The Champions Are Back

It seems the rumours are true... After a "one-off" pairing of the surviving, "participating" members of Queen and former American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert, they have decided to reunite and play as a new version of that most awesome of bands, Queen.

The lucky punters at this year's Sonisphere festival at Knebworth in the UK, will be the ones to experience what could be the new incarnation. As confirmed today by Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor, band will headline the second day of proceedings, on Saturday July 7, 2012.  

Of course, this isn't the first time we've heard of someone else filling the mighty shoes of the one and only Freddie Mercury. There was Paul Rodgers from Free for a little while, then George Michael, even Lady Gaga was thrown into the mix... seriously.

But this is one pairing we see actually working. They obviously have the chemistry, as confirmed by Roger Taylor in a recent Billboard interview:

"He (Adam) has grown into a really great performer with an astonishing voice with a range that's great. We would like to work with him again. There's nothing signed just yet but... it could be very exciting."

Says Brian May :  

"Judging by my incoming mail, this decision will make a lot of people very happy.  It's a worthy challenge for us, and I'm sure Adam would meet with Freddie's approval! And what better place to revisit, and walk those emotional paths than Knebworth? It will be a rush."

Finally, Lambert himself adds:  

"I'm completely in awe of the Queen phenomenon. The thought of sharing the stage for a full set is so beautifully surreal. I'm honoured to be able to pay my respects to Freddie's memory. He's a personal hero of mine and I am deeply grateful for the chance to sing such powerful music for fans of this legendary band. I know the evening will be a huge milestone for me, and with the support of Brian, Roger and the rest of the band I know magic will be on display."

Obviously, there's not many of us here in Oz who will get to encounter the show personally, but no doubt someone somewhere will have a camera or 35 to film the entire thing... well, here's hoping.