Fans Eye Adam Lambert For Forest Hills Stadium

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

On October 8, The Theater at Madison Square Garden was filled with fans having an energetic evening with performers Adam Lambert, Duran Duran, Rachel Platten, A Great Big World, and Phases, as part of the third annual Fresh 102.7 Fall Fest.

Back in June at the Barnes & Noble Citigroup Center in Manhattan, Adam Lambert had a CD signing of his new album, “The Original High.” At that time, he was presented with a copy of the book, “Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park.” He responded, “I will read it on my return flight. I love history.” While being informed that the book features the iconic Forest Hills Stadium, where legends participated in the annual Forest Hills Music Festival from the 1960s through 1980s, and then learning about its revitalization with names such as Mumford & Sons, Carlos Santana, The Who, and Ed Sheeran since 2013, he expressed interest in joining that lineup. In a backstage encounter at the Fresh 102.7 Fall Fest, his interest in performing at the stadium continued.

In response to that dialogue, Mike Luba, one of Forest Hills Stadium’s concert managers said in an interview, “If Adam Lambert wanted to come play, we can figure out how to make that happen and would love it!”

Adam Lambert became an international singing sensation after he competed on season 8 of American Idol in 2009. As a solo artist, he has sold 5 million singles and over 2.5 million albums, which consist of “For Your Entertainment” (2009), “Trespassing” (2012), and “The Original High” (2015). Back in 2012, he became the lead vocalist for Queen, and they have toured internationally since 2014. 

Perlman PR: Sol Perlman, Linda Perlman, Michael Perlman, & Denise Webster converses with Adam Lambert backstage

Attendees at Madison Square Garden zeroed in on Adam Lambert. Denise Webster, who is staying in Forest Hills, made a special trip from Liverpool to see Adam Lambert perform. For her, not only does he exhibit a multi-octave range and charisma, but finds him to be therapeutic, particularly after undergoing surgery to help remedy her cancer. She attributes part of her healing towards being the devoted fan that kept his photo close by during her crucial moments. Her first encounter with Adam Lambert backstage at Madison Square Garden was a longtime dream come true, which ties into the message that his song and titled album, “The Original High” conveys. Webster said, “The Forest Hills Stadium’s concert promoters seem to have attracted a wide range of artists, and now Adam Lambert must come to Forest Hills. That will be my excuse to return to a great neighborhood, which has made me feel at home.” 

 

Deborah Sanichara, a Forest Hills-based concertgoer enjoyed the evening as a whole, but expressed a particular emphasis on Adam Lambert. She said, “He seems very accessible as a person, and his vocal range is very wide, where he moves effortlessly through the transitions. As far as him being a legend, just ask anyone from age 6 to 60 who Adam Lambert is, and they will be able to give you an answer; unless they live under a rock.”

Forest Hills resident Gayle Richman attended at least 30 Adam Lambert gigs over the last 6 years. She explained, “You can't take your eyes off of him, since he is just that charismatic. He never performs the same song the same, he's spontaneous and funny, and you always feel like he's singing to you.” Referencing the words of Brian May of Queen, Richman said, “He's a gift from G-D.” She continued, “Madison Square Garden sold out in 2014 when Adam Lambert and Queen performed, and people are very hungry to see this collaboration again.”

Another community resident, Joanne Davis began eyeing Adam Lambert since he appeared on American Idol. Also reminiscing his 2014 show at MSG, she said, “I would love to see Adam in a smaller venue like Forest Hills Stadium, and if he could perform with Queen in Queens that would make perfect sense. However, he has enough hits of his own, that I'd see him even with a less well-known backup band.”

“If he doesn’t come to Queens, my heart is a ghost town,” said Sergey Kadinsky, a fan from Fresh Meadows, who referred to Adam Lambert’s lead single “Ghost Town” from his latest album. 

Spotlight on the Fresh 102.7 Fall Fest 2015

by Michael Perlman, Perlman PR

It was an energetic and memorable evening at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on October 8th. The third annual Fresh 102.7 Fall Fest featured Adam Lambert, Duran Duran, Rachel Platten, A Great Big World, and Phases, and fans were barely in their seats throughout the nearly four-hour concert. The station compiled a brilliant lineup which offered a diverse blend of music eliciting memories of the 1980s and 1990s, in addition to showcasing today’s popular tunes. The evening called for a celebration, which was topped off with a ton of confetti falling from above and adding color to the upbeat nature of the fans.

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Duran Duran is back into the swing of things with their album “Paper Gods,” which was released in September 2015 and achieved a spot on the Top 10 Billboard records. However, the band never lost its spark, as proven at the Fall Fest, which ties into the appeal of being considered legendary. Touring were vocalist Simon LeBon, bassist and vocalist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes on keyboard, and guitarist Dom Brown.

Duran Duran

It may be three decades since the band topped the charts, but Duran Duran transcended audience members into the 1980s and the present with their cultured sound. The set included 1990s classics such as “Come Undone” and “Ordinary World,” and 1980s classics such as “Rio,” “A View to a Kill,” and “Hungry Like The Wolf.” Paper Gods consisted of performance numbers including “Pressure Off,” “Last Night in the City,” and the album-titled track.

Adam Lambert

On-their-feet concertgoers, which included many Adam Lambert fans, popularly known as “Glamberts,” cheered and screamed “Adam” as he walked onto the stage. He exhibited a multi-octave range and much charisma throughout his selection of songs from his albums; “For Your Entertainment,” “Trespassing,” and his latest release, “The Original High,” a contemporary album with somewhat dark lyrics with experiences that fans can easily relate to.

Adam Lambert

Adam’s set began with “Shady,” followed by “Underground,” “Ghost Town,” the Chris Isaak cover of “Wicked Game,” and “The Original High.” Leading up to the performance and release of his latest single, he exchanged much dialogue with his audience, thickening the plot. He said, “If you’re paying attention and you’ve been following my stuff on these social media things, you might know that tonight at midnight, I’m dropping my next music video.” Some young fans sitting near the stage belted out “I love you,” and he replied, “I love you too.” Much anticipation resulted in his performance of “Another Lonely Night.” The concert continued with his first Grammy-nominated single, “Whataya Want From Me,” followed by a most recent album number, “Evil in the Night.” His audience called for an encore, and Lambert was ready to deliver a remix of “Trespassing” in collaboration with the Queen cover of “Another One Bites the Dust.” Next in line was a reggae spin of “If I Had You,” a track from his first album.

Adam Lambert

Perlman PR and Denise Webster, a Glambert from the UK was delighted to converse with Adam Lambert backstage

Newcomer Rachel Platten is becoming an American pop sensation, ever since the February 2015 release of her single “Fight Song,” which achieved a #6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Her performance numbers, characterized by commanding vocals and highly communicative and engaging lyrics were another highlight of the evening for concertgoers, who were equally uplifted by her signature song offering the message “do not give up.” Despite the competitive nature among other obstacles that can arise in the music industry, Rachel was determined to persevere, even if it meant to accept the reality of small successes.

Rachel Platten

Rachel Platten

A Great Big World’s talented indie pop duo Ian Axel and Chad King delivered an emotional performance with their Grammy award-winning powerful ballad “Say Something,” and were joined by Rachel Platten. Other hits were their new single “Hold Each Other,” as well as a great Beatles cover, “Got To Get You Into My Life.”

A Great Big World

Phases

Indie pop band Phases, consisting of Alex Greenewald, Jason Boesel, Z Berg, and Michael Runion, opened the show. With their upbeat 1980’s sound found in “I’m In Love With My Life,” their audience was motivated.

Confetti nearing the finale of Duran Duran's act

Some fans are already counting down the days to next year's Fall Fest. It was an evening that won't be forgotten!