Queen + Adam Lambert: A Rhapsody in Chicago
Iconic rockers Queen and Adam Lambert return for their fifth collaboration, bringing The Rhapsody Tour on a trek across the United States. The near-instant sellout of multiple dates led to the addition of more shows, making a two-night appearance in most cities on the tour.
It’s no surprise that the tour sold out, combining one of the most legendary rock groups, powerhouse performer and vocalist Adam Lambert, and a massive production value. Chicago is abuzz, ready for one of the most-anticipated tours of the year. The room goes electric as the lights dim. The robotic imagery on the LED video wall begins to move, as the intro to “Machines” begins to play. As the wall lifts, Lambert takes front and center, clad in a silver suit and cape combination that would make a '90s superhero proud.
As Lambert commands the stage, moving into “Radio Gaga” and then “Hammer to Fall,” guitarist Brian May strolls up and down the extended stage, effortlessly soloing while taking the spotlight as the fans and press eagerly take this opportunity to get a photo of the legendary guitarist. As a solo bassline begins, fans instantly recognize the classic “Another One Bites the Dust.”
For “Bicycle Race,” a now leather-clad Lambert sits on a large bike, decked out with chrome and lights while singing into a camera mounted to the contraption. It’s one of the most entertaining bits of the night, and Lambert’s stage presence and personality come through in his performance here. “Killer Queen” does similar, with Lambert singing into a camera acting as a mirror prop.
The show strips down from its massive production and pageantry as May takes to the spotlight to acoustically perform “Love of My Life” and “‘39.” For the former, he is joined on the video wall by a recording of Freddie Mercury, and the duet concludes with May and Mercury’s hands reaching toward one another before the video fades out. It’s a heartfelt moment, but one of the most memorable of the evening.
Original Queen drummer Roger Taylor goes front and center, giving a drum solo on the extended stage, and is joined by his bandmates as they perform the hit “Under Pressure.” May returns and rises from the stage upon an asteroid, as a visualizer of the universe plays behind him, leading into a guitar solo of epic, interstellar proportions. It’s one of the most hypnotizing moments of the show, and the scale of the production is in full force for this extended sequence.
The group continues to perform hit after hit, as Lambert flawlessly belts every note possible. Things feel more like a cover of the originals, but that’s perfect. The tour and performances pay homage to the late Freddie Mercury, and Lambert takes vocal liberties to inject his style and range, making the performance unique. It’s fantastic that he has been able to tour alongside Queen and share his voice, as he’s a one-of-a-kind performer who truly deserves this.
There is no wonder that this tour sold out almost instantly. It takes the top slot as one of the most jaw-dropping musical acts I’ve ever seen live. From the visual production aspects to the pure artistry on display from Queen and the ever-talented Adam Lambert, this is a collaboration for the ages that I hope continues as long as it can. It’s a celebratory tribute to the music of Queen and the legacy of Freddie Mercury. I like to think that he’d be proud of what they’ve created.
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Setlist:
Machines
Radio Ga Ga
Hammer to Fall
Another One Bites the Dust
I’m in Love With My Car
Bicycle Race
Fat Bottomed Girls
I Want It All
A Kind of Magic
Killer Queen
Don't Stop Me Now
Somebody to Love
Love of My Life
'39
Under Pressure
Tie Your Mother Down
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
I Want to Break Free
You Take My Breath Away
Who Wants to Live Forever
Is This the World We Created...?
The Show Must Go On
Bohemian Rhapsody
Ay‐Oh
We Will Rock You
Radio Ga Ga
We Are the Champions