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Queen Tickets

Queen announced this morning that Adam Lambert would be joining the band for their headline slot at this year's Sonisphere festival.

In a statement May said that Queen's former frontman Freddie Mercury would approve of Lambert.

"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."

Lambert added that he hoped to "pay respects to Freddie's memory'':

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."

However, the decision has sparked mixed reaction from Queen fans over Twitter and Facebook.

One Gigwise reader wrote on Facebook: everything would be better for freddie and the fans happier if they just don't call their resurrection as QUEEN. what's wrong with their own well-known names for the band (like Jimmy Paige and Robert Plant)?!

While Richard Crawley added: Besides the options of never playing as Queen again. It isnt all that bad. He'll do justice to the songs, hopefully the production does justice to the show

For more information about Sonisphere and all this summer’s festivals, check out the Gigwise Festival Guide.