The Show Must Go On: The Queen Adam Lambert Story

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story is a captivating 2019 documentary film that focuses on the continued legacy of the iconic rock band 'Queen', following the death of their charismatic frontman, Freddie Mercury, in 1991. It highlights the role of American vocalist Adam Lambert, who has successfully stepped into the band’s frontline, breathing new life into their timeless hits and honoring Mercury's legacy without ever trying to replace him. The documentary is a testament to the resilience of both the music and the band, proving that indeed, the show must go on.

The documentary begins with the backstory of the British rock band Queen, portraying how the group rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s under the magnetic leadership of its lead singer, Freddie Mercury. Parallel to that, it aptly lays out the narrative of Adam Lambert, a young man in the United States with an immense talent and a deep love for the music of Queen, who would later get the extraordinary opportunity to infuse his next-level vocal prowess with the band he adored.

Fascinatingly, the story of Adam Lambert's association with Queen is quite extraordinary in itself. The film traces Lambert's journey since his breakout moment on the TV show American Idol in 2009, where his rendition of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was met with wide praise from both the judges and audiences. Notably, his performance also caught the attention of the existing Queen band members Roger Taylor and Brian May. They spotted Lambert's inherent talent and unprecedented vocal range that bizarrely echoes that of Mercury’s. This led to Lambert's eventual collaboration with Queen, creating this renewed version of the legendary band, Queen + Adam Lambert.

Thanks to the extensive interviews given by the band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, the film provides an intimate look at the somewhat unexpected union of Lambert and Queen. The viewers get insights into the transitional phase of the band, the apprehensions of the members while collaborating with Lambert, and how he, with his charm and talent, helped alleviate their concerns and fit in seamlessly.

The film also brings in Lambert's perspective, depicting his early fascination with Queen even as a child, his struggles with his identity and place in the music world, and his apprehensions about filling Mercury's shoes –no easy task– as the new frontman. Through candid interviews, Lambert's humility and respect for Mercury's legacy shine through, emphasizing his considered approach to ensure he didn’t replicate Mercury but admire, honor, and preserve his legacy.

One of the standout features is the documentary's portrayal of the incredible global performances that Queen + Adam Lambert has had, propelling them to significant success. From their first performance together in 2009, to their multi-continent worldwide tours in the subsequent years, it is evident how brilliantly they have managed to recreate Queen’s magic while still bringing something fresh to the stage. The documentary doesn’t shy away from showcasing the electrifying energy Lambert brings in while performing some of the classic Queen anthems, thus transforming skeptics into believers.

In the film, appearances by personalities like music industry powerhouses Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, who first spotted Lambert's potential on American Idol, as well as Rami Malek, who won an Academy Award for portraying Mercury in the 2018 biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody', is a cherry on top, offering some compelling commentary.

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story asserts how music, sometimes, transcends its creators and continues to live on through other sources. It reaffirms the timeless popularity and impact of Queen's music while creatively demonstrating how Adam Lambert has helped the band reinvent and rejuvenate while staying true to their essence. This film serves as a heartfelt celebration of Queen’s past, a testament to their continued presence, and a peek into their exciting future.