Rock Royalty Reigns Supreme: Queen + Adam Lambert’s ‘Rhapsody Tour’ Takes Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena by Storm

Toronto was set ablaze with rock and nostalgia as the iconic Queen, joined by the incredible Adam Lambert, graced the stage of Scotiabank Arena on October 8, 2023, for a sold-out show. This was my second time witnessing Queen’s legendary performance in person, and it’s safe to say it was another unforgettable night.

The “North American Rhapsody Tour” kicked off in Baltimore on October 4, but Toronto had been eagerly waiting since their last visit on July 28, 2019. When I arrived, the arena was buzzing with fans lined up at every merch table, spanning all generations, coming together to revel in the timeless music of Queen.

Two of Queen’s founding members, the ageless guitarist Brian May, at 76, and the dynamic drummer Roger Taylor, at 74, proved that age is but a number. Their energy and passion for the music they helped create were undiminished.

Adam Lambert, at 41, marked his 10th year with the group, and he brought a unique charisma to the stage. Throughout the night, I couldn’t help but notice numerous fans dressed in support of Lambert, who had a series of jaw-dropping costume changes that were out-of-this-world outfits.

The stage design was a spectacle in itself, featuring a curved video screen, which was lowered for Brian May’s solo performance. Brian May’s dramatic ascent from behind the screen, surrounded by planets, was a visual highlight.

In addition to Brian May, the band’s setup featured Roger Taylor at center stage on a drum riser, with a striking video screen behind him. This screen served as a captivating canvas, and a set of stairs gracefully curved around him, adding a dynamic element to the drummer’s performance.

VIP opera boxes flanked the stage, filled with enthusiastic fans, and the entire arena was bathed in mesmerizing lights and lasers.

Adam Lambert and Brian May repeatedly paraded down the catwalk, engaging with fans at every turn. However, it was hard to ignore the fact that Brian May had his fret-hand ring finger wrapped in a bandage for part of the night, though the reason remains a mystery.

One of the most memorable moments was when Adam Lambert took center stage, sitting on a rotating motorcycle that dramatically rose from the floor during the performance of “Bicycle Race.” The visual spectacle was nothing short of stunning.

Lambert’s vocals were a powerful reminder that he’s the “perfect” singer for Queen in the post-Freddie Mercury era. Brian May himself has declared Lambert as one of the world’s best vocalists, and the Toronto audience witnessed this undeniable truth firsthand.

During Brian May’s acoustic set the crowd turned into a sea of cell phone lights as Brian May delivered a touching acoustic rendition of “Love of My Life.” The emotional connection between the band and the audience was evident throughout the night.

The show continued to astonish with Brian May donning a mirrored jumpsuit for the song Bohemian Rhapsody, adding a touch of glamour and extravagance to the stage. Many claim that Queen without Freddie Mercury is not Queen, but there was a collective feeling that Freddie’s spirit was with us, especially when Lambert acknowledged, “We do this with Freddie in our hearts, and I know he’s in your heart too.”

In a lighthearted moment, Brian May praised his road crew for quickly setting up the stage, joking that it might have had something to do with Drake’s performance the night before, much to the crowd’s amusement.

The setlist was a Queen fan’s dream come true, featuring classics like “Radio Ga Ga,” “Tie Your Mother Down,” and “Killer Queen.” The concert concluded with a confetti shower during the final song, “We Are the Champions,” leaving the audience in awe.

Queen’s legendary performance in Toronto was made even more special by the presence of longtime collaborators who have been part of the band’s touring ensemble for years. Keyboardist Spike Edney, bassist Neil Fairclough, and percussionist Tyler Warren once again joined Queen, bringing their incredible talents and adding depth to the iconic sound.

And let’s not forget Roger Taylor’s remarkable drum solo during the climax of the show. Placed at the far end of the catwalk, right in proximity to the fans on the floor, Taylor’s performance truly showcased his exceptional drumming skills, leaving the audience in utter astonishment.

The “Rhapsody Tour” in Toronto was a night of nostalgia, impeccable performances, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen. It was a spectacular, rock-filled journey that transcended generations and proved that Queen’s music, along with Adam Lambert’s extraordinary talents, continues to captivate hearts and souls.

This concert was not merely a performance; it was a celebration of timeless music and an ode to a legendary band that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock. Long live Queen!

The Setlist is down below and don’t forget to leave a comment 🙂

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Queen + Adam Lambert’s ‘Rhapsody Tour’ brought a surge of energy to Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. Experience the captivating finale featuring ‘We Are the Champions’ and a breathtaking confetti shower that left the crowd in awe.

The fan reactions from the day after the Queen concert are a testament to the unforgettable experience it provided. Jill Periard Caron summed it up perfectly, calling it “the most unbelievable concert” she had ever attended. Shawna Somerville St. Pierre expressed the sentiment that seeing rock ‘n’ roll royalty like Queen was an honor, with a special nod to Adam’s exceptional showmanship and remarkable vocals. Ivan Doucet was lost for words, simply stating that no description could do justice to the show’s amazingness and thanking the band for what he deemed “probably the best show” he had ever witnessed, concluding with a tribute to the legendary status of the performers. These reactions capture the essence of the Queen concert, and they undoubtedly enrich your review of the spectacular event.

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.