Adam-ClassicRock
Q+AL-ClassicRock
After rocking in the New Year on BBC One, Adam and Queen will be heading out on tour again this month. They will be performing 26 shows throughout the UK and Europe starting January 13th in Newcastle and wrapping up in Sheffield on February 27. And then maybe we might get some new music from Adam later this springISH?! Photos from the Classic Rock/Team Rock.

Oh, and we can’t forget Adam’s guest judge appearance on Idol on January 15th!
Full Episode (Youtube) (Vimeo)

Enjoy the chat!

 

1,517 Responses to January 2015 Chat

  1. TLKC says:

    Thank-you turquoisewaters.

    When you say high pressure, are you referring to the Santa Anas? For about 5 years in the 90’s I spent one week out of every month in Los Angeles on business. The Santa Anas made mincemeat out of my sinuses. They also cause the dryness, no?

    During those years they made a big deal out of every rainfall. Arsenio Hall once told his audience that he was stuck in his driveway for 30 minutes because it hadn’t rained in so long that he had forgotten how to turn on his windshield wipers!

  2. rs says:

    So I have been doing some research the past couple of days. I remember that with the exception of a few rotten eggs (looking at you NY Times and some other big city papers) the reviews of the North American QAL tour were absolutely glowing, as were those from Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. So why is it that I get the feeling that the UK reviews are better? Is it because we were so worried that in Queen’s (and Freddie’s) home country they would be unwelcoming of an American upstart taking Freddie’s place at the front of their beloved band and therefore much more critical and unforgiving? So when the great reviews came out were we just overjoyed and read more into them than was really there? There were a few things that kept jumping out at me from the UK reviews, namely the fact that when introducing Adam in the reviews they used the phrase “acclaimed singer” a lot and talked about Adam’s well known career in the US as a solo artist. So I decided to go back and read the reviews from the whole tour and compare how Adam was presented in the beginning of the reviews. I am not talking about the concert review itself; everybody loved him (or not) and comparisons to Freddie and the big shoes he had to fill were prevalent across the board, although in the States it was more like the “He’s no Freddie” was said in the slight expectation that he could be, whereas in the UK it was more like, Of course he isn’t Freddie, we don’t expect him to be, we are just thankful that he is doing such a great job with Queen’s music.
    I looked at 73 North American reviews plus the reviews from the rest of the summer tour and the ones that I have read from the UK. The differences in the way Adam is first presented are subtle, but astounding! Of course the American Idol connection was prevalent and only a handful of reviews didn’t mention it. But in the US it was mostly, AI contestant Adam Lambert, AI competitor, AI runner-up, former AI contestant, AI finalist, AI’s Adam Lambert. I saw one AI winner and one AI fave! Most often AI was the only thing that was said about Adam before going into the actual concert review. Out of the 73 reviews I counted three mentions of his two successful albums, two Grammy nomination mentions, three mentions of Glee, and he was once called a “pop star”.(And they were often in the same review.) One review said that his career never took off like it should have and another said he is famous but not quite a superstar, scores hits, but as yet to achieve a truly signature sound. The UK descriptions, on the other hand, were: Not well known here but… AI Star,shot to fame on AI, well known in the US after AI breakthrough, America’s biggest TV talent show runner up and gifted songwriter to boot, Glee Star, Before AI a trained and seasoned performer who cut his teeth in musical theater, a seasoned performer with 2 critically successful albums and a reputation for putting on an impressive live act, no mere talent show get-lucky; like Mercury he paid his dues with opera training, theater, singing in clubs, performing dance and Rock, and lots of use of the word “acclaimed”.
    So it seems that The Brits are attributing to Adam a bigger career in the States that the Americans are acknowledging, at least in their concert reviews. And I think I know why. They can’t accept just anybody to step in and front their National Treasure. It has to be someone of a certain standing and reputation even if they didn’t know of him before. A former AI contestant who isn’t hugely famous just doesn’t jive with the mantle that they are placing on his shoulders. It is like cognitive dissonance, two things that don’t go together. And the Americans, well, they keep downplaying Adam, keeping him as their little secret to be the innovator that everybody can copy and get the credit for later. Adam always seems to get huge praise for specific things that he does (Grammy nom, Trespassing, Glee, various hosting and appearances, charity work), but they haven’t been woven together in a way that would make John Q Public recognize him. Even the US Queen tour. It was sold out, but so many people didn’t even know about it. Hopefully, now with Era 3 and a new label everything will come together.
    Sorry for the looooooong post. I hope that you find my research of interest.

  3. TLKC says:

    RE: all the speculation about Adam’s CD3 band. I love Tommy and can’t see Adam abandoning him under any circumstances. If Adam has a crack at an incredible guitarist, however, it might be possible that Tommy could return to bass. According to a European critic who reviewed the GN tour, Tommy is an outstanding bass player (perhaps because he learned to play the bass after he had spent years on lead.)

    Tommy has also been very loyal to Adam. There will always be a place for him, imho anyway.

  4. TLKC says:

    You might have something there, rs. Outside of New York and LA, the US reviews were actually pretty good, as you say.

    As far as the UK’s elevated view of Adam’s US fame is concerned, perhaps Brian and Roger’s comments in the British media campaign had a bit to do with that, LOL! Those two aren’t only OTT as musicians. Wink

  5. rs says:

    There was a terrible review from one of the Toronto papers of our show, too!

  6. ultimathule says:

    Understand where you’re coming from with regard to TJ, TLKC, but I’ve just never warmed up to him – found his behavior when accompanying Adam to radio stations just wrong – inattentive – yawning – seemingly uninterested in sitting next to a man who can sing like that. (And find the hardcore TJ fans cloying with their insistence that he and Adam should be a couple.)

    Yes, Adam seems to like him – that’s his prerogative and, if he goes with him on tour, I’ll definitely keep an open mind.

    As far as TJ’s being loyal, that’s a given for me – no reason he shouldn’t be.

  7. angelowal says:

    rs, I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head with your analysis, and I’m still embarrassed by that lousy, condescending review from one of the Toronto newspapers (The Toronto Star). I don’t know why I let negative reviews affect me – we all know those turds reviewers just want to be provocative. Fortunately, most of those papers end up lining the bottom of a bird cage or wrapping up fish ‘n chips the next day……… Teeth .

  8. ultimathule says:

    Appreciate that dissection of the reviews very much, rs – especially having to wade through the nasty ones (Jon Pareles) – that takes dedication.

    I feared the UK reviewers, but, on the whole, they’ve been very fair-minded – and most of them really know their Queen – always a plus –

  9. angelowal says:

    Maybe this is not very kind to say, but in my opinion, Adam’s previous band was mediocre. Sure, most of them were really nice people but they were the best that could be afforded at the time. Surely, after playing with Queen, Adam’s standards have risen, and he’s going to be needing a much higher calibre of musician to accompany him?

    It’s probably a moot point anyway, as I think that his label will have considerable input into the choice of his music director and backup band, certainly for the recording sessions.

  10. nkd says:

    I hope that you find my research of interest.

    Loved it! Thanks rs! Kiss

  11. rs says:

    My pleasure nkd. It was a labor of love Smile

  12. luval says:

    This girl is slightly excited.

    http://instagram.com/p/yStBuIH47i/

  13. TLKC says:

    There was a terrible review from one of the Toronto papers of our show, too!

    Actually Toronto surprised me because I thought all of the papers would be negative but the Conservative papers were okay. It was the Star review that was bad – very nasty.

    Critics from NYC, LA and Toronto frequently suffer from “big city” syndrome: they are more interested in establishing their own currency and sophistication than they are in critiquing the subjects they cover. It can be a problem with arts reviewers in general but contemporary music critics are the worst.

    The same is usually true of London – no one is nastier than a London critic. But, as rs has pointed out, London reviewers have been surprisingly respectful:

    So it seems that The Brits are attributing to Adam a bigger career in the States than the Americans are acknowledging, at least in their concert reviews. And I think I know why. They can’t accept just anybody to step in and front their National Treasure. It has to be someone of a certain standing and reputation even if they didn’t know of him before.

    The rest of Europe isn’t as committed to Queen and it will be interesting to see if the critics take their cue from the UK. Fingers crossed that they do.

  14. TLKC says:

    My pleasure nkd. It was a labor of love

    It is much appreciated, rs.

  15. TLKC says:

    I do agree with your assessment of the band, angelowal, and appreciate ulti’s POV on the shippers. IMHO, they were on a bridge too far and have hopefully fallen off it in the hiatus.

    I do think Adam should go for broke the next time around. If Queen fans are going to be showing up for his concerts, he needs to have a killer band. They have very high standards.

  16. ultimathule says:

    whoops! Guess I’ll have to change that –

    Dancy Georgia @DancyGeorgia
    If you downloaded my full show QAL Birmingham mp3 file earlier, it was actually Manchester. Here is Birmingham:

    https://mega.nz/#!qRFgCAiZ!dYXSG_N7vh13PsnsMC6a43hSxY1PWG6J-hs586AOZDI

  17. luval says:

    Dr. Brian May retweeted
    Mrs. May. ‏@Laura_Rocamora_ 9m9 minutes ago

    @DrBrianMay @adamlambert love this two outfits.

    https://twitter.com/Laura_Rocamora_/status/559519148024143872

  18. luval says:

    I’m thinking we’ll be hearing Brian speaking lots of French at tomorrow’s show. Only recently did I discover he’s fluid in French.

  19. Axxxel says:

    @luval I bet Adam is learning some french words or phrases right now.. like “J’aime Freddie”, “Bonsoir Paris” and “je suis celibataire” … hehehe

  20. Axxxel says:

    @TLKC Avengers with John Steed and Emma Peel ?? waah all those childhoodfeels when I read those words… Grin … I did spend my younger years in Western Europe and was very into british TV series and british music…

    However I am not sure whether Europeans want to follow the intensity of the British praise in the press… Maybe it will be something between the british and American press…

  21. Axxxel says:

    @rs Wow, nice writings… Maybe I am too sceptical but I was also a bit surprised by the way they portrayed Adam in the british press… Your writings gave me a new insight !

  22. luval says:

    Axxxel Apparently Brian gave a whole lecture speaking in French about a month ago. Can’t remember what event. Maybe something to do with astrophysics. Wouldn’t be surprised if he knows other languages too. I love him!

  23. luval says:

    And here he is

    Dr. Brian May ‏@DrBrianMay 13m13 minutes ago

    Good Morning Parisians !! Et Bon Soir et Bonne Nuit et … a demain ! Bri

    https://twitter.com/DrBrianMay/status/559531949765586946

  24. luval says:

    ADAM LAMBERT ‏@adamlambert 39m39 minutes ago

    Slur on Fleek http://instagram.com/p/yTI091uNCg/

  25. luval says:

    Anyone interested in Brian’s stereoscopic selfie stick video from last night?

    Dr. Brian May ‏@DrBrianMay 50m50 minutes ago

    NOTTINGHAM selfie stick Vids ? 2 versions are up @tonycee3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY5Q6pI9exY … – in 3-D, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNwwQ11QxZQ … in MONO – Bri

  26. ultimathule says:

    adamlambert
    55 minutes ago
    Slur on Fleek

    http://instagram.com/p/yTI091uNCg/

  27. Axxxel says:

    @luvalnice to hear and see about Brian’s knowledge !! Big Smile

  28. turquoisewaters says:

    TLKC: they actually gave this thing a name: “ridiculously risilient ridge”. It is a high pressure ridge out in the Pacific west of California that diverts rain north so it comes down in Canada /Oregon instead of California.

  29. ultimathule says:
  30. glambotgram says:

    Who in the heck is Nathan James? 777 likes? I guess he must be somebody famous.

    rs I really like all your research and conclusions.

    I agree Adam needs a new band, I like Tommy and Ashley, but think he needs more professional people. Or keep TJ and Ashley and get a really good professional music director. Adn bring on Rufus, LOL

  31. turquoisewaters says:

    rs: I love your reasearch, and I agree with your interpretation.
    TLCK is also spot-on with this:

    Critics from NYC, LA and Toronto frequently suffer from “big city” syndrome: they are more interested in establishing their own currency and sophistication than they are in critiquing the subjects they cover.

    I think the great British reviews are priceless. If the show is good enough for Queen’s home country, how could it not be good enough for France, Germany, Italy, etc?

  32. ultimathule says:

    ‏@DrBrianMay
    Good Morning Parisians !! Et Bon Soir et Bonne Nuit et … a demain ! Bri

    https://twitter.com/DrBrianMay/status/559531949765586946/photo/1

  33. ultimathule says:

    http://youtu.be/5Tx3uvGqtD4

    Nathan James – The Voice UK

  34. Calgary says:

    rs Loved your analysis! One of the things that separates the good reviewers – and imho they are few and far between- from the mediocre/bad is their ability to offer an objective opinion separate from their own personal biases. So many of the north american reviews were filled with personal opinions. In the UK the most interesting contrast in reviews were two who talked about the opening One Vision – one hated it and one thought it was brilliant. Same with the guitar and drum solos. A good reviewer might criticize the length of the solos but would also acknowledge that the hard rockers, guitarists and percussionists love those solos. The bad reviewers just trash them, often snarkily. Im looking forward to the european reviews too. I’m betting they will be great too!

  35. ultimathule says:

    http://youtu.be/iSevcyMrYKs

    Mark Bowles – multi-cam of London 1/17/15 – “Save Me”

  36. Toni B says:

    @rs I think your analysis is right on the money!
    When this tour is over Adam will be right back trying to prove himself in the US especially to the media and radio air play. Trying to prove QAL wasn’t a fluke.I understand Adam’s loyalty to Tommy…but his band must be worthy of his vocal talent. Never was crazy about Monty Pittman but as a lead guitarist he is first rate. It’s in part why Queen and Adam fit so well- master musicians and songwriters(Freddie of course!). Adam and his people(label) have to be single minded in their delivery of Adam as a product. Only the best!! (sorry to say it but frankly it’s true).

    The Justin Beibers and others like him have great PR, relentless labels who will push their product as far as it will go(regardless of the artists talent). We know Adam is brilliant but without the right vehicle Era 3 may only go so far.

  37. sparkle says:

    Bonne nuit et beaux reves, ALL!!

  38. sparkle says:

    LOVED the in depth analysis, rs! Thanks for doing all that grueling research for us ALL!

  39. sparkle says:

    I agree with most of you about Adam’s band in Era 3 and especially TLKC – a killer band is required!!!

  40. luval says:

    A hottie in the front row that he’s dancing to??

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=E3Y9JWkHAR0&app=desktop

    It’s only 56 seconds.

  41. luval says:

    This guy has been waiting in Paris cold to be first in line.

    http://twitter.com/FoxVegas/status/559583533950197760/photo/1

  42. Axxxel says:

    @luval… Wow… then again, I think that first guy is showing a Mexican flag !!

  43. Axxxel says:

    So excited about “Le Zenith”… It is a small place compared to the arena’s but it is an “exclusive” place to perform for those who “have made it”…

  44. HK fan says:

    I shall to chime in and say I wouldn’t mind a whole new band for era 3…..I have nothing against Tommy,don’t have much feeling for him either way, and Ashley seems sweet….but onwards and upwards!!

  45. HK fan says:
  46. rs says:

    Thanks for all the responses to my little research project. I wish I could have applied myself with as much fervor to my own thesis years ago; then it wouldn’t have taken me so many years to finish my degree, lol. Reviewers are pretty much always subjective and it comes down to a matter of personal taste. One would hope that someone who becomes a successful reviewer will be someone who is fair, knowledgeable, and thoughtful, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case and some people, especially in the big papers, elevate themselves by putting down those that they are reviewing. They also think that readers enjoy reading negative reviews, especially of famous performers. (By the way, I only looked at the reviews that were posted at the top of the concert threads, and for some reason the NY Times review wasn’t listed there, so I didn’t look for it and thankfully didn’t subject myself to reading it again.)
    I was looking at an aspect of the review that wasn’t related to whether they liked or didn’t like the concert, but rather something that could at first glimpse be seen as objective—how Adam was presented at the top of the article. The results showed that this, too, is subjective and affects the whole tone of the article.
    By the way, I HATED reading the negative comments about Brian and Roger’s solos! And those people who said that the video section of BR was a cop-out were just showing their ignorance, since that is the way the band always did it. Unfortunately most people reading the review don’t know that.

  47. rs says:

    As far as Adam’s Era 3 band, we have to accept the fact that he is never going to get a group together that is of the level that we have gotten used to with Queen. The communication between Adam and Brian on stage is something that is out of this world. That said, the level of everything has to be upped, from the equipment (remember the sound problems during GNT) to the tech staff to the musicians. Personally, I never liked Monte’s style of shredding (too jarring) and especially the feeling that he was in competition with Adam rather than in harmony with him. I much prefer Tommy’s more melodic type of picking. Of course I have no musical training, so I can’t comment on technical prowess. I would love, love, love, love it if Rufus would join Adam’s band, and I think that it would be beneficial for both of them.

  48. rs says:

    From Kiwi on the last concert thread:

    I read the Queen On Line message boards all the time. They are not won round but seem to be a lot more respectful of Adam’s talent and will admit to actually liking a few songs. Most of them agree that there is a big improvement in his delivery this tour, although the most vocal of them will still not go to see the show live. On the individual concert topics, the haters are mainly staying away. I would say a slight swing to the Adam side….very slight!

    Thanks Kiwi. I went on Queen on line and saw mostly positive stuff on the concert threads, so I was wondering if the diehards were changing their tune. I didn’t dig any deeper, but when I read the comments on the London review that was posted there, I saw that all the vitriol was still spewing out.

  49. glambotgram says:
  50. turquoisewaters says:

    Just to bring things in perspective. Just read this pretty mean-spirited one about Sam Smith in the star tribune:

    On recordings, the prodigiously talented Sam Smith (it’s his real name) comes across as the male Adele, but in concert he showed all the stage presence of Susan Boyle. At 22 and with only two years of performing experience, he seemed to have a limited sense of stagecraft.

    He certainly isn’t a dancer. Wearing a Justin Timberlake-like suit on a Jason Segel-like body, he lumbered aimlessly around the stylishly stark stage with his slow stumble of sadness, one half-step at a time. His between-song patter sounded scripted, delivered with no panache. And as he sang sad song after sad song, he couldn’t wipe the I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening-to-me-so-fast smile off his face.

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