When Queen with Adam Lambert came to Alberta in June 2014, they set the bar high as one of the best concerts of that year. The legendary original members Brian May and Roger Taylor along with Adam Lambert and their band returned with a single show July 4^th at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Somehow the second time was even better than the first.

In part this is because of Lambert. The previous dates were early in the first world tour. While Lambert’s showmanship has shone since he first auditioned for American Idol, with nearly 5 years working with Queen, he boasts a new confidence and power. There were questions when he first joined up with Queen, something the singer even commented on.

"I am not trying to be Freddie. I am a fan, just like you guys. I just get to be up here... in the gayest suit you’ve ever seen," he said. Those doubters and questions have been thoroughly erased and from the second the band teased the arena with a snippet of We Will Rock You followed by Hammer To Fall and Stone Cold Crazy Lambert owned the stage and had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Starting off clad in leather with bright red hair and gloves and shoes to match, making multiple costume changes, and strutting the stage like he owned it Lambert showed that the days of charismatic frontman are not yet dead.

Lambert may be the new kid on the classic songs, but guitarist Brian May at 69 and drummer Roger Taylor at 67 showed why they are such iconic figures in music. They shone both on their instruments and vocally. May took the spotlight for a beautiful version of Love of My Life that featured a video of Freddie Mercury singing alongside. Taylor sang on I Love My Car and filled the vocals originally done by David Bowie on Under Pressure.

There was plenty to view on the guitar shaped stage, including a massive moving video screen, a giant robot head, and even Lambert riding a three-wheel bike while singing Bicycle Race. However underneath the showmanship was the true greatness of the show: Two skilled legends combining with an incredibly talented vocalist to bring some of the greatest songs of our lifetime back to the stage. Brought to life they were in stunning glory from I Want It All to Somebody to Love, Who Wants to Live Forever to Radio Ga Ga. Lambert even performed his new single Two Fux.

By the time the main set ended with Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen and Adam Lambert had put on a awe inspiring show that was everything a great concert is and should be. Suitably for a hockey rink, the night concluded with a rousing rendition of We Will Rock You and We Are The Champions.

When Queen and Adam Lambert toured 3 years ago, it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity to see them. Notable losses of iconic musical legends recently as well as the images of Freddie Mercury on screen were a reminder that our icons won’t be around forever and makes them treasured. On this night with thousands of fans showing their appreciation, Queen remained immortal.

Setlist

We Will Rock You
Hammer to Fall
Stone Cold Crazy
Another One Bites The Dust
Fat Bottomed Girls
Killer Queen
Two Fux
Don’t Stop Me Now
Bicycle Race
I’m In Love With My Car
Get Down, Make Love
I Want It All
Love of My Life
Somebody To Love
Crazy  Little Thing Called Love
Under Pressure
It's Late
Who Wants To Live Forever
Last Horizon
Radio Ga Ga
Bohemian Rhapsody
Spread Your Wings
We Will Rock You
We Are The Champions

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Edmonton |

Person Adam Lambert | Queen |

Topic Concert Review |