Queen's Brian May says he will never tour with a Freddie Mercury impersonator

19 July 2019, 12:15

Queen + Adam Lambert In Concert - Vancouver, BC
Queen + Adam Lambert In Concert - Vancouver, BC. Picture: Getty

By Jennifer Garraway

The legendary guitarist from the iconic band Queen has declined fans' requests to tour with a Freddie lookalike.

Brian also explained that the band are lucky to have landed former American Idol star Adam Lambert as their new singer, who is very different to Freddie.

"Adam Lambert is now only being recognised by the greater public as the true phenomenon that he is," wrote May on Instagram.

"Gifted with a voice in a billion, for himself he is a passionate and unyielding perfectionist. Gifted to us, he is the reason we are still alive as a functioning rock band, and still able to take on many new challenges.

View this post on Instagram

And here is the Modern Marvel without whom, for sure, Queen would not be out here delivering at the top level. ADAM LAMBERT is only now beginning to be recognised by the greater public as the true phenomenon that he is. Gifted with a voice in a billion, for himself he is a passionate and unyielding perfectionist. Gifted to us, he is the reason that we are still alive as a functioning rock band. And still able to take on new challenges. Plus ... he’s nice. That’s a big deal when you’re a touring family. Freddie would approve, big time. TONITE !!! For One Night Only ! San Jose !!! Are ya ready ?!!! 💥💥💥💥 THANKS @ALAlwayz on Twitter for this photo. 💥💥💥💥💥 Also, and I will say this only once, for the benefit of just a few people who haven’t stopped to think clearly. Just imagine how awful it would have been for Roger and myself to tour with a Freddie impersonator. Anyone who suggests such a thing doesn’t belong here. To the vast majority of you lovely people out there - BIG THANKS for being respectful to Adam. In supporting him, you are supporting the life blood of the live Queen legacy. Nothing is forever. This is a precious moment. We never pass this way again. Bri

A post shared by Brian Harold May (@brianmayforreal) on

"Plus… he’s nice. That’s a big deal when you’re a touring family. Freddie would approve big time."

May also posted a photo of Freddie performing at Live Aid with the caption: "Just one more memory before bed.

"Here’s Freddie and Deacy on that stage exactly 34 years ago today. Did anyone notice that Freddie’s hand covers the exact spot on the backdrop where he was born ? Zanzibar ! Bri."

"Just imagine how awful it would have been for Roger (Taylor) and myself to tour with a Freddie impersonator."

This comes after May had previously hailed the talents of Adam Lambert, claiming that he’s the perfect man to follow in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury.

Queen’s story received renewed focus after 2018's Bohemian Rhapsody, which actor Rami Malek won an Oscar for ‘Best Actor’ for his portrayal of Freddie.

Meanwhile, Adam Lambert has said that he'd love to play Elvis Presley in a movie, but sadly that role has now gone to someone else.