Back in 2019, Queen guitarist Brian May spoke about Adam Lambert’s role in the band during a backstage interview at a James Burton tribute show. The video, featuring Sammy Hagar, has just resurfaced on YouTube thanks to AXS TV — and May’s words show just how much he values Lambert.
“Adam brings fresh views on things,” May said. “He’s not afraid to suggest, ‘Why don’t we try it this way or that way?’ That means the songs aren’t fossils. They’re alive and evolving with Adam, which is great — and sometimes he blows my mind.”
May even compared Lambert to Freddie Mercury, noting the singer’s fearless approach to tough songs. “We do Who Wants to Live Forever, which Freddie would sing sometimes. But if Freddie was feeling a bit off, that song could be too much strain. Adam will always do it — and he’ll push it higher and higher.”
Adam Lambert: Keeping Freddie’s Spirit Alive
Lambert first joined Queen in 2011 after his breakout on American Idol. Since then, he has become a permanent fixture with the band, performing to packed arenas worldwide. Their most recent Rhapsody Tour wrapped in February 2024, and Lambert even managed to release his own solo album, High Drama, during the run.
When asked whether he ever gets tired of singing Queen classics, Lambert told Advocate:
“Oh, not at all. Queen is about lifting people up, and every audience goes through the roof when we play those big hits. It never gets old. It’s an honor to keep Freddie’s music alive — and I love watching Brian and Roger light up on stage. The whole experience is awesome.”
Will Queen + Adam Lambert Make New Music?
So far, Queen and Lambert have only released live albums together: Live in Japan (2016) and Live Around the World (2020). Fans have often wondered if a full studio album might follow, but May poured some cold water on the idea in an interview with Vermilion County First:
“We’re always open to something happening. But we’re busy now, and we can’t quite work 24 hours a day like we used to when we were half this age.”
May has also admitted that decades of touring and recording have taken their toll. While he hasn’t officially announced retirement, recent comments online suggest he may be winding down.
For now, though, Queen with Adam Lambert remains a powerful force — keeping Freddie Mercury’s music alive while adding a fresh spark that even Brian May admits sometimes leaves him stunned.
