Adam Lambert reveals “concerns” in taking over from Queen’s Freddie Mercury

"I definitely had some concerns. This is not my music that I wrote".

Adam Lambert has revealed his initial “concerns” after taking over from Freddie Mercury as the frontman of Queen.

American Idol runner-up Lambert has performed with the band since 2012, after his acclaimed performance of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on the show caught the eye of Brian May and Roger Taylor three years previously. He would later join forces with them to perform ‘We Are the Champions’ for the reality show’s season finale.

READ MORE: Freddie would “love and hate” Adam Lambert, says Queen’s Brian May

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But while Lambert has been widely regarded as Queen’s most successful vocalist since the death of Freddie Mercury in 1991, Lambert admits that he wasn’t initially sure about taking the prestigious gig.

Speaking ahead of the band’s Las Vegas residency, he told People: “When we first got together to perform a whole show, I’m happy to say it went really well. It was a success, and we pulled it off — but man, I was really nervous beforehand.

Queen Elvis
Queen and Adam Lambert kick off their 10-date ‘Crown Jewels’ residency in Las Vegas

“Not only did I have to make sure my voice held up and I know all the words. … But it was also the perception of the fans; I definitely had some concerns. This is not my music that I wrote: This is me, as a guest, with one of the greatest rock bands of all time, singing the songs that one of the greatest rock singers of all time brought to life.”

He also described Mercury as “irreplaceable”.

“There’s no way to compare to him. It was always my hope that audiences would understand that I’m up there just excited to sing great music that everyone knows”, he admitted.

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“And also to facilitate an opportunity for Brian [May] and Roger [Taylor], to keep being onstage and playing. Watching them delight in this connection with their fan base is really, really inspiring. This is what they were made to do; this is their legacy. And I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

The band’s residency kicked off earlier this week – with an Elvis Presley cover and a hologram of Freddie Mercury proving to be two of the main highlights for fans.   

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