Trying to catch up here...not gonna happen, way too much awesome. :thumbs: And it's just the 1st show!!! This!!!!!vvvvvv
Sun-Times Arts & Entertainment, Music,
The Daily Sizzle - June 20, 2014 1:06 am Queen, Adam Lambert rock the United Center in tour kick-off
BY JEFF ELBEL
One thing’s certain: Thursday night’s concert at United Center by Queen and Adam Lambert was the only show in Chicago to include both a physics lesson and a singer in a diamond-studded leopard skin suit. It was the perfect pairing of brainy and challenging rock music with outrageous and glamorous attitude.
Since the death of beloved Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in 1991, guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor have tended the eternal flame of the band’s legacy. During the 2000s, the pair partnered with Bad Company vocalist Paul Rodgers. Rodgers’ pipes were well-matched to full-tilt rockers like May’s “Tie Your Mother Down,” but perhaps lacked a measure of the flamboyant flair to fully inhabit the grand, romantic sweep of Mercury’s “Somebody to Love.”
Enter Lambert.
Adam Lambert brought his personal glitz to the music of Queen Thursday night at the United Center. |
As he struck a decadent pose atop a purple-and-gold chaise lounge during a very glam “Killer Queen,” it was clear that Lambert possessed the charisma to pay maximum tribute to Mercury’s larger-than-life persona. It helped that he had skill to match the theatricality. Rafter-raising showstoppers including “We are the Champions” and “The Show Must Go On” displayed Lambert’s pop sensibility and dizzying range while simultaneously showcasing May’s unparalleled rock soloing technique.
“We played to some of your mothers and fathers, I’m sure,” said May after crossing the catwalk with his acoustic guitar to the center of the room. Dr. May then gave a brief description of Einsteinian relativity while introducing “’39,” a tale of tragic love and time travel.
Taylor paid tribute to Mercury while singing “These are the Days of Our Lives.” The video screen flashed nostalgic images of Queen’s younger days. Next, Taylor performed a drum duet with his son. Taylor brought the house down with bombastic precision during “I Want It All.”
The players offered little evidence of opening-night jitters on their North American tour’s debut. The technical side exhibited a few minor bugs including microphone trouble during “Now I’m Here,” occasional synchronization glitches with the video, and a missed cue on the steam jets.
Although the band was somewhat loose during “Love Kills,” Lambert’s empathic delivery and soaring vocal flight were spine-tingling. The deep cut was taken from the score for Giorgio Moroder’s 1984 restoration of the film “Metropolis.” “Metropolis” footage also rolled during “Radio Ga Ga,” while the crowd mimicked the unified hand-clap motions of the MTV-era video.
The camaraderie and mutual love between Queen and Lambert was evident. May and Lambert frequently rubbed shoulders and struck heroic poses together. Taylor and Lambert high-fived after assuming the roles of David Bowie and Mercury for “Under Pressure.”
“You know, love makes me feel a little cray-cray, too,” said Lambert as the band launched “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Lambert channeled Mercury and Elvis Presley in equal measure.
By the time the band finally reached the show’s centerpiece with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” anticipation had built to fever pitch. The crowd roared as Mercury’s image sang the second verse via projection screen. Lambert threw May briefly off balance by bowing down to him, causing May to laugh and miss his last solo entrance. Rather than derail the moment, it seemed endearing and joyful.
The performance wasn’t flawless, but the spirit was right for Queen. It was both openly human and majestic.
Queen’s next move will be to release “Queen Forever” later this year, featuring outtakes from previous Freddie Mercury studio sessions. It is unknown whether May and Taylor will record with Lambert, as they did with Rodgers for 2008’s “The Cosmos Rocks.” The show at United Center suggested that it could be a powerful collaboration.
bridgette12' date='Jun 20th 2014, 11:11 AM
I'm loving those reviews, the critics are seeing and feeling what the fans are, that the chemistry between Adam and Queen is amazing. Adam has revitalized Queen and Queen gives Adam the opportunity to showcase his abilities to it's fullest. I'm still just floored how amazing that set is and the size of it is unbelievable.
loveroftalent' date='Jun 20th 2014, 11:26 AM
I have goosebumps all over reading these amazing reviews....OMG..I am over the moon happy for them all... <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Sagitarius' date='Jun 20th 2014, 12:13 PM
And the BEAUTY of the pics!....right click-right click-right click- - - - - -
Went over to the Queen fan club out of curiosity, and they were not too happy about the crown and the fact that the Glamberts didn't know to clap during Radio Ga Ga. Such pickiness!!!!
But.....I didn't see any complaints about his vocals. grin.gif
I love the comment about Glamberts not clapping. As though the entire arena was filled with just Adam fans. :haha:
3ku1 @ Jun 20th 2014, 12:41 AM
I think part of the issue for QAL for purists is it was unexpected. It's like a marrage first the hated the idea of it, now they hate that they don't hate the idea of it, now they are starting to love the idea of QAL. Freddie is Adam's peer, this is in no way unsurpling or dissecting Freddie's legacy, his place in rock and contemporary music is indefinite. Has been since his death in 1991, if Adam who is once in a life time didn't come along, their would be no point of difference. I feel Freddie has left a gaping hole in their life's, and until Adam came along they didn't think it would the same ever again, enter Adam. He is the natural successor not unsurpler to Freddie, he is just continuing his legacy. Some Queen Purists don't realize that some fans didn't know who Queen was until QAL, so it has introduced them to a whole new generation. I am sure Freddie writing these songs, didn't want them to just be a single on a chart, he wanted them to be timeless. Unfortunately he is not around to sing them, but he has someone who has the same level of vocal talent to produce the level Queen have been missing before Freddie's death. I think people take things too seriously and need to relax and just enjoy the music.
I think people take things too seriously and need to relax and just enjoy the music.
This so much. And my guess would be that Freddie would love all of this. He would love that the music goes on. He would probably tell them to go for it, enjoy it and most of all -- have fun!!! I can just imagine him and Adam having a good laugh about everything. From the ridiculousness of some of the Queen fans, to the passion of Adam's fans, to Brian & Roger getting to do this all over again, to the performance, to Adam's wardrobe....
OMG! Brian's checkin' out the white wienerpants!! :w00t:
Sagitarius' date='Jun 20th 2014, 4:07 PM
O . M . G . !!! :w00t: :haha: :devil:
loveroftalent' date='Jun 20th 2014, 12:21 PM
hahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha!!!!!
vampfever' date='Jun 20th 2014, 11:48 AM
For the haters and doubters...
I told you so :P
Love2Lurk' date='Jun 20th 2014, 11:49 AM
Exactly :haha: :haha: :haha:
Love2Lurk' date='Jun 20th 2014, 1:01 PM
This is a nice medley I posted up thread....not HD...but good and up close....includes the couch scene !!! :wub: Irma G. @Chalpie · 12m
View translation
"Queen Medley" QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT IN CHICAGO 6/19/14 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zGXhA6mHfU&sns=tw … via @youtube
awesome medley^^^^^^^^^^^^
Bringing this in again...cannot stop smiling at this genius, brilliant finale--best ever!!! :thumbs: :hug: :wub:
Play on word "Queen">"God save the Queen" :haha: ...Adam's crown, suit....Way to end an awesome night!!!!
Cannot find a better vid that doesn't cut off after Adam's song so bringing the stream ...at about 35:20 Anyone see it anywhere on any of the good vids?????
The best/funniest/funnest finale ever!!!!!!!!I'll bet they are still laughing!!!
Part 4 : Queen + Adam Lambert from ustream by LynnevillePF Chicago
@luv2laugh77 8m
Eeep!! I got the whole mind blowing show on video!!! Adam's Killer Voice, Queen's spectacular music, and COSTUMES!!! DED DED DED :dead: :dead: :dead:
"God save the Queen" and the crown and the leopard print suit!!!! :thumbs: :haha: :hug: :wub:
I loved the whole night, Adam looked so happy and in his element....I'm so proud of him. :hug: <3 :hug: Imagine how his parents must feel about now, I can't even imagine. I love the massive set with all the ramps and stairs, it's Adam's perfect playground, he can roam around the stage where ever his heart desires....so many possibilities. :flowers:
I loved all of Adam's costumes, I love how he uses things from his closet and then adds a Versace jacket. You know he had a ball playing dress up and he had a packed house playing along with him....dream come true for him. <3
konchokdolma 7h
If u want a 2014 Queen + Adam Lambert Official Live Blu-Ray DVD tweet the REAL Queen twitter, which is @QueenWillRock , not a fan account
Gigwise 5h
Photos: Queen and Adam Lambert kick off 2014 tour with huge gig in Chicago. Pics and setlist here http://ow.ly/yfMbx
ETCanada 4h
Last night @QueenWillRock & @adamlambert kicked off their 24 city North American tour in Chicago!
vegas1024 Protected Tweets 3h
*kicky feet* Look at my couch. It's really butch.
chunkeymonkey81 2h
Someone plz make me a header with this pic omfg pic.twitter.com/bIKan4k8ji
GakBird 2h
Just look at Dr Bri's face when hes behind Adam during the runs toward the end!! He so loves it!!! RT @lambertslovelee: Queen + Adam Lambert - Somebody to Love - United Center - Chicago, IL: http://youtu.be/Hp0aJN8jGOI via @YouTube SO GLAD I WAS THERE! AWESOME!
starr_d 2h
anon did you see reports there are 3 sets of 5 trucks each doing set up. chicago trucks on to show #4 if that is correct.
anon 2h
@starr_d I saw these reports but I don't know how reliable they are
VinceRango 2h
@adamlambert @DrBrianMay @QueenWillRock THANKS for an infrickincredible and unbelievably AMAZING show! You rocked it out! #pleasecomeback
terra_zephead Protected Tweets 42m
Yay Pro (Partial) Footage!!! => We Will Rock You: http://youtu.be/ANiPMLXAhlE via @YouTube
TALCvids 39m
Pro video from tour opening show in Chicago: Queen & Adam Lambert - We Will Rock You http://youtu.be/4YktsVngkOM via Classic Rock Magazine
Chica63 · 3h
Just showed my client the pic of Adam swigging champagne on the couch. "holy sh!t. Can I crawl on top..I mean sit next to him?" lol
SophDix 1h
Black shirt with dates on back: pic.twitter.com/Tsl0Z2rYlN
SophDix 1h
The Adam hoodie (front and back) pic.twitter.com/qDYNVfTtVT
SaweetMaryC 19m
anon @TALCvids @QueenWillRock @adamlambert Crowd during Radio GaGa , took my breath away had to capture it. Feelz
UnitedCenter 26m
Relive the @QueenWillRock + @AdamLambert show with some of our favorite photos from yesterday! pic.twitter.com/bG0CTtjWXL
Really good review and glad Queen got a shout out for putting on a great show. They know how to tour and do it big time.
Silvia' date='Jun 20th 2014, 3:59 PM
Damn right he's no Fredie. HE'S AFL!!!! He's no copycat, he's his own man and artist.
You know why all these purists keep screaming that? Because deep down they know Adam, is a better vocalist than Freddie! I have the feeling Roger and Brian think so too but stopped short of saying that because they are afraid of the fans :haha:
Love2Lurk' date='Jun 20th 2014, 8:27 PM
Totally agree....Adam is Adam !!! Awesome ....stunning....... amazing.....in his own shoes.....
He isn't trying to wear anyone else's shoes....... :rolleyes:
Adam has his own amazing boots thank you very much :wub: :thumbs:
and yes....STL....is perfect for him....also loving CLTCL...... :wub: :thumbs:
I loved the whole night, Adam looked so happy and in his element....I'm so proud of him. huggy.gif heart.gif huggy.gif Imagine how his parents must feel about now, I can't even imagine. I love the massive set with all the ramps and stairs, it's Adam's perfect playground, he can roam around the stage where ever his heart desires....so many possibilities. flowers.gif
I loved all of Adam's costumes, I love how he uses things from his closet and then adds a Versace jacket. You know he had a ball playing dress up and he had a packed house playing along with him....dream come true for him. heart.gif
That collage was perfect. I remember thinking when Adam lost and the majority of the Idols from that season was hoping he lose, that hard work and great talent, wins in the end. Adam Lambert is forever linked to rock royalty and the greatest rock band of all time
Tiki'srose' date='Jun 20th 2014, 2:49 PM
Paula said: He would be "Iconic" and he is definitely on his way. By the time this tour is over Adam Lambert will be a household name everywhere. :D
There is so much to watch today.....It's like Adam Christmas :wub:
This is a really cute vid....from the same person that did the medley from my last post
So cute how Adam is interacting with the rest of the band !!!
Crazy Little Thing Called Love" QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT IN CHICAGO 6/19/14
