Seattle, WA: Queen + Adam Lambert at KeyArena – Photo by Aaron Mannari
I have been to numerous concerts, especially in the last 5 years. I have had the pleasure of seeing Ellie Goulding, Adele, Maroon 5, and Imagine Dragons to name a few at Seattle’s KeyArena. Most of the time, the acts are pretty fantastic, but the venue is not really designed for concerts and the acoustics are not the greatest (and that is putting it kindly). Fortunately, Queen, yes, one of the greatest rock bands of all times, with Adam Lambert was coming to Seattle, but unfortunately, they decided that KeyArena would be the stage they would perform.With a little bit of trepidation, Jess and I decided that the chance to catch Brian May and Roger Taylor live was just too good to pass up, so we made our way down Mercer Street to the former home of the SuperSonics. We grabbed a couple beers and headed to our assigned seats and waited until the house lights dimmed and the show began, which took a little while longer than expected. And the reason for the delay, according to Brian May‘s Instagram, was that the lasers for the show malfunctioned. But as Freddie Mercury once said, “The show must go on.”
From the moment the first drum was hit and the first guitar chord was strummed, the crowd was into it. There were no shortage of hoots and whistles throughout. Now, we all know that Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, rock vocalist of all-time. Brandon (Enyeart) and I have had numerous conversations about the best vocalists ever and every time the original voice of Queen usually reigns as the best. However, American Idol alum Adam Lambert has been the lead singer of Queen for the past 5 years now and is probably and will probably be as close to Freddie Mercury as we are going to get, because Lambert‘s renditions of “Fat Bottom Girls” and “Killer Queen” were absolutely on point.
And there were no shortage of fun visuals either; including the robot from the cover of the now 40-year old album, News Of The World ripping down the stage to expose the band as they jumped into the first song, Lambert coming through the floor on the head of the robot and a pink, albeit tricycle, for the introduction of “Bicycle”.
Seattle, WA: Queen’s Brian May at KeyArena – Photo by Aaron Mannari
The show was a non-stop two and a half hour thrill ride, that also included a crazy drum solo by Roger Taylor and long, epic guitar solo by Brian May. And you know that you cannot have a Queen concert without an appearance by the late, great Freddie Mercury. They had a video of the master doing a call and response bit. Not only did the crowd respond with the crazy runs that Mercury started, but the end was classic – and if you would like to see the video click: HERE. The man also made two additional appearances during the show including on Brian May‘s acoustic version of “Love of My Life” and, of course, during “Bohemian Rhapsody”.
I cannot say enough though about Adam Lambert. He was humble, as were May and Taylor, and the absolute respect they showed each and every song was heartwarming. Even though I have seen some great artists like Adele and Imagine Dragons, who both put on amazing shows, Queen and Adam Lambert put on the best concert I have ever seen.
Amberboc88
July 3, 2017 at 11:37 amI saw the show in Las Vegas and was beyond amazed. Glad you felt it worked, I think the combo of Brian, Roger and Adam is brilliant. And it warns my heart to great these sobfs live again!
Lemonade Magazine
July 3, 2017 at 12:16 pmWe couldn't have believe the show if someone had told us before. It was mind-blowing to say the least!
ana
July 8, 2017 at 9:45 amCan not say enough about Adam, but does not need and we do not need, Adam's voice dispenses comments
Cee Jay
July 3, 2017 at 12:54 pmHave seen them twice, and will again in Philly July 30. This is one techno effect I can't wait to see. They always seem to up the game. You can try and tell what it is like but unless you go see them live, it doesn't speak to the authenticity of Queen and lead singer Adam Lambert.
Lemonade Magazine
July 3, 2017 at 12:57 pmYeah, it is a show that needs to be experienced to understand the full extend of their abilities.
Sharon
July 3, 2017 at 2:08 pmI bought ticket to see them in Vegas but due to an emergency I could not go. But I have seen them 5x before and was mesmerized throughout the shows. I have read every review of this tour and so far I'm pleased. I am sick that I missed them this tour. I am also a fan of Adam Lambert and think he is perfect for Queen. I'm sure Freddie is pleased.
MalsDoxy
July 3, 2017 at 3:35 pmLike you I have seen A LOT of concerts , mostly in the 60s and 70s- [Hendrix, Doors, 3 Dog Night, Ten Years After, Stones] and they were ALL like this, live only and long. Brian May has stated repeatedly that Freddie could do what Adam does in a live setting, so many shows a week and 2.25 hours a night. I am so glad you appreciated Adam for the stellar interpreter of Queen's music that he is, and didn't you just love how they have such a BLAST whilst performing for us? the BEST!!
Janet
July 3, 2017 at 8:09 pmWhat a beautiful review....I know how you feel.....best concert ever! I will be at Chicago and I. Hope I can make some more concerts. I am almost 60 and loved Freddie and Queen. I went to two Queen concerts in 2014. Adam is not an imitator....he interprets the music i his own way and its perfect. I cant wait!
Wendy Ann Cohen
July 3, 2017 at 8:26 pmSaw them the second night at the Hollywood Bowl. For my birthday! I loved Freddie so much, and hearing the songs again gives me such joy. The band is perfect. And I think Adam Lambert is the only current vocalist who is capable of rendering Queen's music with so much musicality, originality and respect. I can only hope that the bunch of them will come around again next year. I'm still buzzing!
Rita
July 3, 2017 at 8:51 pmI saw QAL two years ago in Dallas and will be seeing them again in August. I have been an Adam Lambert fan since his audition on American Idol. I knew he would be someone to watch throughout the season and boy, was I right! I have been a Queen fan since the 70's and in my opinion, Queen is the best rock band out there. I am so happy their legacy continues and that Adam is fronting the band. It is a win/win for me. Some people believe Queen died when Freddie died but that is not true at all. Brian and Roger are having a blast performing their iconic music and I love the fact that the younger generations are getting a chance to see these rock legends on stage. Long live Queen + Adam Lambert! ♥
Patricia Larson
July 3, 2017 at 9:58 pmI saw them in Vegas in 2014. Best concert I have ever seen. So I was excited but wary as I went to the Key. Could they match it? ABSOLUTELY!! Lambert put on a vocal master class. May and Taylor put on a musical master class. Together they were Phenomenal!! The other thing seldom noted is that it is entirely live. No clicks, no auto tune. Very few if any can do that today.
Shelley B
July 4, 2017 at 10:49 amThey were fantastic. Beyond my wildest dreams! However, the moment I see Freddy, I cried. Wouldn't he have loved this?? I think of all the fun he could have had all these years with Queen had he not been taken from us way too soon. He was a brilliant & very talented man for sure. So are Adam, Brian and Roger. I love them all! The world will never forget you Freddy.
ana
July 8, 2017 at 10:40 amAdam does not have to be humble in order not to overshadow "God" Freddie and his subjects, he should be proud of everything he is and represents to the fans, but he is humble because that is another component of his noble nature, and his voice and Talent nor need comments ...
ana
July 8, 2017 at 11:00 amThe guy talked a lot and only about Freddie as if praising the talent and performance of Adam in front of the band erase the memory of "God", the fact is that critics like this do not make a difference in the world, but Adam does, and World should thank on his knees for a talent like Adam