Adam Lambert: I’m not ‘replacing’ Freddie Mercury in Queen
Adam Lambert says he joined Queen to keep Freddie Mercury’s “memory alive” – not to replace him.
The legendary Queen frontman died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.
Despite his death, Queen have continued a range of collaboration projects, teaming up with artists including Paul Rodgers, Jessie J at the London Olympics, and most notably American Idol star Lambert.
The band are currently touring the world with Lambert, and performed as part of the BBC’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Lambert – who is gay – opened up about his role in the band to Classic Rock Magazine.
He 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.”
Guitarist Brian May added: “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 added: “He’s incredibly musical, and we certainly take anything he says quite seriously.”
Lady Gaga joined the band for a one-off surprise performance in Australia last year, wearing a dark frizzy wig reminiscent of a younger Brian May.
