Photo: Splash
Two of the surviving member of Queen have spoken out in defence of the current incarnation of the band with Adam Lambert, slamming those who think they're just 'a tribute band'.
Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor are gearing up to kick off a huge UK tour this week with current vocalist, American Idol and pop sensation Adam Lambert.
However, the band have come under fire for continuing with a new singer.
"We ain't a tribute band, that's a no-brainer," said May, defending the band in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph.
"Freddie and Adam have a very similar attitude to life; a sense of humour and camp lightness of touch," he continued. "Queen have a serious side but, really, that little bit of humour is what keeps everybody sane."
Taylor added: "'I think he [Freddie] would have approved. And I know he would have liked Adam."
He went on: "We built Queen, we lived and breathed it, it is part of us and we are part of it. It still feels as if Freddie is with us, because his music is always there, his personality is on stage with us.
''He is part of our mental wallpaper, which can be a little bittersweet. I would say it took five years to get used to the fact that he was gone. But the fact is, he's not here, and we are celebrating and we salute him, and it's not maudlin at all."
Watch their performance from New Year's Eve in London in full below
Meanwhile, Queen + Adam Lambert return to Europe for a massive EU tour this year. Full dates for the 2015 tour are below. Buy tickets safely and securely using Seatwave here.
Tue 13 January NEWCASTLE Arena
Wed 14 January GLASGOW Hydro
Sat 17 January LONDON O2 Arena
Sun 18 January LONDON O2 Arena
Tue 20 January LEEDS Arena
Wed 21 January MANCHESTER Arena
Fri 23 January BIRMINGHAM NIA
Sat 24 January NOTTINGHAM Arena
Mon 26 January PARIS Zenith
Thu 29 January COLOGNE Lanxess Arena
Fri 30 January AMSTERDAM, Ziggo Dome
Sun 1 February VIENNA Stadhalle
Mon 2 February MUNICH Olympiahalle
Wed 4 February BERLIN O2
Thu 5 February HAMBURG O2
Sat 7 February FRANKFURT Festhalle
Sun 8 February BRUSSELS Palais 12
Tue 10 February MILAN Forum
Fri 13 February STUTTGART Schleyerhalle
Sun 15 February HERNING Jyske Bank Boxen
Tue 17 February PRAGUE O2
Thu 19 February ZURICH Hallenstadion
Tues 24 February LONDON Wembley SSE Arena
Thurs 26 February LIVERPOOL Echo Arena
Fri 27 February SHEFFIELD Motorpoint Arena
