Watch The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story is a documentary film produced by ABC in 2019 that examines the evolution of the iconic rock band Queen after the death of its legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. Rather than simply relying on old footage and interviews, however, the film also delves into the band's recent revival with the addition of American singer-songwriter Adam Lambert.

The documentary begins with footage of Queen's historic performance at Live Aid in 1985 and then follows the band's subsequent struggles and triumphs, leading up to the present day. It features interviews with band members Brian May and Roger Taylor, as well as with Lambert himself.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea that the show must go on, even in the face of adversity. This is exemplified by the way that May and Taylor moved forward with Queen after Mercury's untimely death in 1991. They initially considered disbanding entirely or finding a new lead singer, but instead decided to keep the music alive by using the power of modern technology to resurrect Mercury's voice. The film features fascinating behind-the-scenes footage of the technical process involved in doing this.

In many ways, the addition of Lambert to the band in 2011 serves as a continuation of this same spirit of determination and resilience. Lambert had long been a fan of Queen and had previously performed some of their songs, but it wasn't until he appeared on American Idol that the band took notice of him. The documentary explores how May and Taylor initially considered various other singers before finally settling on Lambert, who they felt had both the vocal chops and the charismatic stage presence to fill Mercury's shoes.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to some incredible performance footage of Queen with Lambert, spanning from their early collaborations to their most recent world tours. The documentary showcases how Lambert is able to capture not only Mercury's vocal range, but also his theatrical flair and magnetic presence on stage. It's obvious that Lambert has a deep respect for the band's legacy, but he's also not afraid to put his own spin on classic songs such as "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You."

Ultimately, The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story is a celebration of both Queen's enduring legacy and the power of music to connect people across generations and cultures. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone who appreciates the electric energy of a great live performance, this documentary is sure to leave you inspired and moved by the sheer talent and tenacity of all involved.