Watch: Queen + Adam Lambert perform The Show Must Go On in 2018

Queen have shared the first preview of Live Around The World, their upcoming album and concert film compiling their best live performances with vocalist Adam Lambert. The recently shared clip showcases a performance of The Show Must Go On, filmed at the O2 Arena in London on 4 July, 2018. Take a look below.

The Show Must Go On made its original appearance on 1991’s Innuendo, the last studio album which Queen recorded with Freddie Mercury. It was released just months before his death.

In a press release statement, guitarist Brian May shared some history on the creation of the album, which took place while Mercury’s health was quickly deteriorating.

“Even though we were all aware of Freddie’s impending tragedy, we had some inspired and joyful times in the studio, making the Innuendo album. We didn’t speak much about Freddie’s illness – he just wanted to get on with ‘business as usual’ as far as possible.”

May revealed that he had some initial reservations on sharing the song with Mercury, given its context, but the legendary singer was quick to dispel his bandmate’s doubts.

“There was only a day or two per week when Freddie was well enough to come in and work with us,” May said. “We grabbed those precious moments and made the most of them. I’d been working on The Show Must Go On as an idea, but I was uncertain whether the title was too obvious. Freddie heard it and loved it and dismissed any thoughts that there was a problem with the chorus or the title. He wanted to work on it.”

Even in his poor health, Mercury’s exceptional ability as a vocalist surprised his bandmate – particularly in the recording of The Show Must Go On.

“The melody called for some very demanding top notes, and I’d only been able to ‘demo’ them in falsetto. I said to Freddie, ‘I don’t want you to strain yourself – this stuff isn’t going to be easy in full voice, even for you!’ He said, ‘Don’t worry – I’ll fucking nail it, darling!’. He then downed a couple of his favourite shots of vodka, propped himself up against the mixing desk, and delivered one of the most extraordinary performances of his life.”

Queen’s Live Around The World is set to arrive in CD, DVD and vinyl formats on 2 October 2020.

Learn more about Live Around The World at queenonlinestore.com

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