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Post by momtomany on Jul 19, 2022 18:13:30 GMT -5
Translated from Danish A sold-out Royal Arena on Sunday evening, July 17, offered a postponed concert with Queen + Adam Lambert during their "The Rhapsody Tour". Already at the first song, "Now I am here", the audience was completely clear and trembling expectant. A kind of magic: Queen and heir to the throne swung the scepter in the Royal Arena QUEEN // PHOTO REPORT - A sold-out Royal Arena hosted a postponed concert with Queen + Adam Lambert on Sunday evening, July 17 during their “The Rhapsody Tour”. Already at the first song, "Now I am here", the audience was completely clear and trembling expectant. They wanted to be entertained, writes Maria Fremming in this photo report.
The good 15,500 spectators got a wish concert that certainly does not go into oblivion for the time being, and for some may never. For this concert contained so much that could trigger the unforgettable memories.
Guitarist Brian May and Roger Taylor behind the drums are the only two from the original band Queen. That should not prevent this modernized band from living up to one of their great mottos from the 80s: "If the audience does not go home with the 'wow factor' under their skin, then it has not been a good concert!"
There were especially the two original members who stood razor sharp and shone big, without, however, dazzling each other at any point during the two-and-a-half hour long concert.
Brian May, who turns 75 on July 19 this year, was flanked in front by the somewhat younger lead singer Adam Lambert, who has just turned 40 years old. Adam Lambert was back in 2009 with the eighth season of American Idol, where he made an indelible impression on a lot of people, but was still relegated to the show's second place. It was American Idol that secured Adam Lambert world fame, not least because he appeared here with Queen for the first time, and it was there that their partnership took root.
Lambert has toured with Queen for more than 10 years, and with great respect for the band's original singer Freddie Mercury , who died in 1991, has filled the place in a way that few had imagined could be done.
Already at the first song, "Now I am here", the audience was completely clear and trembling expectant. They wanted to be entertained, and I have to promise that everyone stayed tonight at the Royal Arena. Even the staff who stood at the entrances and rocked along.
Adam Lambert has an insanely strong vocal that reaches far into the hall and hits everyone, and one does not have to go far into the song until one understands why the remaining members of the Queen have chosen Adam Lambert to honor and carry the Queen spirit further and still give the audience worldwide what they want.
Even though it's been 30 years since we had to say goodbye to the legend Freddie Mercury, he was still on stage along the way in the form of video and photos on the screens, which at times might seem a bit macabre or out of place.
But the show must go on . Nothing was spared, and from the stage there was a long catwalk, where both a motorcycle, drum set and turntable popped up, which matched the songs from the long set list. Likewise, in a slow descent, Adam Lambert also disappeared that way at some point.
The backdrop was spectacular and together with ingenious lighting effects and whimsical initiatives, it gave the audience a visual experience in a class of its own. All the way through the concert, attention was paid to detail, everything was timed to perfection and the audience was with us all the way.
Adam Lambert had a very close and strong contact with the audience. So it only took a single sign from the lead singer before there was a roar from the audience - and it happened many times.
There was a sea of hands waving over their heads, and especially "Radio Gaga" put the audience on a task where you just had to keep your tongue straight in your mouth and had your hands free to pass a clap test. A great sight to see so many people perform it - and at such a great pace.
Adam Lambert knows how to perform on a stage - in the midst of all the show's grandeur with glitter and glitter, light and tricks, his vocals never disappear as the mainstay. He has a sound and a timbre that reaches all the way to heaven, which is why he can probably also pick up an applause without reservation. It hits you and seduces you, just like the epic Queen songs have always done.
Brian May sang solo on the song "Love of my Life", sitting in a single spotlight at the end of the catwalk. It was big and sensitive, it was community singing and it was so intimate and present that one had hardly seen it coming at an arena concert.
At one point in the song, the hall was almost lit up by the audience lights on the cell phones. A magical moment that is guaranteed to give goosebumps to many. We also got a very long guitar solo from a well-placed Brian May, who played so time and place stood still.
It was all just BIG and it became GIANT to the concert's last extra number "We are the Champions", where Adam Lambert in his own fascinating way could end the evening with a sensuous and tear-inducing version of a song that has probably won many triumphs, but can still win new victories and new ground in the custody of Queen + Adam Lambert.
Setlist: pov.international/queen-og-adam-lambert-royal-arena/"he has a sound . . . that reaches all the way to heaven . . " - - - this is one of my favorite reviews ever.
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Post by momtomany on Jul 17, 2022 17:09:41 GMT -5
Alfie singing Bring Him Home is breathtakingly beautiful. None better. But, his choice to sing more pop/rock stuff is a big fail for me. i couldn't make it thru the video, it was so painful. Thank you for this example of how difficult it is to transition between musical genres. Adam may not sound like a traditional opera singer with ND, but it is a very credible rendition. A great example of Adam's ability to cross genres convincingly. What is it exactly that makes it diffficult? IMO, the range of the music, the tempo, the furious velocity of the lyrics - - one needs a great vocal range (you can hear how Alfie has to change to a breathless falsetto at the beginning) as well as incredible breath control and diction to sell this song. Adam does it, seemingly effortlessly. Also - I haven't heard Alfie's Bring Him Home, but I have no doubt that if Adam sang it - with his vocal prowess and interpretive skills - that I'd be left as a puddle on the floor . . .
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Post by momtomany on Jul 14, 2022 22:45:02 GMT -5
You know . . . Adam is a healthy, happy forty-something now. For the time being, at least, he's no longer in the 'Baby, I'm on the hunt' mode. He has his love. That's my take. I've had to question myself a little. I've always said I'm here for the voice, first, foremost. Looks and sex appeal are secondary. Well, he will always be beautiful. Just as he is maturing, so am I. It's a continuum and an evolution. One thing wanes; the other soars. The pendulum swings. Nessun Dorma came at the perfect time. I'm in ecstasy; for a different reason.
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Post by momtomany on Jul 10, 2022 18:57:42 GMT -5
Good God - I just can't I just can't I just can't . . . This surprise shows me why I've been here since 2009 . . . he is unstoppable. No wonder he gave voice to everyone who tried to emulate him. He's always known this voice, his voice. There is no equal. I heard those notes - - - Pavarotti would be proud!!
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Post by momtomany on Jul 10, 2022 16:02:42 GMT -5
I'm sitting here crying...I love that song, and he sounds beyond amazing on it. It's such a hard song. Omg, he never ceases to surprise me. Logged on . . . no idea. Instant tears. The most beautiful voice in any world. Good lord - the power and beauty are beyond what I would ever hope to hear in my life.
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Post by momtomany on Jul 7, 2022 21:57:31 GMT -5
Wow! Audience reaction is getting better with every show. Amsterdam might be hard to beat but Madrid seems to be giving them a run for their money! What’s so great is that Adam is responding and at last seems to realise the love and appreciation directed at him not just Brian and Roger (and Freddie). I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so relaxed and genuinely engaged and enjoying. Dare I say . . . dare I say . . . that Adam might be more 'relaxed' and loose because - not only does he recognize the 'love and appreciation' shown him, but he is happier in his own skin these days - knowing how the scrutiny follows him. He absolutely knows and controls his vocal acrobatics; and now that he has shed the 'heavier' garments, he is flowing freely in every way.
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Post by momtomany on Jul 1, 2022 15:02:38 GMT -5
I have just finished reading Fairyland. It sooo took me back to those years. The final chapter was very hard to read and I wept often in those last pages. The film, if done well, should be both heartwarming and a tearjerker. I look forward to it, and not just because Adam is in it. I see many ways for the director to use just the two ‘named’ lovers to encapsulate the breadth of that part of the father’s life. I was a hairstylist in those days and the gay community was a substantial part of my “tribe” in the early 80’s. It was a very sad time and the impact on the boys was incredible…from '81 when they were open and celebratory…owning or ‘inhabiting’ bars and disco’s to totally disappearing from the party scene almost entirely by the late 80’s. The first shock waves hit with the pictures and death of Rock Hudson, then friends started getting ill or losing their partners…then the parties were all wild but no longer public. 5 of my friends shared a large Victorian home and that became the social centre. That home also became a shelter for an out of town young man transitioning but even that scene was pretty much shut down by 1985/6+ as everyone isolated or went home to pass. It was pretty scary. I felt somewhat sorry, [while reading the book] that I worked to distance myself from some of that scene not because of AIDS but because straight men would not come near a woman always with a group of gay men..so as a single woman, that was not good. Adam has always reminded me of my best friend of those days, Ron…a beautiful young man [inside and out..much like Adam], extraordinarily talented but too gentle and sensitive to survive this tough world. He died in 95, but of Cirrhosis of the liver from the drugs and alcohol he seemed to need to be himself. His funeral was full of all of the old gang that survived the epidemic and that was lovely. I have no idea where or if they are anymore…that is a lifetime ago. I just felt moved to reminisce as I finished Fairyland. It is worth the read. I look forward to the film. Mzue - Thank you for your heartfelt reminiscence. In 1990 I was a new nurse; and my first hospital unit assignment was on the floor with AIDS patients. I wrote a poem about 'Arthur'; whose father would wipe the profuse sweat from his brow, and remark at how the moisture turned his once straight hair into waves of curls. A deep sadness over that time still dwells within me. In Adam, in discovering Adam, I've seen the beauty and the joy, so virile and unwavering, that ebbed from the young men I cared for. I've purchased the book, 'Fairyland'. Soon, I'll take a deep breath and open it.
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Post by momtomany on Jun 5, 2022 15:22:23 GMT -5
I think Adam finally knows, truly, "Now I'm Here"!!
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Post by momtomany on Jun 5, 2022 15:02:40 GMT -5
And on a side but totally unexpected note, The Queen and I have the same china pattern!!! When I saw the latter part of this video on twitter yesterday (the full video hadn't aired in the US yet) I couldn't believe it and spent an hour digging around in a storage closet just to prove it to myself. I mean really, who besides the Queen uses their fancy china regularly. Of course this is probably her everyday china and she uses it like I use Corelle. This video shows it much better; Royal Doulton - Canton. Yesterday was a delightfully fun birthday! That is just so cool!!!
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Post by momtomany on Jun 4, 2022 19:59:20 GMT -5
A wonderful realization came to me after watching (absorbing) Adam this evening. I never had a doubt cross my mind that he would not succeed wildly. Gone are the days of worry -- Adam singing with Queen in Kiev, at the music awards, at Hammersmith, at New Years Eve and on and on and on. He has always had his voice but now he is a full fledged entertainer - knows the stage, knows the camera work, seems extremely comfortable with a HUGE audience. I am so happy for him! Adam is on his way. A joyful miracle of music, energy, substance, belief, imagination. I thank the Universe that I am here to witness his excellence. There is so much more to come!
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