Adam Lambert Shares How Touring With Queen Changed His Life (and His Bank Account)

Who Is Adam Lambert and What Happened?

Adam Lambert is a 44-year-old singer who first became famous on a TV show called American Idol. He has been performing with the legendary band Queen (alongside Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor) since 2012. In a chat on a podcast called The Person Who Believed in Me, Adam opened up about his time with the band.

Important Point: Adam has been touring with Queen for over 10 years, and it has helped him grow as a person and as a musician.

What Has He Learned From Queen?

Adam says being on stage with Brian and Roger has taught him a lot — not always by them giving lessons, but just by being near them while playing famous songs.

• He described it like "osmosis" — kind of like how a sponge soaks up water.
• Being close to music legends helps their greatness "rub off" on you.
• He said: "It’s been amazing. They’ve taught me a lot, both directly and indirectly… the gravity of that."

Super Cool Moments With the Band

Adam’s years with Queen have been full of "pinch me" experiences:

• He opened the Queen’s Jubilee show on the steps of Buckingham Palace (he called it "so crazy").
• He played at Rock In Rio for almost one million people.
• His very first show with Queen was a huge outdoor concert in Kyiv, where millions watched on big screens around the city.
  • He admitted: "I was really nervous for that one."

Did He Make Money?

Yes — and he’s honest about it!

• Adam said joining one of the biggest bands ever had nice financial perks.
• He said: "Yeah, I will say Queen really did put some coins in the bank, which was nice… I feel like I’ve earned the money that I’ve made."

Important Point: Adam feels he earned the money because of the work and heart he put into the shows.

What Matters Most to Adam?

No matter if he’s with Queen or doing his own thing, Adam cares most about the audience.

• He said: "I really want everyone to enjoy themselves… I’m very concerned with the audience. I always have been."
• For his solo music (like his new album Adam, released on his own label), he thinks about feelings:
  • "Let’s zoom out. How is this gonna make a listener feel? What do I want the listener to experience or understand?"

What’s Next for Queen and Adam?

Here’s the latest band news:

1. Queen’s last tour with Adam was The Rhapsody Tour, which ended in 2024.
2. Brian and Roger played live together in September 2025 at Last Night of the Proms, performing Bohemian Rhapsody for its 50th anniversary.
3. Brian had a stroke in 2024 (a health event where blood flow to the brain is interrupted). It temporarily took away full use of his left arm, but he recovered well and is taking it easy.
4. Drummer Roger says if Queen tours again, it mostly depends on Brian’s feelings. On BBC Radio 2, Roger said: "It’s really how he feels about it… Never say never."

Important Point: Roger loves playing live, but the future of Queen tours hinges on guitarist Brian May’s comfort and health.

Summary

Adam Lambert has spent over a decade performing with Queen, learning from legends, hitting massive career milestones, and earning good money he feels he deserved. He always puts the audience first, whether with Queen or on his own music. Queen’s touring future is uncertain but possible, with Brian May’s health and willingness being the key factor.

FAQ

1. How long has Adam Lambert been performing with Queen?
Since 2012 — that’s over 10 years!

2. What big shows did Adam do with Queen?
He played at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Jubilee, Rock In Rio for nearly a million people, and his first show was a giant concert in Kyiv.

3. Why might Queen not tour again soon?
Guitarist Brian May had a stroke in 2024 and is taking things easier. Roger says touring again mostly depends on how Brian feels.

4. Does Adam Lambert still make his own music?
Yes! He just released a new album called Adam on his own label and always thinks about how listeners will feel.

5. What does "osmosis" mean in this story?
It means Adam learned from Brian and Roger just by being around them — like soaking up their experience without direct teaching.