Adam Lambert Breaks Down the One Queen Song That Hurts More Than “Bohemian Rhapsody”
.
.
.
For years, fans have watched Lambert belt out Queen’s greatest hits, from the bombastic “We Will Rock You” to the operatic highs of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” But in a candid new interview, Lambert opened up about the one song in Queen’s catalog that truly hurts: “Who Wants to Live Forever.”
“It’s the song that always gets me,” Lambert admits. “There’s something about the lyrics, the longing, the sense of fate and loss. Every time I sing it, I feel like I’m channeling not just Freddie’s spirit, but my own fears and hopes about love and mortality.”
Written by Brian May for the 1986 film Highlander, “Who Wants to Live Forever” is a sweeping ballad about the pain of loving in a world where nothing lasts. For Lambert, the song’s message hits especially close to home. “It’s about knowing that love is fleeting, that nothing stays the same forever. That’s both beautiful and heartbreaking,” he says.
While “Bohemian Rhapsody” may be the band’s most iconic anthem, Lambert insists that “Who Wants to Live Forever” is the one that leaves him emotionally raw night after night. “People expect the big show-stoppers to be the hardest, but it’s the quiet moments—the ballads—that really force you to confront yourself,” he explains.
Finding Solace in Love
Offstage, Lambert has found his own quiet place: in the arms of Oliver Gliese, the Danish fashion executive who has become the singer’s anchor in a world of constant motion. The pair have been together since 2020, and while Lambert has always been open about his sexuality, he’s kept much of his private life just that—private.
That changed with the release of his latest ballad, a tender love song that offers fans a rare glimpse into the relationship that steadies him. “Calling Oliver my ‘romantic heart’ isn’t just a lyric—it’s the truth,” Lambert shares. “He’s the person I come home to after the chaos, the one who reminds me who I am when the lights go down.”
The song, which Lambert describes as “a confession—sweet, sincere, and unguarded,” is a departure from the spectacle of his Queen performances. Instead, it’s a meditation on soulmates, quiet mornings, and the kind of deep connection that doesn’t need an audience.
“I wanted to write something that felt real, that captured the everyday moments,” Lambert says. “It’s about making coffee together, laughing at stupid jokes, holding hands when no one’s watching. That’s what love looks like for me now.”
A Love Story Sung Out Loud
For Lambert, sharing this side of himself was both liberating and terrifying. “As an artist, you always want to connect with people, but there’s a vulnerability in letting them see the real you,” he reflects. “I’ve spent so much of my career performing, putting on a show. This song is me dropping the mask.”
Fans have responded with overwhelming support, flooding social media with messages of love and gratitude. Many say they see themselves in Lambert’s story—the struggle to find acceptance, the joy of discovering someone who feels like home.
“It means everything to know that my music can help people feel seen,” Lambert says. “We all want to be loved for who we are, not just the roles we play.”
The Power of Authenticity
Lambert’s journey hasn’t always been easy. From his days as a breakout star on American Idol to his years fronting Queen, he’s faced scrutiny, criticism, and the pressure to live up to impossible expectations. But through it all, he’s remained fiercely authentic—a quality that’s endeared him to fans around the world.
“Being true to yourself is the hardest thing, especially in this industry,” he acknowledges. “But it’s also the only thing that matters. I want people to know that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to let people in. That’s where the real magic happens.”
As he prepares to embark on another tour with Queen, Lambert says he’s more grounded than ever. “I’m grateful for every moment—the highs and the lows. And I’m grateful for Oliver, who reminds me that the greatest love stories aren’t always the ones with the biggest spotlight. Sometimes, they’re the ones that happen in the quiet, in the spaces between the songs.”
Listening With Full Hearts
In a world that often prizes spectacle over substance, Adam Lambert is proving that the most powerful performances come from the heart. Whether he’s belting out a Queen classic or singing a love song to his partner, Lambert’s message is clear: love is worth celebrating, even when it hurts.
As fans listen with full hearts, one thing is certain—Adam Lambert’s song is far from over. And with Oliver by his side, the next verse promises to be his most beautiful yet.
