Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

The spirit of Freddie Mercury loomed large over Queen’s performance at San Francisco’s Chase Center on November 8, 2023. With Adam Lambert confidently fronting the iconic band, the night paid homage to Queen’s timeless hits and was a celebration of Mercury’s legacy from fans coming out to get wrapped in music they’ve loved for decades.

Lambert, in his flamboyant glory, effortlessly navigated the vast vocal range required for Queen’s song catalog. Opening with “Machines (Or Back to Humans),” “Hammer to Fall,” and “Another One Bites the Dust,” he set the stage for a night of operatic rock brilliance. The synergy between Lambert, guitarist Brian May, and drummer Roger Taylor was intense as they moved between the main stage and the catwalk.

Lambert’s costume changes were as dazzling as his vocals, starting with a silver superhero ensemble and evolving through various glittering outfits. The stage was dynamic, with screens lifting and moving to fireworks shooting from May’s guitar – a guitar that still soloed flawlessly in the hands of May, who remains a rocking superstar.

The set covered Queen’s classics, from “Another One Bites the Dust” to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was enhanced by old recordings of Mercury’s voice. Alongside the anthems were more intimate moments, like May’s acoustic version of “Love of My Life.”

The three song encore, kicked off by Mercury’s iconic “Ay-Oh” chant, included “We Will Rock You,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and closed with “We Are The Champions” to the screaming happiness of the crowd. The whole night was a testament to Queen’s enduring magic, where Lambert, while embracing his own style, skillfully carried the torch lit by the incomparable Freddie Mercury. The audience, filled up with nostalgia and appreciation, left Chase Center with full hearts and minds.