury. “Are you guys having fun?” Lambert asked, and the answer was a resounding “yes.” “I’ve got to take a second to give a big thank you to Brian May and Roger Taylor. Do you guys realize that you’re watching legends plays?”
To this day, Lambert acknowledged that he still has to pinch himself about performing with Queen, despite being on tour with them for the past six years. “Is this real life, or is it fantasy?” he inquired. Lambert even poked fun at himself about not being “Freddie Mercury,” which he noted must be running in the minds of many listeners. “No shit,” he admitted. “I do love Freddie Mercury!”
Lambert’s single “Two Fux” described the late Queen front-man the best. “If you didn’t like Freddie, he didn’t give two fux,” Lambert stated. “If anybody gave him shit about anything, he didn’t care. He was an absolute rock-star!” he exclaimed.
They continued with “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Bicycle Race,” where Lambert rode a bike on stage, which was a real treat. Roger Taylor sang lead on “I’m in Love With My Car,” featuring his husky voice.
The variety in their set got so much better with such remarkable hits as “I Want It All,” “Somebody to Love,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Under Pressure.” After the infectious “Radio Ga Ga,” they concluded their sensational set with “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Their encore was comprised of two of the biggest rock powerhouse tunes in musical history, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” where they did a superb job on both.
The Verdict
Overall, Adam Lambert’s goal was to bring these classic rock songs to life with Queen, and it is safe to say that not only did he accomplish that difficult task, but he excelled in it. Besides, he proved to be a big fan of Queen himself, with a “really expensive seat” on the stage level, where he rightfully belongs. He sounded incredible, and the stage deserved to be his tonight, and every night they are on tour. Lambert is a true song stylist that would have made Freddie Mercury proud. Brian May and Roger Taylor were guitar and drum masters in their own right. Their live show at the Barclays Center was simply irresistible.
