8.5.19 QAL Philadelphia Reviews! Plus Adam answers questions
Aug 5, 2019 1:15:16 GMT -5
Post by Q3 on Aug 5, 2019 1:15:16 GMT -5
Queen’s second reign continues with Adam Lambert at the Wells Fargo Center | Concert review
by Howard Gensler, Updated: August 4, 2019- 8:58 AM
ELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
When Freddie Mercury drew a phoenix watching over the iconic Queen band logo back in the early 1970s, he must have known something.
Because never in the era of rock music has a band had such a rebirth.
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After Mercury’s death in 1991, months after the release of the underrated Innuendo, Queen’s surviving members were one massive Wembley Stadium tribute concert away from hanging it up. But then came Wayne’s World to recharge “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a world-touring We Will Rock You stage musical, a fortuitous meeting with the runner-up of the eighth season of American Idol, multiple world tours, and a biopic that grossed an astonishing $900 million worldwide, leading to its title track, “Bohemian Rhapsody,“ reaching its billionth viewing on YouTube.
So more than 30 years after they last toured with Mercury, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and the now-not-so “new guy,” Adam Lambert, were back in Philadelphia on Saturday night for a third time, with their biggest show yet.
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On their first tour together, Lambert was like the talented shy kid trying to fit in – not so much with the band, but with the audience – singing his guts out to make sure Freddie’s fans would give him their blessing. The second tour, a more elaborate stage design and an acceptance of Lambert. On this third tour, there are times – especially during the three-song run of “Killer Queen,” “Don’t Stop Me Now” and “Somebody to Love” – when Lambert is every bit the frontman star. The legends seem to be there to support him.
But it truly is a mutual love-fest, with Lambert sincere in his affection for Queen’s history and music. May and Taylor in awe of their good fortune of finding lightning in a bottle … again.
The sold-out Wells Fargo Center crowd ate up every minute of it from the opening chords of “Now I’m Here” to May’s closing guitar licks on “God Save the Queen,” with special, Philly-sized roars for “Love of My Life,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Under Pressure,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” of course, and a riff-laden version of “Fat Bottom Girls” with a pom pom shaking guest appearance by the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders.
Lambert remains a vocal freak of nature whose voice, charisma, camp and costumes (one outfit looked as if Lady Gaga mugged the Burger King), are perfect for the Queen catalog. There aren’t many performers who can pull off the Village People masculinity of “Bicycle Race,” with the vocal chops of “The Show Must Go On” and “Who Wants to Live Forever” with the rock and roll attitude of “I Want It All” and “Under Pressure.”
This is not, however, the case of a young buck helping two old rock stars enjoy another moment in the sun. May and Taylor aren’t resting on their 40-plus years of good will. May solos on nearly every song, harmonizes, sings lead on “Love of my Life” and “39” and plays and sounds as good as ever. Taylor still twirls his sticks and smacks his drums with a young rocker’s glee and ferocity and also sounds great when he takes to the microphone on “Under Pressure” and “I’m in Love with My Car.”
And the stage show is another step forward with animation, lasers, a rising crown, astrophysicist May atop an asteroid as the planets revolve around him, a disco ball and, as always, some Freddie.
The sound got a little muddy at times, particularly on the higher notes, but otherwise Queen’s second reign continued and judging from the appreciative crowd, which ranged from senior citizens to pre-teens, could go on quite a while longer.
What will they cook up next year for the Queen Golden Jubilee?
Link to article and more photos: www.inquirer.com/entertainment/music/queen-adam-lambert-review-philadelphia-wells-fargo-center-20190804.html
QUEEN + Adam Lambert Brought Rock Royalty to Philadelphia on The ‘Rhapsody Tour’
Andrew Wendowski August 4, 2019 Featured, Show Reviews
QUEEN + Adam Lambert brought their highly anticipated ‘Rhapsody Tour’ to Philadelphia for a sold out show at the Well Fargo Center lastnight (Aug. 3) with Brian May on guitar, Roger Taylor on drums and Lambert on vocals. They brought a larger than life production along with them for their biggest tour yet including big vibrant visuals perfectly matching each song, elaborate attire, lasers, a disco ball, crown that rose to the top of the stage and a blistering rock show full of anthemic hit songs like “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,” “Another One Bites The Dust,” “I Want It All,” “Under Pressure,” “Fat Bottom Girls” and of course the fan-favorites worldwide phenomenons “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are The Champions” and “We Will Rock You.” All of those songs and more filled their 2-hour, 27-song set.
During “Fat Bottom Girls” the sold out crowd seen the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders on stage shaking their pom pom’s along to the beat of the song which fans seemed to really enjoy the addition to the already extraordinary one-of-a-kind concert from a truly iconic rock band.
Lambert definitley living up to the hype of being the bands frontman for the last several years with impeccable vocals and stage presence similar to Queen’s late frontman, Freddie Mercury, as well as helping to keep the bands historic legacy alive and on the road for fans to adore. Queen and Adam Lambert will continue to rock their way through summer on their legendary ‘Rhapsody Tour,’ make sure you get out and see one of the shows! For tickets and show information check out their website, HERE.
Check out our exclusive photo gallery of Queen + Adam Lambert by @awendowskiphoto here: musicmayhemmagazine.com/queen-adam-lambert-brought-rock-royalty-to-philadelphia-on-rhapsody-tour/
Sixty Seconds with Adam Lambert
The singer, 37, talks Queen, the supernatural and voicing Emperor Maximus in Playmobil: The Movie
What do you love most about your Playmobil character?
Emperor Maximus reminded me of being in theatre when I was a kid. He’s a very theatrical character, a loveable villain, bad but hilarious.
Emperor Maximus reminded me of being in theatre when I was a kid. He’s a very theatrical character, a loveable villain, bad but hilarious.
How did you perfect your evil laugh?
I worked for two days in the studio and each time I lost my voice. The director kept saying, ‘Bigger!’ OK — you do it! I kind of lost my mind in there. It was fun and therapeutic, in a way. Going that crazy blows off a lot of steam.
I worked for two days in the studio and each time I lost my voice. The director kept saying, ‘Bigger!’ OK — you do it! I kind of lost my mind in there. It was fun and therapeutic, in a way. Going that crazy blows off a lot of steam.
Have you always wanted to do a voice for a film?
Yes — I was so excited when I got the call for Playmobil. When I was a kid I was in a lot of productions and I would go home with the script and tape record it. I’d read everyone’s lines to learn my lines. This film is a natural extension of that.
Yes — I was so excited when I got the call for Playmobil. When I was a kid I was in a lot of productions and I would go home with the script and tape record it. I’d read everyone’s lines to learn my lines. This film is a natural extension of that.
Was drama your main hobby?
Yes, though my parents encouraged me to try different activities. I didn’t take to the soccer — or the football, rather — it didn’t work for me. I think I made one football goal. Drawing, painting, make-believe and dressing up were my things so I think I’m in the right profession!
What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
For a long time I was into musicals, then at high school I listened to pop music such as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Missy Elliott. When I moved out in my early twenties, I started falling in love with soul and funk, older stuff. I fell in love with the 1970s.
For a long time I was into musicals, then at high school I listened to pop music such as Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Missy Elliott. When I moved out in my early twenties, I started falling in love with soul and funk, older stuff. I fell in love with the 1970s.
Do you sometimes have to pinch yourself when thinking about where you are now?
I’ve had those moments. I’m never totally satisfied but when I stop and put things in perspective, I feel very lucky.
I’ve had those moments. I’m never totally satisfied but when I stop and put things in perspective, I feel very lucky.
How about that Queen thing? You’ve performed with them since 2011.
It’s crazy, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. At first it was a one-off but it led to more and more. I’m just so honoured to help Brian [May] and Roger [Taylor] bring their legacy to the stage and to pay tribute to Freddie, who’s one of my heroes. He was such an incredible vocalist and songwriter. Freddie was such a showman, so flamboyant, and it’s that kind of performance that I love doing. I love to emulate the spirit of that, not imitate.
It’s crazy, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. At first it was a one-off but it led to more and more. I’m just so honoured to help Brian [May] and Roger [Taylor] bring their legacy to the stage and to pay tribute to Freddie, who’s one of my heroes. He was such an incredible vocalist and songwriter. Freddie was such a showman, so flamboyant, and it’s that kind of performance that I love doing. I love to emulate the spirit of that, not imitate.
Rami Malek won the Oscar for playing Freddie in Bohemian Rhapsody…
I knew he was a shoo-in for the awards seasons. I’m thrilled with how it played out, he worked really hard.
I knew he was a shoo-in for the awards seasons. I’m thrilled with how it played out, he worked really hard.
What else have you been up to?
I’ve released the first single from my new album, Velvet. I worked on the album for more than three years. I took my time and discovered a new sound.
I’ve released the first single from my new album, Velvet. I worked on the album for more than three years. I took my time and discovered a new sound.
If you had to live one day over and over, as in Groundhog Day, which day would you choose?
Maybe the day of the American Idol final [he was a runner-up] to see if I could do it over again, if it would all be the same or different. I’m very proud of that day. It was such a thrill.
Maybe the day of the American Idol final [he was a runner-up] to see if I could do it over again, if it would all be the same or different. I’m very proud of that day. It was such a thrill.
Do you have any recurring dreams?
There’s a house I’ve been in many times in dreams, a familiar dwelling but not my childhood home. Maybe it’s a representation of my psyche. Whenever I’m there I feel safe.
There’s a house I’ve been in many times in dreams, a familiar dwelling but not my childhood home. Maybe it’s a representation of my psyche. Whenever I’m there I feel safe.
Do you believe in the supernatural?
I am fascinated by it. I’ve definitely had weird feelings, like vibes in certain spaces and rooms, a feeling that I’m not alone. I’ve even experienced sleep paralysis: your body is asleep but your mind is awake and you can’t move. Once I saw a figure leaning over me. It was very strange.
I am fascinated by it. I’ve definitely had weird feelings, like vibes in certain spaces and rooms, a feeling that I’m not alone. I’ve even experienced sleep paralysis: your body is asleep but your mind is awake and you can’t move. Once I saw a figure leaning over me. It was very strange.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Clothes and fashion. But I have an online shopping ‘problem’. I click on something, put it in the basket, carry on shopping and then at the end it’s expensive but I convince myself I need everything.
Clothes and fashion. But I have an online shopping ‘problem’. I click on something, put it in the basket, carry on shopping and then at the end it’s expensive but I convince myself I need everything.
What if you could only keep one item — or is that the point, you can’t?
That’s the whole issue! I’m overstocked. I’m recently obsessed with my Balenciaga boots — they’re boots but cut low like a shoe, very funky. That’s my current obsession but it’s going to change in a week.
That’s the whole issue! I’m overstocked. I’m recently obsessed with my Balenciaga boots — they’re boots but cut low like a shoe, very funky. That’s my current obsession but it’s going to change in a week.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have a little dog and love him so much. He’s a Basenji-Chihuahua mix and he’s got a split personality.
Yes, I have a little dog and love him so much. He’s a Basenji-Chihuahua mix and he’s got a split personality.
What does that say about you?
Maybe that’s kind of like me. In some ways I can be very alpha male — driven and dominant — and at other moments I’m a total puppy dog.
Playmobil: The Movie is in cinemas from Friday.
Maybe that’s kind of like me. In some ways I can be very alpha male — driven and dominant — and at other moments I’m a total puppy dog.
Playmobil: The Movie is in cinemas from Friday.
QAL North American Tour 2019
12 Jul Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
14 Jul San Jose, CA SAP Center
16 Jul Phoenix, AZ Talking Stick Resort Arena
19 Jul Los Angeles, CA The Forum
20 Jul Los Angeles, CA The Forum
23 Jul Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
24 Jul Houston, TX Toyota Center
27 Jul Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena
28 Jul Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena
30 Jul Washington, DC Capital One Arena
31 Jul Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena
03 Aug Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
06 Aug New York, NY Madison Square Garden
07 Aug New York, NY Madison Square Garden
09 Aug Chicago, IL United Center
10 Aug St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
13 Aug Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena
15 Aug Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
17 Aug Ft. Lauderdale, FL BB&T Center
18 Aug Tampa, FL Amalie Arena
20 Aug New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center
22 Aug Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
23 Aug Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center
September: Adam releases "Superpower" (next single)
28 Sept QAL - Global Citizen Performance, Central Park, NYC
How to earn a free ticket: globalcitizenfestival.com.
Air live on MSNBC; Comcast NBCUniversal; plus, iHeartMedia will broadcast the event live across the country on its radio stations, as well as stream it on iHeartRadio.
VIP tickets are available from Ticketmaster.com (they appear to be sold out).