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.
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| 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.
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