Adam Lambert says touring with Queen brought him both financial rewards and meaningful experiences.
Speaking on “The Person Who Believed in Me” podcast, Lambert, 44, said performing with Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor since 2012 has shaped his life personally and professionally.
“It’s been amazing. They’ve taught me a lot, both directly and indirectly,” Lambert said. “Being on stage with them, playing these iconic songs, you feel the weight of it. It rubs off on you.”
Lambert described several major moments with Queen. He recalled opening the Queen’s Jubilee at Buckingham Palace, calling it “so crazy,” and playing Rock in Rio for nearly a million people. His first show with Queen was a massive outdoor concert in Kyiv, where millions watched on large screens across the city.
“I was really nervous for that one,” he said.
Lambert also acknowledged the financial benefits of joining Queen.
“Yeah, I will say Queen really did put some coins in the bank, which was nice,” he said. “I feel like I’ve earned the money that I’ve made.”
Lambert, an “American Idol” alum, said his main priority is always the audience.
“I really want everyone to enjoy themselves,” he said. “I’m very concerned with the audience. I always have been.”
He said this approach also shapes his solo work. Lambert released his latest album, “Adam,” on his own label this month.
“Let’s zoom out. How is this gonna make a listener feel? What do I want the listener to experience or understand?” he said.
The interview follows recent comments from Roger Taylor about Queen’s touring future. The band last performed with Lambert on “The Rhapsody Tour,” which ended in 2024. The last time May and Taylor played live together was in September 2025, performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the Last Night of the Proms for the song’s 50th anniversary.
May suffered a stroke in 2024, which affected use of his left arm. He has since recovered, though he is taking things slower.
Speaking with BBC Radio 2’s Shaun Keaveny, Taylor said touring again depends on May.
“Well, it is a big machine to gear up, if you know what I mean. But, yeah, really, I think it’s more down to Brian than me. I love playing live. I enjoy it, always have. It’s really how he feels about it. So if we both wanna do it, I’d be happy to. But we’ll see. Never say never,” Taylor said. “We have been working for a while with Adam Lambert, who has the most incredible voice.”
