Adam Lambert has called the late
Freddie Mercury an idol.
Lambert on Thursday was joined by Queen
band members Brian May and Roger Taylor to announce an upcoming North
American tour.
Lambert fronted for the British band in
a series of highly successful European shows in 2012.
Mercury, the band's original frontman,
died in 1991 of complications due to AIDS.
During a press conference to announce
the new tour, Lambert discussed stepping into Mercury's shoes.
“He's a big idol for me and I thought
to myself, you know, I hope that the fans dig this,” Lambert said.
“And it felt really good. The reception was warm. The reaction to
it the first time was very warm. It's a treat for me to get on stage
and pay my respects and to pay tribute to one of my favorite singers
ever.” (The video is embedded on this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
The 19-date North American tour kicks
off June 19 at the United Center in Chicago and will conclude July 20
at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Washington, D.C. Other stops
included are New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver, Montreal and
Las Vegas.
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 14 at
LiveNation.com.