Queen fans across the board idolize and devise a deity status around former Queen front man, Freddie mercury. Mercury passed away in the early 90’s from AIDS, and in the eyes of many rock fans, so did Queen.
In November 2011, Adam Lambert, runner-up from American Idol, was announced the new front man of the famed rock group, Queen. For many fans, this was a travesty, a smudge mark on the legacy of Queen and the future historical presence of the group. Yet many saw it as a remarkable new entry in the legendary status of the group, a new front man for a new age.
Even further, many consider even the idea of recording new Queen music with Lambert disturbing, and others embrace the idea with full support. So as we look at the big picture of the situation, what does this REALLY mean about Queen, and is it a good or bad thing?
Staying away from the subjective nature of Adam Lambert’s quality singing, let’s just stick to the idea that replacing a front man is a tricky idea. Especially someone as dominating as Freddie Mercury, it can be quite an arduous task, and one that can never really be achieved. But let’s look at it more organically. Firstly, the chances of the group recording a new album, even a new song with Lambert is unlikely. Queen has been relatively since Mercury’s passing. Keep in mind, they have never released an album without Mercury, holding onto that legacy and respecting the group’s status. They did release one album with Paul Rodgers, and in retrospect, it was a harmless record.
So with that said, Adam Lambert filling in as the new front man is really just an opportunity for publicity and cash. Considering that it is unlikely that they will record new material and considering that Lambert is openly in adoration and respect towards Mercury, we can’t see him doing anything to tarnish the name of Queen.
As we explore the idea, what really WOULD tarnish the name? Queen’s status as rock legends is more than solidified as legendary. Without them recording any new material, this is no more than an experiment in a live setting for the American idol-era, where a solid arguably fantastic singer is playing an ode to a legendary vocalist and front man. As we see the group expanding into their latest years, let’s keep an open-mind and understand life goes on, even if Queen fronted by Freddie Mercury does not.
Image Source: Adam Lambert, Brian May, Roger Taylor Photo-Op
