22 February 2012
VVN Music
Adam Lambert may not be the permanent lead singer of Queen, but he is certainly in front of the band for at least one big show. Queen will headline the Sonisphere at Knebworth Park in Stevenage, England on July 7. The site was the setting for the final concert with Freddie Mercury in August 1986.
Lambert has performed with Queen twice before, at the 2009 American Idol finale where Lambert came in second and at last years MTV Europe Awards where the singer and group closed the show with an eight-minute set of Queen music.
Queen's Brian May said of the pairing "Judging by my incoming mail, this decision will make a lot of people very happy. It's a worthy challenge for us, and I'm sure Adam would meet with Freddie's approval! And what better place to revisit, and walk those emotional paths than Knebworth? It will be a rush."
120,000 people saw Queen at that final Knebworth show in 1986. Roger Taylor commented "I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon. The thought of sharing the stage for a full set is so beautifully surreal. I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know the evening will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band I know magic will be on display."
Lambert added "I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon. The thought of sharing the stage for a full set is so beautifully surreal. I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know the evening will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band I know magic will be on display."
Also headlining at the Sonisphere festival this year are KISS (Friday) and Faith No More (Sunday).
