Queen + Adam Lambert will be performing on the opening night of Rock In Rio in Brazil it has been confirmed.
The performance will mark 30 years since Queen opened the first Rock In Rio back in 1985. Queen’s opening night January 11, 1985 at Rio’s custom built City of Rock exploded the record books, drawing an audience of over 250,00. The band’s second appearance on January 18, brought their total Rock in Rio audience beyond 500,000.
Rock in Rio President and Founder Roberto Medina says, “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. 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.”
Queen’s drummer Roger Taylor said: “How great to be coming back to Rio to rock you even harder than before.” And singer Adam Lambert added: “I’m so excited to be joining Queen at Rock in Rio! This will be a triumphant return for them, and my first time in South America!”
“We have a very interesting set design,” says Brian May. “It’s big and daring. We’re going to do it to the max.” he says. “Each time we’ve worked with Adam with our music, he’s just the most incredible front man”, Roger Taylor says. “He’s sensational. 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”.
“On the technical side, it’s definitely more of a production than two years ago,” says singer Adam Lambert. “We’ve had a lot more cities to visit and so I think we all decided to build up the visuals and the stage accordingly, and of course we do all the hits”.
Queen + Adam Lambert have been picking up critical acclaim for their latest tour which has seen them perform 26 sold-out shows in 10 countries throughout the UK and Europe. They received widespread praise for their New Year’s Eve performance in London which was televised on BBC One.
Adam Lambert will release his third studio album The Original High in 2015.
The full Rock in Rio 30 Years festival runs for seven nights over two weekends – September 18, 19 and 20 and September 24, 25, 26 and 27. Other artists already announced to appear include Katy Perry, System of a Down, Slipknot, A-Ha, Queens of the Stone Age, Faith No More, Hollywood Vampires, Metallica and John Legend. More information at www.rockinrio.com.
