Queen + Adam Lambert Begin Plotting 2016 Tour

Today’s announcement about Cologne, Germany, coincides with the anniversary of the death of frontman Freddie Mercury. The singer died 24 years ago at the age of 45.

The pairing of Queen and Lambert began in 2009 when the British rock band stopped by the “American Idol” finale to perform “We Are The Champions.”    

Queen and the “American Idol” runner-up teamed up once again in 2011 at the MTV European Music Awards. After a handful of European dates in 2012, the two artists hit the road together for a North America tour in 2014.

In addition to the success of his own solo career, Lambert has found time to play more than 70 gigs with Queen, with dates in Europe, the U.S., Australia and South America.

The Telegraph’s Catherine Gee, who was in the audience at the Jan. 17 show at The O2 in London, writes that it’s Lambert’s “youth and rapturous energy that has given Queen the glittering boost that they’ve been so desperately lacking since Mercury’s death.” Her review adds, “No one will ever be able to replace Freddie Mercury, this much we know. But there’s currently no one else who could better fill his shoes and put on such a spectacular show as Adam Lambert.”

Fans will get more chances to see Queen + Adan Lambert on stage next year. A post on QueenOnline.com says “new dates are being added – look out for further announcements!”

Here’s how the schedule looks so far:

May 20 – Lisbon, Portugal, Bela Vista Park (Rock In Rio – Lisbon)
May 27 – Cologne, Germany, Rhein Energie Stadion
June 9 – Solvesborg, Sweden, Sweden Rock Festival Grounds (Sweden Rock Festival)
June 12 – Newport, England, Seaclose Park (Isle Of Wight Festival)
June 25 – Padova, Italy, Anfiteatro Camerini

Cologne’s presale begins Nov. 25, followed by the general onsale Nov. 27. Tickets for Padova go on sale Nov. 25. Visit QueenOnline.com for more information.