Thirty years after Queen shattered
attendance records at Rock in Rio in Brazil, the band has announced
it will be performing on this year's opening night.
“30 years ago, Queen performed in
front of 250,000 people who fell in love with the band, and it became
one of the most iconic moments of Rock in Rio,” said Robert Medina,
Rock in Rio's president and founder. “I am positive that the
moments from 30 years ago will be rejuvenated and rejoiced with Queen
+ Adam Lambert, making it again a moment no one will ever forget.”
Adam Lambert, who is prepping his third
studio album The Original High, has been touring with Queen
for several years.
Queen guitarist Brian May has
previously credited Lambert with “waking up” Queen, which lost its
vocalist Freddie Mercury in 1991 to complications from AIDS.
“We're going to do it to the max,”
May
said, a reference to the group's “big and daring” set design.
“Each time we've worked with Adam with our music, he's just the
most incredible front man.”
“He's sensational,” drummer Roger
Taylor added. “He has this amazing range, 'cause Freddie had a
great range. Adam can really cover it. He's an extraordinary singer
and a real talent. I feel he fits into our sort of theatricality.
It is very comfortable.”
Rock in Rio takes place over two
weekends in September.