As the end of the North American segment of the QAL “Once in a Lifetime” tour approaches, it’s time to deliver deep heartfelt thanks to all you Atoppers/Glamberts whose streams, tweets, photos, and concert recap postings have been bringing the tour home to fans like me who, for whatever reason, couldn’t attend any of the shows. Hearing and seeing Adam live in person is a billion times more satisfying than sampling the shows via videos. But because kind, giving people including (but not limited to) Butterknife, Q3, and Momtomany have been taking the time and effort to share their experiences, I feel like I’ve been given a fabulous gift I would otherwise have missed. I’m so grateful.
This year has been tough for me family-wise and financially. (I won’t bore anyone with the dirty details.) I could have scraped together money for a ticket if the tour had stopped in my hometown. But I just couldn’t afford any travel, no matter how much it hurt knowing I’d have to forego seeing Adam again and having what might be the last chance ever to see Brian and Roger perform a Queen concert in all its full-blown, fantastic glory. So, all you talented streamers, photographers, and recappers have been a godsend. Because of you, I’ve been able to:
• Experience what it’s been like to see the show up close. (My only regret is, I wish I could’ve encountered Fountainbert firsthand. Even Adam might have been shocked by my reply to his “Did I get you wet, Ma’am?” <insert evil cackle here>.)
• Travel across the U.S. and Canada without ever leaving my den or shedding my bunny slippers, with favorite beverages and snacks in hand.
• Marvel at how much performing with rock legends has strengthened and magnified Adam’s confidence and polish as a performer, and glow with happiness at watching the camaraderie and affection between Adam, Brian and Roger (and the rest of the band) build. Beautiful things, indeed!
• Chat with some of the behind-the-scenes people who keep the tour going.
• Hear stories about all the newly converted Adam disciples in the Queen fandom who strolled into the arenas armed with #FLDs, and staggered out later totally disarmed and gobsmacked by the new guy’s brilliance and beauty.
• Learn about some of the funny shit that happens when Glamberts travel.
As the tour moves on to Asia and the Lands Down Under, I hope we faraway fans will get some feedback on those shows. But to everyone who helped to bring the tour’s magical, loony, campy, jaw-dropping moments to us stay-at-homes, thank you all so much! You made our summer.
