When Bohemian Rhapsody hit theatres in 2018, it reignited global interest in Queen and introduced Freddie Mercury’s genius to a whole new generation. While Canadian vocalist Marc Martel contributed Mercury-like vocals for the film, it has been Adam Lambert who has kept Queen’s music alive on stage, performing with the surviving band members since his debut appearance on American Idol in 2009.
Since then, Lambert has become an honorary frontman, touring the world with Brian May and Roger Taylor, and proving time and again that his extraordinary voice can command the same stadiums once ruled by Mercury. But this raises an intriguing question: what would Freddie Mercury himself think of Adam Lambert?
Brian May: “Freddie Would Love and Hate Him”
According to guitarist Brian May, Mercury would have had mixed feelings about Lambert — but in the most affectionate way. Speaking to Yahoo, May explained:
“Freddie would love and hate him, yeah; I mean, he’d be like, ‘You bastard!’ Because Adam has a real gift from God. That voice is a voice in a billion, and nobody has that range, nobody that I’ve ever worked with.”
This playful remark highlights both Mercury’s competitive streak and the immense admiration he would likely feel for Lambert’s talent.
Watching Lambert’s Growth Reminds May of Mercury
May also revealed that watching Adam Lambert develop as a performer has reminded him of Mercury’s own rise to greatness.
“I’ve seen Adam develop, just like I watched Freddie develop,” May shared. “He was great to start with, but now, we’re doing something like ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ onstage, and sometimes I almost stop playing because I think, ‘What did he just do?’”
This comparison underscores how Lambert, like Mercury, continues to evolve as a performer, astonishing both fans and bandmates alike with his vocal power and emotional delivery.
Adam Lambert’s Humble Approach
Despite his enormous talent, Lambert remains humble when speaking about Mercury’s legacy. At the O2 Silver Clef Awards, he said:
“Listen, there’s no replacing Freddie Mercury. It’s impossible. Freddie Mercury is a mythic rock god. Not only did he sing the hell out of those songs, he wrote so many of them.”
Lambert has never tried to imitate Mercury but instead aims to bring his own artistry while honouring Queen’s legacy. Fans and critics have largely agreed that this balance — respect without imitation — has been key to the ongoing success of Queen + Adam Lambert.
Queen’s Legacy: A Partnership Across Generations
For May and Taylor, Lambert’s arrival has been a gift, allowing Queen’s timeless music to live on for new generations. But both musicians are careful to remind audiences that Freddie Mercury is irreplaceable.
May has called the collaboration with Lambert “lightning in a bottle,” a rare combination of talent, timing, and respect that has allowed Queen to thrive long after Mercury’s untimely passing in 1991.
With world tours, massive arena shows, and the continuing popularity of Queen’s catalogue, it’s clear that Mercury’s influence remains at the heart of everything the band does — and Lambert’s voice has become a powerful vessel to carry that legacy forward.
Key Takeaway
If Freddie Mercury were alive today, Brian May believes he would admire Adam Lambert’s extraordinary vocal range while also feeling playfully competitive. One thing is certain: Lambert has won the respect of Mercury’s bandmates and millions of fans worldwide, ensuring that Queen’s music continues to resonate across generations.
The post What Freddie Mercury Would Think of Adam Lambert, According to Brian May appeared first on NSF News and Magazine.