Adam Lambert, Queen, and Creativity

My buddy, composer/producer Steve Ouimette (who I recently sat on a panel with at the 2012 NAMM show), initiated a conversation a week or so ago on Facebook about the legendary rock band Queen. In particular, he referred to the recent rumors that eighth season American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert might be fronting a few upcoming gigs for the group.

The reaction to this news, as you might imagine, has been mixed. While Lambert certainly has a fanbase, the majority of comments are coming from longtime Queen fans, and especially fans of the late Freddie Mercury, the band’s original lead vocalist and co-writer of some of Queen’s greatest hits. Upon the news breaking in a UK newspaper two weeks ago, people all over the globe have weighed in on the social webs, calling Lambert’s alleged appointment everything from “sacrilegious” and “an absolutely horrible choice”, and making statements like, “Freddie is rolling over in his grave.”

This raucous is not dissimilar to when Arnel Pineda was hired by Neal Schon to front Journey (and before him, Steve Augeri and Jeff Scott Soto), replacing Journey’s iconic Steve Perry. The bombs of dissension that followed that announcement were very much akin to those being lobbed at Lambert: “No [Steve] Perry, no Journey!” “Steve Perry IS Journey!” I even saw some people react with the assertion that Neal Schon is now “old” and needs so badly to carry on his Journey glory days that he’ll “do anything for a buck”. (This particular reasoning is flawed even if you know a fraction about what kind of money Schon and Co. make every year just from the royalty rights to “Don’t Stop Believing”. Neal and the boys — Perry included — ain’t hurting for cash, trust me.)

Creatives Never Stop Creating

In my mind, people are missing a key point to this whole conversation: Creatives don’t stop creating because someone dies or leaves the band. And actually, true Creatives never stop, no matter the circumstances. The entire world could implode on itself… Creatives will keep making stuff. This is evidenced by the sheer number of quality pieces of music that have been authored during some of the more tumultuous times in world history. Art, it seems, loves a good conflict.

Creatives have to create. If you are a Creative, or are in a place to observe one, you know this is true. I’m not a religious guy, but if I were to entertain the thought of a God in heaven who created the Universe, then I would have to assume that there is life on other planets. Why? Because as a Creative, He wouldn’t just “throw in the towel” after seven days of what the Bible would have you believe was apparently pretty effortless work for Him.

For Creatives, making stuff is simply in us. We have to do it. Brian May and his band are all creative people. They need to create. The ecology by which the majority of their creative output has been realized came about by a delivery mechanism that included a capable singer/showman at center stage. Why would we even question that formula from a group of men who perfected that to their degree with a guy who is no longer around? Creatives don’t just “quit” the business of making things because a creative partner passes away or decides not to carry on the partnership any longer. In fact, usually those kinds of losses only serve to fuel the creative fire and push harder the drive to create in the first place.

“Creator” vs. “Createe”

If I may be so bold, I believe that the people who are bemoaning Adam Lambert’s alleged affiliation with Queen are overlooking something really big in their hasty rushes to judgement: Sometimes, the business of creating is not about the recipients of the creative work. Not even by a long shot. Sometimes it’s more about the satisfaction an artist gets from simply creating something for himself or herself. Sometimes, we just need to keep going, whether you like what we’re putting out or not. Sometimes, it just doesn’t matter at all if you like it. And sometimes, we don’t give a damn if it ever does.

You may hate Adam Lambert’s guts and feel that his potential addition to Queen will ruin a great thing.

So what.

Hate to burst your bubble, but this one’s probably not about you.

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EASTERN CHRONICLE is my new album that is available worldwide on T-ABC Records. You can download it here on the website in any uncompressed format you can think of. You can also get it in AAC format from iTunes, on MP3 from Amazon.com and in various formats on just about every digital carrier that is out there including Spotify and MOG. If a physical copy is more your speed, the CD is available at retailers throughout Asia and North America.


Comments

  1. Adam Lambert, Queen, and Creativity | Home Recording Masters | Microphones, Recording Equipment and Software Reviews says:
    February 14, 2012 at 12:12 pm

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  2. Laurie Pesanski Wygonik says:
    February 14, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    What many are missing is that Adam isn't "replacing" anyone. He is fronting Queen for some appearances that have not been announced yet. Part of the reason some of us fell in love with Adam from his audition on American Idol was because he sang "Bohemian Rhapsody". I just found out in an interview that Adam's ringtone is "Another Bites the Dust". He truly loves "Queen" and will do an awesome job. I just hope there are some appearances in the US.

    1. Deane Ogden says:
      February 15, 2012 at 1:20 am

      Very true. And he's not even proclaiming to! I'm always surprised by people's inability to look toward the future.

      Thanks for your thoughts, Laurie!

  3. Jacklyn Grimshaw says:
    February 14, 2012 at 10:39 pm

    This is an interesting article, but I do take issue with the statement "you may hate Adam Lambert's guts." I don't think it was necessary for the purpose of this debate. It is one thing to dislike an artist's style, but the word hate is truly out of place in my opinion.

    Also, Adam Lambert has no intention of becoming the new front man for Queen. Even if he desired to do so, there is a recording contract standing in the way. Adam is simply going to perform with Queen at one or perhaps more venues. Anyone who does not appreciate Adam can elect not to watch the performance. Roger and Brian certainly approve of the vocal talent of Mr. Lambert, and that is what really matters.

    I understand what it is like to be a fan of a group that loses a very important member, especially when that band member is one's personal favorite member of the group. I have experienced that occurence, and simply do not listen to the band any longer if I do not appreciate the person who replaces the former member.

    It is true that creative people need to create. We all have a need to do whatever it is that we were born to do. Roger and Brian have every right to continue to create after the passing of the great Freddie Mercury. Freddie would not want them to stifle their creative energy because he is gone. You did get to the core issue of the situation. It really doesn't matter how it is received.

    1. Deane Ogden says:
      February 14, 2012 at 11:21 pm

      Hi Jacklyn,

      Thanks for writing in. My use of the word "hate" is nothing more than a figure of speech. Music tastes run the gamut. Some people really do "hate" Adam's voice. Google it. lol

      My point was that it doesn't really matter what people think of him, bad or good, fan or no. What he is providing for that group of guys — Queen — is something that nobody else has apparently been able to: A new way to create freely. That's a pretty awesome gift to give a Creative.

    2. Sharon Miller Sullivan says:
      February 22, 2012 at 2:08 am

      Deane Ogden I just had to reply to this comment about some ppl really hate his voice. What u are reading is written by some jealous fans of other past idols who haven't been as successful as Adam. I know because I've read tweets/FB comments stating they go to every blog/article and trash him thinking it will discredit his name. How the heck could anyone not love his voice? He's a classically trained vocalist performing in musicals since age 10. That's 20 yrs perfecting his voice. Trust me either they are jealous or know nothing about music.

    3. Deane Ogden says:
      February 22, 2012 at 3:32 am

      Sharon Miller Sullivan —I wish it were that easy. :)

      I am a classically trained composer, and have been performing since I was five, but not everybody loves my music, either. It's just the way it is when you are an artist. You win some, you lose some.

      Music is highly personal and 100% subjective. I happen to really dig what Adam does, and I think he is supremely talented, as you obviously do to. But, not everyone feels that way. On a positive note, though, Adam is still a young artist with a long many years ahead of him to win people over. I have no doubts that he'll prove himself worthy to several people who are on the fence about him now, and it will be exciting to watch his artistry grow and mature. I hope these shows with Queen are the pudding with the proof that people need. I'd love nothing more than for him to just go out there and confidently kick all kinds of ass. At that point, at least, people can still dislike him if they must… but they can't say he doesn't belong in Queen. :P

    4. Candice Leigh says:
      February 23, 2012 at 9:28 pm

      Deane Ogden Google and see how many people hate Adele's voice with a passion. It doesn't stop millions of people loving it though. Many hated Freddie's voice. "Annoying" is a word often used to describe it by people who didn't like it. The thing is Adam emerged from one of these shows where people become attached to contestants for a multitude of reasons and not always because of their talent so emotions, whether pro or con, are always going to run higher. Fans of contestants, whether they won or didn't, who didn't go on to do as well as others always seem to cling on tighter than the fans of those who did, almost as if they feel they have a greater point to prove. There's truth in "vocal minority" addage.

  4. Jo Helmers says:
    February 21, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    The point is that Queen CHOSE Adam, the argument of people is therefore invalid. I bet most of those dissing Adam have never heard him sing, or haven't seen his performance at the EMA's with Queen. So therefore they should keep their opinion of hate and that he can't do they job until they have heard him.

  5. Lisa Imbruglia says:
    February 21, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    Awesome article..

  6. Alice Stroman says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Well stated. Understand sentiment re Freddie, but Mr. Lambert has clearly stated he's not trying to fill anyone's shoes. By invitation of Brian May and Roger Taylor (who certain would know), he will attempt to do honor to Queen's memory by performing some of their iconic songs. And if Freddie loyalists would open their eyes a bit, they would realize Adam Lambert has some of the best–if not the absolute best–vocals around. Plus he has his own style, his own presence and personality. No imitation here. Just a talented guy who can sing his face off.

  7. Alice Stroman says:
    February 21, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    Well stated. Understand sentiment re Freddie, but Mr. Lambert has clearly stated he's not trying to fill anyone's shoes. By invitation of Brian May and Roger Taylor (who certain would know), he will attempt to do honor to Queen's memory by performing some of their iconic songs. And if Freddie loyalists would open their eyes a bit, they would realize Adam Lambert has some of the best–if not the absolute best–vocals around. Plus he has his own style, his own presence and personality. No imitation here. Just a talented guy who can sing his face off.

  8. Sharon Miller Sullivan says:
    February 22, 2012 at 1:59 am

    Deane, love your article you are also very creative and knowledgeable about the creative process. But the point should be made that Adam has never intended to replace Freddie nor have Roger or Brian had that intention they don't want to replace Freddie ever or even try. That is why they most likely won't do many gigs with a front man. Adam has his own career making music and touring to consider so he and Brian/Roger have agreed to do a few shows/events together. The diehard Queen fans are making much more out of this than necessary and personally think they should just stop talking about it because it's not up to anyone but Queen members.

    1. Deane Ogden says:
      February 22, 2012 at 3:42 am

      I agree, Sharon. My point is actually less about Adam (he's got what HE wants — he's fronting Queen, for God's sake!), and more about Brian May and the guys in the band, who, for the many years since Freddie's death, have surely longed for someone to come along who really "gets" what they are about. George Michael, while I am a huge fan of his as well, was not the guy. That's not my opinion, I'm just saying that based on the fact that it was essentially a one-time shot. Neither was Paul Rodgers. THAT IS an opinion! :P

      But now they have a guy who loves their music, and as you said — isn't trying to be someone he's not (Freddie Mercury), AND has the confidence to go out and make something new and fresh with a band that has a huge following. That's not only ballsy as hell, but also the right way to handle an established creative endeavor when you are the new addition to the team.

      I applaude the way they are unfolding this new Queen regime, and I'm really believing for a great and amazing result. The thing that made Queen a great rock band for me personally, was that nobody in the group was "drop-dead incredible" on their own — even Freddie — but when they played and performed together as a unit, there was nobody else on earth that sounded like them. They were truly one-of-a-kind. I think that Adam's approach to all this has been measured, careful, and respectful… which is the perfect way to handle it. I'm looking forward to him coming out with all guns blazing and setting a tone for Queen that will carry them into the hearts of a new generation.

    2. Sharon Miller Sullivan says:
      February 23, 2012 at 7:03 pm

      Deane Ogden thanks for your reply. I want to add something that is very interesting to me. Many of the hateful comments that are being thrown at Adam via media, social network are allegedly by die hard Queen fans but what's suspicious is that they can't even spell Freddie's name correctly nor do they know anything about Adam or his background. They don't even comment on anything but his time on AI. All of these mishaps lead me to believe that these are not all Queen fans. I believe they are fans of other singers who they wish were invited to front Queen for that day or ever. I also agree 120% w you that neither George Michael nor Paul Rodgers were the right fit for front man for Queen. Also agree that Queen as a whole entity was a perfect blend and what made them iconic. Individually good musicians in their own right but together AMAZING. Same with Rolling Stones~both bands had that unique sound that can or should never be duplicated.

    3. Candice Leigh says:
      February 23, 2012 at 9:38 pm

      Sharon Miller Sullivan I totally agree, Sharon. It's pretty much what I said in my first post. The constant misspelling of Freddie's name by these "lifelong fans" is one thing I'd forgotten to mention. It would be hilarious if, added to disparaging comments about homosexuality and AIDS, it weren't so very sad. I mean, what self-respecting true fan of Freddie would make some of the despicable comments that have been made since November? Of course there are going to be some genuine fans that are going to be aggrieved. Some people just don't like someone else taking on the mantel of their idol but the number of negative comments that show evidence of being from genuine fans are a minutiae compared to the number from those clearly pretending to be fans but who don't know the first things about the man or the band.

      It's no surprise that they don't mention anything about Adam other than his time on AI. The mention of platinum sales, sell-out tours and film themes in his own right or having already fronted Queen last year wouldn't be in their interest or aid their cause if their message were being read by the uninformed.

    4. Deane Ogden says:
      February 29, 2012 at 8:36 am

      Candice Leigh Great points. It's sad, but the general public these days has been conditioned by shows like AI to appreciate style over substance anyway. In one way, Adam doesn't stand a chance with great unwashed masses. But in the same way, he's lucky for that—he doesn't have to put up with the teeny-bopper mentality of most pop music "fans". The older "truer" fans of the band are just going to be excited that the band is back. That's it. They probably won't know anything about Adam, which, if I was betting money, is probably the way he and Brian, et. al prefer it. That way, they can paint from a blank canvas and build their new vision of Queen the way they want to. The self-proclaimed "die-hards" are the ones who like Queen because "Hey, didn't they do the song on the Austin Powers guy's movie about the two dudes in the basement?" Such is the extent of most people's "die-hard" devotion. ;)

  9. Pamela Thompson says:
    February 22, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Like my fellow Glambert Laurie said Adam has NEVER professed to be replacing Freddy at all! he is merely honouring his work and singing his idol's songs for Queen. People are mistaken in their reports that Adam is Queen's new lead singer! he is not! He is helping Queen out at their invitation at some venues. Adam would never imitate anyone. He is unique and in a league of his own. Brian May who was close to Freddy said he would approve. So all those know it all haters need get a life and get over themselves Freddy died in the 90's it's time for them to fast forward to 2012.

  10. Adam Lambert Daily Update – February 23, 2012 « On the Meaning of Adam Lambert says:
    February 22, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    [...] Deane Ogden - ADAM LAMBERT, QUEEN, AND CREATIVITY Great blog post about the creative impulse. “If I may be so bold, I believe that the people who are bemoaning Adam Lambert’s alleged affiliation with Queen are overlooking something really big in their hasty rushes to judgement: Sometimes, the business of creating is not about the recipients of the creative work. Not even by a long shot. Sometimes it’s more about the satisfaction an artist gets from simply creating something for himself or herself. Sometimes, we just need to keep going, whether you like what we’re putting out or not. Sometimes, it just doesn’t matter at all if you like it. And sometimes, we don’t give a damn if it ever does.” [...]

  11. Sharon Miller Sullivan says:
    February 23, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Just want to add that I do look forward to watching Queen perform with Adam Lambert hopefully more than one time this year as Adam has his own music to promote. I feel that Queen should never stop performing for the world until THEY want to stop. Ageism is alive and well not only in the US but worldwide so long live QUEEN.

  12. Candice Leigh says:
    February 23, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    " the majority of comments are coming from longtime Queen fans, and especially fans of the late Freddie Mercury " – no they're not. The majority of comments are coming from fans of othere Idol contestants and fans of other singers who they think should be singing with the band, particularly fans of ONE of the singers chosen to front the tribute band because they were under the impression that the competition was to find a lead singer for the actual band (I mean, as if the guys or real fans would want an impersonator). They've been pretending to be lifelong Queen fans (the number by which membership and postings on Queen fansites has risen since the EMA performance in November is astonisihing – I wonder why these "lifelong fans" didn't join before………. hmmmmmm…………). Lifelong fans who don't seem to be aware of the fact that the Freddie was gay and make disparaging comments about Adam's sexuality and about the inappropriateness of a gay man singing with Queen. Lifelong fans who appear to not have seen a Queen performance in their lives and say Adam is too extravagant to sing with Queen. Lifelong fans who appear to not have paid much attention to the songs and insist that the key was lowered for the EMA performance when anyone with half an ear and no hidden agenda can tell they were in exactly the same key. Queen fans my a r s e.

  13. Adam Lambert Week – February 19-25, 2012 « On the Meaning of Adam Lambert says:
    February 24, 2012 at 8:21 am

    [...] Deane Ogden - ADAM LAMBERT, QUEEN, AND CREATIVITY Great blog post about the creative impulse. “If I may be so bold, I believe that the people who are bemoaning Adam Lambert’s alleged affiliation with Queen are overlooking something really big in their hasty rushes to judgement: Sometimes, the business of creating is not about the recipients of the creative work. Not even by a long shot. Sometimes it’s more about the satisfaction an artist gets from simply creating something for himself or herself. Sometimes, we just need to keep going, whether you like what we’re putting out or not. Sometimes, it just doesn’t matter at all if you like it. And sometimes, we don’t give a damn if it ever does.” [...]

  14. Gabriel Palada says:
    March 1, 2012 at 6:49 am

    Great article, Mr. Ogden. To tell you the truth I've never heard of Queen until Adam Lambert mentioned it as one of his favorite bands in AI-8. I googled Queen and found out that some of their music I've heard in the past were created by this group of talented and amazing musicians. I'm from the East and so my exposure to European music was limited. Now I have downloaded most of the Queen's music and love them. Adam Lambert was like a diamond waiting to be discovered when he joined AI. So ecstatic when I heard he was fronting Queen at the EMA. I guess the reason his name was not even announced at the EMA prior to his performance was so people will not judge him before they hear him sing with the Queen band. That was really spectacular and so glad they are doing it again.

    Thank you for sharing this article and I kept re-reading it because it really touches the core of creative artists who kept on creating something that inspires them and of course love their creation. Brian and Roger cannot just stop performing because of Freddie's death or John Deacon's retirement (?) They want to share their music to the new generation and rightly so. And as John Elton said…Queen is like a Ferrari in the garage that needed a driver… well, they finally found that driver and he is called Adam Lambert :) IMO, of course!