Queen + Adam Lambert focused the spotlight on medical professionals who are fighting the coronavirus pandemic with their rendition of "You Are The Champions," Thursday, April 30.
The updated version of Queen's 1977 anthem "We Are The Champions" was seamlessly performed via Instagram across London and Cornwall in the U.K. and Los Angeles here in the United States. Posted on Queen's YouTube channel, the COVID-19 fundraising music video opens with the updated gold Queen + Adam Lambert insignia against a flowing purple background before expressing gratitude "To all you frontline warriors fighting coronavirus around the world."
Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor flanked the "Velvet" artist in a three-way video weaving in and out a montage of people working against the pandemic - from medical professionals to law enforcement personnel. The video also shares messages of encouragement and gratitude to the frontline responders who are facing a higher risk of the highly-contagious disease.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Brian May says, "Just like we sent our young men and women into two world wars to fight, these young men and women are now fighting for us and risking their lives every day." The British guitarist and astrophysicist explain that the song has become about everyone out the working, putting their own lives at risk.
May also posted the "New Lockdown version" on his Instagram page, noting that the people "saw this developing right here on Instagram" and "contributed to the buzz and made it happen."
All proceeds from the music video will go directly to COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization, with Google set to match every donation up to $5 million.
Queen + Adam Lambert
The American Idol alum joined the British rock icon to form the Queen + Adam Lambert collaboration in 2011, when May and Deacon and Lambert performed on shows and tours together. Unfortunately, Queen's bassist, John Deacon, was unable to join the collaboration on account of his retirement.
Members of Queen, as well as Lambert himself, have made statements time and again that Adam Lambert will not be replacing the band frontman Freddie Mercury, who passed away from HIV/ AIDS complications in 1991.
In a 2019 interview with Guitar World, Brian May praised Lambert, saying that "Adam can do all the stuff that Freddie did and more." The Queen guitarist also clarified that Lambert is not Mercury, but noted Lambert's ability to deal, tease, and entertain the audience. May also took note of Lambert's similar love of dressing up on performances and added the new collaborator "doesn't feel like a replacement at all," calling Adam an "innovator on stage" and a part of the band's new balance.
In his recent appearance on the GLAAD fundraiser "Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone," Adam Lambert shared his experience coming out in the entertainment industry. He also discussed performing with Queen, describing it as "incredible" and said that the band members realized that if Lambert "got up there and tried to imitate Freddie Mercury, it would be a bad move." The "Ghost Town" singer recounted how May and Deacon told him to be himself and take his liberties with the songs.
Watch the Queen + Adam Lambert Instagram collaboration below:
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