So a while back I went to see Queen with Adam Lambert.
The last time I saw them, Queen were made up of the original four.
It was also the last time the original 4 would ever play live together.
Of course at the time, I didn’t know that was going to be the case – though rumor says Freddie did, even if the rest of the band weren’t yet aware – however despite only 50% of the band being on stage, it was still exhilarating to watch.
It was also a bit weird … because rather than see them in Europe, it was in China.
And rather than see them with my best mate Paul … it was with my wife [and a bunch of Wieden folk]
That might not seem that strange to you, but it was mental for me because the situation was the absolute opposite of that mad summer in 1986 where my parents, reluctantly, let me follow them on their tour.
I must admit, when I walked into the venue, I was nervous for the band.
This was the first time they had ever played China and the venue – an 18,000 seater – was only 10% full.
Of course I knew people would come in as the lights went down and if they really hadn’t sold many tickets, they’d have cancelled the show … but I felt some kind of responsibility given I was a fan from England living in China and wanting their first impression of this amazing country to be a good one.
Of course I shouldn’t have worried because as the lights went down, the stadium was packed – to the seats high, high, high in the rafters – and that made the whole night even more wonderful and emotional for me.
The band was brilliant.
The sound was brilliant.
The lights were brilliant.
And Mr Lambert was brilliant.
Sure, he is no Freddie, but he is an amazing singer with perfect levels of campness that did the songs, the show and Freddie … incredible justice.
But the real reason it was emotional was because the moment they hit the stage, they momentarily transported me back to being 16 … where I was on the cusp of entering a life full of adventure and possibilities.
Of course I hope I still have a lot more adventures and possibilities to come [more of that in a few months] but that doesn’t change the fact these concerts represent significant bookends of my life.
One where I was about to start my journey. One where I am its midpoint.
And I don’t mind admitting that when they came on stage, I found myself crying.
I know, it’s pathetic, but it was less about seeing a band that I love with all my heart [though it has a bit to do with that] and more a reminder that despite all the wonderful and sad things that have happened in my life over the past 30+ years, they were still there.
My friends.
My confidents.
My escape.
To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly, some say music isn’t a matter of life or death.
They’re right, it’s way more important than that.