7.13.22 QAL Paris, AccorsHotel Arena

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Adam Lambert and Queen perform Puccini’s ‘Nessun dorma’

It is not easy to write about a concert like that of Queen + Adam Lambert without falling into the classic obviousness of the case. It is a much talked about and chatty event, about which one could say (but above all criticize) a lot. The only sensible way to talk about such an event, a double date with the Unipol Arena in Bolognafull to its maximum capacity for both evenings, is to face it with mind, eyes and above all ears wide open, putting aside all kinds of prejudices. First of all because, we must be honest, after so many postponements caused by the pandemic and so many critical issues, it fills the heart to see the historic Bolognese building full of patrons of all ages and even nationalities, all sharing the same passion for a legendary band to say the least. And then because the one set up by masterminds Brian May and Roger Taylor is not an imposing money machine: it is a tribute. A tribute first of all to the music of a band that is a cornerstone of the history of world rock and that transcends time and generations. And second, but not least, place, a tribute to the iconic man, to the unforgettable and unattainable artist, rose (too soon) to the Olympus of rock, which responds to the name of Freddie Mercury. In addition, the Queen show with the histrionic Adam Lambert is a real show, in the purely theatrical sense of the term: a highly technological and scenographic stage, which reproduces the loggias of a baroque theater, plays of light and animations of the highest level. they are the backdrop to an impeccable, majestic, regal rock performance.

After an orchestral intro on the notes of the legendary "Innuendo" that accompanies the triumphant entry of Brian May on stage, the lineup unfolds on the greatest classics of the British band, from "Hammer To Fall" to "Killer Queen" up to "Bicycle Race ”or“ I Want It All ”, all performed with great technique and skill by singer Adam Lambert. The American artist also wanted to pay homage to Italy by proposing a short excerpt from the famous "Nessun dorma", taken from Puccini's "Turandot", demonstrating a power and a vocal technique of the highest level, as can be expected. by a singer who has the task of filling a very difficult void to fill.

Very important is the moment in which Lambert declares himself incredibly honored and fortunate in being able to celebrate, together with the two rock legends Brian May and Roger Taylor, the music and the incredible talent of Freddie Mercury, a speech visibly felt by the singer and which is worth a real ovation from the whole Unipol Arena audience, without exception. The show continues on safe and well-oiled tracks, divided into acts, like a play: after a first turn of more powerful pieces, in the second act the rhythm slows down slightly to make room for one of the most exciting moments of the evening. May picks up her acoustic guitar, sits down on a stool and performs the splendid ballad "Love Of My Life", already very touching in itself, while Freddie Mercury's hologram appears on the screens behind her. looking at the screens, it seems that the two are performing the piece together. And when the digital image of the legendary singer turns its back on the audience and disappears, at the end of the song, it would be necessary to be made of stone not to be moved along with Brian May, whose affection for the bandmate who died so tragically and prematurely seems unchanged. in time.




The emotion is tempered with some other acoustic songs such as the beautiful "39" and "These Are The Days Of Our Life" performed with Roger Taylor on vocals, and then continue with Lambert's return to the stage for other great classics such as "Under Pressure ”,“ I Want To Break Free ”and a heartfelt“ Who Wants To Live Forever ”, one of the highlights of the concert. It is now towards the end of the show, the third act is opened by a long solo by May, which also includes part of the symphony of the composer Dvorak "New World Symphony", standing on an elevated platform which thanks to the screens takes the form of an asteroid, the guitarist's clear homage to his second passion, astronomy.

A hat-trick that includes "The Show Must Go On", "Radio Gaga" and an epic "Bohemian Rhapsody" unleashes the entire building that sings and applauds as a single entity and on the faces of all the musicians happiness and great satisfaction for the spectacle given by the Unipol Arena audience. Finally, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are The Champions” cannot be missing for a grand finale that, needless to say, is a real apotheosis.

In the light of the evening, the most natural conclusion is that chatter and controversy are completely useless in front of a top-notch band, which brings to the stage a sumptuous, technically flawless and emotionally charged show. There are those who consider them a "cover band", others a betrayal of the memory of one of the greatest rock stars who have ever trod the scene, but having them in front of them is quite another thing, especially for those who have not had the great fortune of see live Queen of the heyday. So God save the queen, long may she reign .


Translated from Italian
www.spaziorock.it/queen-adam-lambert-unipol-arena-bologna-11-07-2022/

Adam has so much natural talent but it was nice to see him mention the bit of opera training again. Don't care if he does a musical or not but so wish his talent could be showcased in work he wrote/co-wrote and performed outside of pop. Tho he has some outstanding cuts that highlight his vocals and emotion on his albums but only fans heard them. Fingers crossed for the rock opera album.

My first reaction was how very rare it is for Adam to talk about himself on Twitter or Instagram. 
Loved reading this and knowing it would add to the buzz around his Nessun Dorma performance - especially as he almost always completely downplays any opera training in interviews. 
Nice restrained bit of self promotion.